By Ken Turner

In the summer of 1985 I was introduced to the concept of keeping a spiritual journal. I was studying for youth ministry at the time and was often curious as to why my devotional time with God seemed to lack something. I was reading the Bible and spending time in prayer but five minutes with God often seemed more like thirty minutes and I was confused about the reasons for this.

I began keeping a spiritual journal. My first spiritual journals were simply steno pads I purchased at the local drug store for less than $1.00 each. I approached the journal with a simple concept in mind.

Starting A Spiritual Journal

My first goal was to write in my journal as if I was writing a letter to God. I often began my entry with “Dear Father” and continued from there. I also have at times kept a prayer list in the back of my spiritual journal. Now that I have kept spiritual journals for over two decades I can say it has been one of the most meaningful practices of my Christian life. Now, when I buy a new journal I purchase a nice leather or bonded leather blank journal from a local bookstore.

What To Include In Your Spiritual Journal

Approach your spiritual journal with openness. I found this to be an adjustment. In the Christian life it is sometimes hard to be completely open with other Christians. There is a fear of “what will they think of me?” But remember this is a journal written to God. So be transparent.

Include your thoughts from your Bible reading.

You might even write out a few verses word for word or a summary of them.

Talk to God on paper. Write your thoughts to God as if it were a letter to Him.

Write a summary or even details of the circumstances of your life today.

Write down the key event, worry or concern in your life right now.

Write down the great things that are happening as well.

There is no right or wrong approach to keeping a personal spiritual journal. The thing to keep in mind is the fact that this is your personal journey with God. It is very personal and private.

Protecting Your Journal

I feel it is important to keep your journal as private as you choose. I am careful about these journals. There are things I have experienced with God that I have never shared with others. There are also moments I have had with God that I have found impossible to keep to myself… I must tell those close to me of the great things God is doing.

The Result of Spiritual Journaling

In the past I may have spent five minutes with God and found it seemed like 30 minutes. After beginning the practice of keeping a spiritual journal, I find I can spend 30-45 minutes with God and it seems like ten minutes. The journals have also become a great source of encouragement to me as I look back and read of the ways God has led in my life!

Ken Turner Ministries * PO Box 460 * Zionsville, IN 46077
www.kenturnerministries.org

You might consider learning more about my High Impact Teen Spiritual Journal for teens at…

www.highimpactteens.com