April 22nd, 2014

Reflection: Prayer Journaling during Lent

A couple of weeks ago at the Lenten soup supper we focused on ways of praying and mediating.  Nathan asked if I would share how I do prayer journaling.  The following is from my notes.

• My journal is small, 5” x 8-1/2”, and nice to look at.
• I begin by entering the date and the scripture I will be reading. Today I selected a verse from the Gospel reading on Sunday - John 4:15,  “the woman at the well”.

The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water,
so that I may never be thirsty
or have to keep coming here to draw water.’

• Prayerfully I read the scripture a few times.  I write down the words or phrases that have energy for me:

                        Water
                        Woman at well
                        Jesus
                        Never thirst again

• In this example I could visualize myself as the woman at the well.  I could hear Jesus tell me that with the water he will give me, I will never be thirsty again.
• Then I write in my journal:

                        I want this water
                        What is that water for me here today?
                        How do I get it?

• I just keep writing and don’t edit.  I listen and I am quiet.
  
  
• Jesus’ response often comes as a hunch.  Sometimes I ask for help.  Sometimes I write a letter as if Jesus is writing to me.  Often it is my own stuff, but now and then there will be a pearl of wisdom.  I will close with some of those pearls - - -

                        To love is all that matters.
                        God’s love for you is your life source, your energy source.
                        Your love for God is your power source.

Marge Walters
fmw9fmw@msn.com