The Living Christian Course
Lesson 03: The Power of Journaling
Day 4
How to journal prayer conversations with God
It’s not at all complicated – after all, Jesus said that everyone would hear his voice; not just some ‘elites.’
If you think about how a human conversation might go, you begin to realize that it’s quite simple and similar for anyone.
When you wish to begin a conversation with someone, you either state something or ask something.
Then you wait and listen for the response.
Conversing with God is the same.
So, when you journal, you might want to do something like this . . .
➔ Begin by writing down your own first initial with a colon – i.e. R: Then write out your prayer to God – it may begin with a sentence or sentences of thanksgiving and praise for what He has done for you that day or week. Again, praise is one of the key ways that we come into the Father’s presence. Or you might wish to write out a sentence or sentences, confessing some sin you’re struggling with that day or the day before. This is another way to enter His presence.
So, it might look something like this …
R: Lord, I just want to praise and thank you for the huge answer to prayer today! I can’t tell you how grateful I feel inside. Only you could have done that. What a gift from you. I really love you! You are so good to me.
➔ At this point you can write the letter “G:” and then listen. As soon as you begin to have a thought or a picture, you just begin writing – not debating in your mind where it came from.
It could look something like this …
G: You have no idea what joy it gave Me to answer this prayer for you. I have wanted to demonstrate to you this year, an aspect of myself to you. I have wanted to reveal myself to you as one who delights to answer your prayers. I am so pleased that you were one of those who came back to say thank you – not everyone does.
OR it could be one word, or a bible verse, or a picture, it could be so many different things! Write down what you feel you heard.
➔ Now you might ask, “What would I do next?” What do you FEEL like doing next?! There’s no right or wrong here yet (We’ll talk about how to discern if it’s God soon). Perhaps you have a question for the Lord – remember, you’re having a conversation. Take the lead, the Lord delights in spending time with you! He is NOT too busy for you – ever!
Let’s try a question…
R: Lord, I have this big decision to make (marriage, family, work, ministry). I just don’t know if it’s best to do this or that?
G: Why don’t you …...?
R: Lord, I never even thought about that! Thank you for that incredible insight.
R: And how do you think I should go about doing that? How do I convince so and so that this is what we need to do?
G: Why don’t you ask so and so to listen in prayer with you? I will speak to both of you at the same time.
R: Oh Lord, you are truly amazing. You pursue your people, you give peace, you care about relationships, and you know just how to navigate such an issue. Thank you, Lord! You are so good to me and you are so great!
As you have conversations this way, you may even sense His Spirit moving upon your spirit, confirming in your heart that you are truly hearing Him!
Was what I heard from God?
John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” If sheep can know the good shepherd Jesus’ voice that means then there is another voice they could hear. Jesus describes the enemy the devil in John 8:44 ”He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
We are told to test what we’re hearing to make sure we’re hearing the right voice! Here’s a quick tool to help.
The 3 Legged Stool
What you heard needs to stand on all three legs to hold up as a word from God.
Your Spirit. God gives Christians His Holy Spirit as our Helper. It stirs in our heart, convicts us, encourages us. (Romans 8:9) It gives us peace but it also can warn us with a feeling of warning. If what you heard is from God, your spirit will align with it.
Sometimes God calls us to things which make us nervous. Fear though is never from God (2 Timothy 1:7). As you discern the Holy Spirit in you, be sure to capture thoughts of your own which are not true.
The Bible. God will never speak counter to what His Word, The Bible, says.
Faith Community. God calls us to do life together as a church community. (Romans 12:5) If you bring what you heard to your trusted friends in faith and they flag it as untrue, be very cautious to think what you heard is from God. God so often speaks through others and very often will confirm what He says to us through others.
Think
Write down in your own journal something that stood out to you, from the reading you just completed.
When you listen in prayer, do you naturally trust that you are hearing God, or are you more naturally a skeptic?
What are important aspects of a conversation with anyone? This helps us understand how to have a great conversation with God!
Do
➔ Go back to your list of questions from the previous day. Pick one of them, and in your journal record a conversation that you have with God about that question.
➔ Pick a second question to ask God and go through the same process. If this feels very new for you, don’t give up! We may be developing brand new habits that will eventually be automatic.
➔ Review Matthew 28:19-20
➔ Take this lesson and quickly scan the title and headings – do not re-read the entire lesson.
➔ Humbly go before God and ask – “what is one step of obedience that I can take as a result of this lesson?”