How to Keep a Spiritual Journal

Last Updated: June 2, 2021 Approved

A spiritual journal is a great way to track how you are growing spiritually. This type of journal is different from the traditional journal or diary in that it focuses on your spiritual self. A spiritual journal can aid you in becoming who you wish to be.

Steps

1
Purchase a journal to write in. You may buy a blank journal or you can find a daily devotional journal that already has predetermined categories to write about. Most bookstores will have these; you'll find a larger variety at spiritual or religious stores.
2
Set a time each day to sit and self reflect on your spiritual journey. You may look at how you are feeling and examine why you feel that way. You can also write down things that inspire you throughout the day.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Keep your spiritual journal with you at all times. You never know when something will make you wonder about spirituality. Keeping your journal on hand allows you to write down quotes, spiritual text references, or general thoughts you wish to reflect on at a later time.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Acknowledge your blessings. Write about the things in your day that make you feel grateful. Research shows that people who make a point to feel gratitude are happier and healthier people.^{[3]
X
Research source}
5
Set spiritual goals. These can be things you wish to do on a daily basis to further your spiritual growth or things you hope to do in a certain time frame. Make sure you set an end date so that you strive to accomplish your goal within the allotted time.
6
Write down any prayers that inspire you. This may be a prayer you have created yourself, a prayer you read in scriptures or other spiritual writings. Having favorite prayers on hand allows you to reference them quickly any time you may need.^{[4]
X
Research source}
7
Review your journal entries at least once a month. By taking time to self reflect on your prior entries, you can better see the direction of spiritual enlightenment you are heading in. Through reading your daily devotional writing, you can use the information to work toward new goals, search for more information to questions you have asked yourself in the last month, and give thanks for the lessons you have already learned.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Question

How can I download this article as a PDF?

Community Answer

With most modern versions of Windows and Apple, if you print the page through your browser (under the file menu), you should have a "Print to PDF" option, which generates a PDF. Please only use this for private and educational use.
Question

Can I use this for other religions besides Christianity? What could I write about?

Community Answer

Yes, this can be used for other religions. You can write about anything mentioned in this article, as this article is not tailored just for Christianity. You can also write about important parts of your religion which aren't mentioned here, such as fasting, meditation, and giving to the needy.
Question

How do I read the Bible for an understanding of what Gods' promises are for me, for example in Psalm 91?

Community Answer

Psalm 91 is basically telling you that if you put your faith in Jehovah God, nothing that happens in your life will happen without the protection of Him. He is there to shelter you, and there for you to lean on, talk with, and pray to.
Question

What type of spiritual goals should I make? Can they be unique?

Community Answer

As long as they are positive and make you a better person, whatever goals you choose are fine.
Question

How can I keep a journal about the experiences I have with ghosts and spirits?

Community Answer

Go to the dollar store and buy a personal journal to write in. Then every time you have some kind of encounter or spiritual experience, write down what happened as soon as you can. You would want to record the time, date, and exactly what happened in as much detail as you can. It can also be helpful when keeping a journal of this kind to describe how you were feeling just before the encounter, and how you're feeling after the encounter. The point of writing all this stuff down is so that you can see if there are any repeating patterns in the encounters you are having.
Question

Can the same be done for other religions?

Community Answer

Yes, you can keep a spiritual journal. Just make it your own.
Question

CAn you use this for other religions?

Community Answer

Yes, you can keep a spiritual journal whatever your faith.