Journaling as a spiritual practice is a great way to encounter God. Journaling may be in written form or it may be a way you express yourself through art and pictures. There is no right or wrong way to go about it. When you express your thoughts and feelings in a journal you may be surprised by how much you discover about God and your faith in the process.

Journaling may help you take your prayer life even deeper as it allows you to stay more focused on what is going on in your heart and your mind. Try to date your journal and take some time to occasionally go back to read what you have written as a record of your own growth and gained wisdom.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin journaling:

1. Begin with prayer. Invite the Holy Spirit into your space.

2. Let go of doing it right. Write or draw whatever comes to your mind – no judgment, no criticism.

3. Face your fears.

4. Honor your story.

5. Write a letter to God.

6. Make it a place for healing.

7. Look for direction.

8. Respond to scripture.

9. Go wherever your heart takes you!