This article appeared in the September 2024 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine.
Perpetua and Felicity, Ignatius of Loyola, Gemma Galgani, Faustina Kowalska, Pope John Paul II—what do all these saints have in common? They all kept journals. This simple, yet powerful, practice profoundly shaped their spiritual lives and guided them on the path to sainthood.
I’m not a saint, but I am grateful to have adopted this habit from them. Every night before bed, I open my journal, make the Sign of the Cross and simply begin writing. I praise God, express my gratitude, tell Him how I feel and write a prayer for the next day, often asking for a virtue or praying for a family member. Then, I write whatever else comes to mind and close with the Sign of the Cross.
When I’m too tired to handwrite (or so I tell myself), I use an audio recorder to speak to God, starting with the Sign of the Cross and letting my thoughts flow. I’ve also typed journals in my notes, but I prefer a screen-free experience. Regardless of the method, I make sure to journal every night.
Why is this habit so important, and why did so many saints value it? Because prayerful journaling allows us to reach into the deepest parts of our selves, uncover thoughts and emotions we didn’t know were there and offer them to God. This intensely personal form of prayer is similar to what we see in the Psalms. We find joy in one psalm—“My heart is glad, my soul rejoices” (16:9)—and loneliness in another: “I am lonely” (25:16). If you keep a prayer journal long enough, you’ll likely see the same breadth of emotions displayed across its pages.
Expressing your true feelings to God is harder than it sounds, especially during difficult times. It takes courage and humility to be honest with God. This honesty transcends the “positive- thinking gospel” popularized by the last century’s self-help advice. A cheerful attitude certainly does go a long way, and St. Paul challenges us to turn our minds to the things that are above (Col. 3:2) and think on whatever is noble and lovely (Phil. 4:8). But Paul did not shy away from writing about the most difficult parts of his life. He spoke of a “thorn in [his] flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7), listed his sufferings (2 Cor. 11:23-28), and expressed his anxiety (2 Cor. 11:28) and heartbreak (Acts 21:13). Acknowledging these challenges helped clear the way for his most profound insights and thanksgiving: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Phil. 1:3).
Tell God anything and everything. “Work out your faith in fear and trembling” by writing it down on a page (Phil. 2:12). What aspects of your faith life, and life in general, do you try to keep hidden from others, even from God? God already knows everything you keep hidden, but opening this raw discourse with Him is one step deeper into the intimate relationship He desires.
You’re not going to surprise God. Don’t be afraid to prayerfully tell Him whatever comes to mind, even if it seems too big or small, too dramatic or ordinary. Here, I’ll share an embarrassingly dramatic passage from my own journal: “O, Lord! What can account for such wondrous joy? You are Joy, and You are within me—living, breathing, speaking and dancing! Christ of beauty, sing within every human heart and gaze through our eyes with eternal love.” Write in whatever style comes most naturally to you. Make it easy, and you’ll want to do it again.
Still unsure of where to start with prayerful journaling? Simply grab a notebook and tell God what you’re grateful for. Plant seeds of gratitude that blossom daily. Maintain this habit, and who knows, you might just journal your way to sainthood.
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