Write it down!

Most know the benefits to Holy Mass, Adoration, frequent Confession and recitation of the Rosary. (If not stay tuned because these will eventually be discussed)

But how many people know and practice the use of a spiritual journal? Today during my catechism class I mentioned that during adoration I wrote in my spiritual journal and many of the guys chuckled a little bit. Even my peers sometimes may forget it's significance and importance.

Why have one? What are it's advantages? And why is it not as comical as some would like to think?

Having a spiritual journal is a helpful way to keep up with our spiritual journey and to allow us time to focus our thoughts and meditations on things of God and our faith journey. I sometimes enjoy reading my past entries just to see and better appreciate the many different things God has done. This sometimes turns into it's own little reminders that God know's what He's doing even though at the time we don't.

The Sisters of Saint Joseph list a few other benefits to having a spiritual journal:

• Growing in self-understanding 
• Deepening awareness of God within 
• Making sense and order out of life 
• Expressing emotions and gaining perspective 
• Developing a greater awareness of daily life 
• Clarifying beliefs 
• Setting goals and managing time 
• Working through problems 
• Recording memories 

(source: http://www.goodgroundpress.com/part_1_beginning_your_spiritual_journal.aspx)

When I first started to pursue my fiance one of the first things I gave her was a spiritual journal. In it I wrote a note which said something to the effect of:

"In this journal we have the ability to escape from the world and be alone on an island with God. To simply BE with Him and communicate our deepest thoughts, desires and even fears. It allows us to contemplate His deepest mysteries but also to express our thoughts on the daily mundane things"

I like to look at it as me simply taking notes on the story which God has already begun writing in our lives. So during this Lenten Season, a season where we are more inclined to reflection and silence, it would be ideal and beneficial to start your very own spiritual journal if you don't have one already.

If you do and seem to have gotten a bit stuck on what to write here are some ideas:

Letters to God: Make a daily account to our Lord and speak to Him as you would a friend. Sometimes writing our thoughts and prayers down in this way can help us understand better the depth or lack of depth in our piety.

Reflections on Readings: Reflecting on the Mass Readings for the day not only allow you to meditate on the Word of God but also to better prepare yourself for Mass. If you do this after Mass you could use it to recap on the inspirations you picked up during Mass. Reflecting on Spiritual Readings are also helpful and inspiring. If you're like me we don't just pick up a good Catholic Book like "Story of a Soul" by St. Therese or "Confessions" by St. Augustine for simple recreation. But rather we are hunting for bits and pieces (or even mountains) of inspirations. To spend a little extra time to expand on those spurts of inspiration not only are beneficial to remember them but help us to meditate on how we can echo God's inspirations in our own lives.

Writing during the homily: This is where I get a page or two done. So often we have homilies that are truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and what a shame to meditate on these further. If we take notes during our lectures because we feel that information is important enough for us to remember. Why not the lessons the Holy Spirit is teaching us from the pulpit? Even if you don't go back and read over the homily, simply writing it down helps you pay attention and remember what's being said.

Letters from God: Some may think it silly but I know plenty of people who seek small bits of inspiration from our Lord himself. I'm not claiming that I or any of those I know are locutionist

(A locutionist is one who hears inwardly revelations which purport to be from some heavenly source)

But I do believe that God can send us inspirations if we are open to receiving them. That being said  normally say a prayer and ask for the aid of the Holy Spirit. I personally say the Come Holy Spirit prayer:

"Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen."

Afterwards, simply let the Spirit guide the words you write. If you have questions or concerns about those things you write this is where a good and holy Spiritual Director would be helpful.

Now then... get out there and start journaling! or not... But remember St Therese of Lisieux , St Faustina, St. Gemma Galgani all wrote down in one form or another about their spiritual journeys just to name a few.

God Bless and remember....
Deus Providebit.