JOURNAL PROMPTS + FAQ
TWO-WAY JOURNAL PROMPTS
During this 30-day journey, we are addressing God with a specific name/attribute each day.
You are highly encouraged to write your journal freely, simply allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you through it. However, it certainly is a learning process that may take time. So, to start you off, here are some suggestions for you to consider if you don’t know where to begin. You can use these journal prompts on any of the 30 days:
PRAISES & THANKSGIVING
Praise [His name] in your own words, or through lyrics or scripture you can write just from memory (but try not to Google the scripture/lyrics/subject, this is possibly where distraction begins).
Make a list of the things you want to thank [His name] for.
what He did for mankind in general
what you see Him doing in the Bible
what He is doing in the present-day world
what He did in your life, your family, your friends, or your community
WHAT IF…
Imagine and describe to Him a world without [His name].
Imagine and describe to Him your life without [His name].
Write to Him about how would you live differently if you are fully conscious of Him being [His name].
Imagine yourself having the same characteristics as [His name], what would you do (for yourself, for others, and/or for the world)?
YOUR STORY
Tell Him how you have experienced Him as [His name] in your life.
Tell Him how you have not experienced Him as [His name] in your life.
CONFESSION & REPENTANCE
Describe how you have neglected or abused Him as [His name], and sincerely ask Him for forgiveness. You may also need to forgive yourself. Write them all out.
Allow Him to search your heart, discuss with Him how you have sought counterfeit or lesser gods (“idols - a good thing turned into a pseudo-salvation“ — Timothy Keller) instead of [His name].
QUESTIONS TO ASK GOD
Please tell me what [Your name] exactly means.
How can I experience You as [Your name] in a much deeper way?
How have I offended You as [Your name].
What is hindering me from experiencing You as [Your name]?
Why didn’t You show up as [Your name] when I was going through …?
What are some steps I can take to show others that You are [Your name]?
What are the things that I should start, stop, or continue to do because You are [Your name]?
What are You thinking now as I write You this journal?
How can I help or encourage (name of a person) to know [Your name] better?
The following prompts are non-specific to the particular attributes of God:
WHEN FACING TOUGH SITUATION
What does this situation mean to me?
Which part of this situation can I actually control?
What must I do to make things better?
What would Jesus do? (classic question, thanks to Charles Spurgeon)
SELF-DISCOVERY WITH GOD
Who am I?
describe yourself using 10 adjectives
ask God to describe who you are to Him
Ask God what He has entrusted you with to fulfill His purpose for you.
Ask God to reveal to you the limiting beliefs or lies that are holding you back.
Ask God what are the new things that He wants you to try/learn in this season.
DISCOVER HIS HEART
Ask God how He is experiencing you.
Ask God what He wants to say to you today.
Ask God what breaks His heart today.
Ask God what makes Him smile today.
FAQ
What if the conversation with God turns out to have nothing to do with “His name/attribute of the day”?
It is perfectly fine. The purpose of this journaling section (and of this entire devotional) is to facilitate a heart-to-heart connection with God. If you have a meaningful conversation with Him, the conversation starter or the subject does not matter much.
What if I can’t hear any of His responses?
Practising stillness and listening to God take time, patience, and obedience. He will honor our desire to connect with Him as we keep practising.
If you can’t hear anything, you may try to recall the scripture that is relevant to what you are writing about. And ask Him, “Is this what You are trying to tell me?”, “Can You tell me more about it?”
How long should I write?
Even a few minutes (5-10 minutes) of focused and honest writing a day makes a huge difference in your walk with God. When God speaks to you, one sentence, one phrase, or just one word is enough to touch, heal, comfort, convict, or transform you. Please do not overwhelm yourself. If writing too much makes it difficult for you to stick with this practice, please keep it short, so that you are able to do it consistently.
FOR THE CREATIVE SOULS IN YOU…
“Writing” a two-way journal is just one of the many different ways to interact with God. Do consider using other creative expressions to get it out, e.g. collecting or taking pictures, drawing/painting, making collages, lettering…
