Simple and Reflective Faith Journal Ideas (Beginners)

WTF!? I mean what the faith, of course. 😂 #momjokes Believe it or not, jokes are one of many faith journal ideas you can write about. Faith journals are not one-size-fits-all.

They are a reflection of your relationship with God. Although that may sound complicated, it doesn’t have to be. I’ve got some simple faith journal ideas to get you started, plus tips for success.

But first, let’s clarify what a faith journal is and its benefits.

What is a Faith Journal?

A faith journal, in my opinion, is an expression of what helps you feel connected to God and grow deeper in your faith. For some, that could be jokes – and don’t let anybody tell you different!

However, it could be many other things as well. The point is to keep it simple and personal. No one knows you better than God. He would love nothing more than for you to show up for your time with Him as your whole, authentic self just as He created you.

Benefits of Faith Journaling

Psychology Today shares that writing can make you happier and smarter. Moreover, according to Harvard Business Review, writing can help you process difficult situations and heal from trauma.

The top benefits I receive from faith journaling are peace, validation, and a deeper understanding of God’s character.

Peace comes from the act of journaling in whatever form you choose to do it. Setting aside quiet time to block out the world and focus on spending time with God always helps ground me. Especially when I’m having a hard time with something.

It’s akin to a mindfulness exercise. Focusing on my faith journal practice is an escape from the stressors of daily life, and provides perspective on those stressors as well.

Validation comes from seeing yourself in God’s Word and knowing that He understands you as no one else does. Additionally, the act of reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and questions about your faith provides clarity.

This clarity deepens your understanding of God’s character which strengthens your faith.

By now, you’re probably thinking this still sounds like a lot. I assure you it isn’t, or at least, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s some simple faith journal ideas to get you started.

Faith Journal Ideas for Beginners

Physical Journal

We’re starting out with the OG of journaling. A physical journal or personal notebook to write in … with your hand. We are living in a digital-first world but there is still value in physically writing things down. I think it’s the best way to get started with bible journaling, or any kind of journaling.

The physical act of writing helps me process my thoughts and recall information I need to remember. Yes, I was an extreme notetaker in school. Don’t judge me! 😂 

You can get a fancy journal or a simple “back-to-school” style spiral notebook. It doesn’t matter what you use so long as it works for you. 

Pro tip: make it more fun using different colored pens or stickers. It helps with personalizing a blank page.

Phone App

If you want to be able to journal on the go, a journaling phone app is perfect for you. Search your phone’s mobile app store for “journaling” or use your notetaking app of choice.

Speaking of apps, YouVersion bible app has easy ways to read the bible and find a particular scripture verse. It’s also a powerful tool for understanding the bible with several pre-written study and prayer guides.

Computer Folder

Also, there’s nothing wrong with using a simple Word or Google Doc and keeping them in a folder on your computer. Bonus points if you think of a cool name for the folder. Journaling on your computer is a good way to weave it into your everyday life, that is if you spend a lot of time on a computer.

Group Journaling

Group journaling is just as it sounds – journaling with a group. A smaller group typically works best. No more than 6-8 people. The group would journal about the same prompts and then discuss their experience or what they got from it. 

The major benefit of group journaling is the help and support from others. The group can meet in person or virtually.

Mirror Stickies

Mirror stickies are popular with folks who like surrounding themselves with points of inspiration. 

For this faith journal idea, write down prompts for reflection, inspirational quotes or messages, or questions you have about faith on sticky notes. Place them in a place where you will routinely see them such as your bathroom mirror.

You can add new ones whenever you use a new prompt or you have new thoughts about a prompt. The sticky notes serve as thought or reflection cues. Additionally, they are great for providing faith-based motivation.

Pro tip: take a picture of your notes at the end of each week and put the photos in a scrapbook. 

Scrapbook Journaling

If you have a little more time on your hands, scrapbooking is a fun and creative way to journal. Just write your prompt somewhere on the page and fill the page with words and images that reflect your thoughts or feelings about it.

Video Recordings

These next two faith journal ideas are great for people who dislike writing. Video recordings are one of them and probably one of the simplest ways to journal. Just open your phone or computer’s video app and start talking. 

You can still use spiritual journaling prompts for this and it can be just as beneficial for processing your thoughts as you grow in your faith.

Pro tip: when saving your videos, be sure the files are dated. It’s a fascinating experience to review what you were thinking or feeling a year ago, and how you’ve changed.

Audio Recordings

Similarly to video, audio recordings allow you to speak your journaling practice without looking at yourself. Likewise, video’s as simple as using an app on your phone or computer. 

Just make sure you can save the file and don’t forget to date them.

Artistic Journaling

Artistic expression as a form of journaling always comes to mind since I’m married to a very creative person. Visual, literary, and performing arts can all be used to process and release your thoughts on faith. For this faith journal idea, use prompts for inspiration and let your art guide you where you go with it.

Poetry is a literary art I often use to express my feelings about something, including my faith. For my husband, painting is a visual art he enjoys using for reflection.

Active Journaling

Active journaling is journaling while engaging in some form of physical activity. I would choose something that doesn’t involve a lot of focus or interaction with others. Some of my go-to’s are running, biking, or yoga.

You can reflect while moving and then write or record your thoughts after. Or, take mini breaks during your activity to do so. Whatever works best for you!

Now that you’ve got some great faith journal ideas to get started with, here’s a few prompts to try with them.

Faith Journal Prompts

1. How has my faith changed over the last year?
2. How does my faith show up in my daily life?
3. If I had to describe my faith in one word, what would it be and why?
4. Describe one way of sharing your faith that is authentic to your personality.
5. What’s something new I’ve learned about faith in the last six months? How am I applying it to my life?
6. How is being faithful challenging for me?
7. What positive things do I get from my faith?
8. What or who is the greatest influence on my choices?

Faith Journaling Tips

• Frequency. How often you journal is up to you but try to shoot for consistency. Be realistic with yourself about what you can commit to. That includes for how long. The only time requirement is what works for you. Whether is 5 minutes or 90 minutes, as long as it’s what you feel satisfied with.
  
  The same goes for the time of day. Some people prefer morning journaling and others see it as a way to wind down at the end of the day. The important things here are to journal when you have time and when you are most inclined to do it. 
  
  The purpose of a faith journal is to be a personal space for you to reflect on your faith and spiritual life. It shouldn’t feel like something you have to force yourself into.

• Your way. Journaling is a personal matter. So don’t feel compelled to do it the way anyone else does. Find what works for you and stick to that. Give some of these faith journal ideas a try and see what excites you.

• Scripture and prayer. Try to incorporate at least one scripture in your journaling sessions as much as you can. It’s a great way to get familiar with God’s Word. Writing what you think or feel about scripture can even become its own journal prompt. Sermon notes for bible study notes are a good starting point if you’re not sure where to find a scripture to use.
  
  Also, start and end your journal session with prayer. It doesn’t have to be long (unless you want it to be) but prayer is a great way to invite God into your journaling time. It’s also an excellent way to incorporate prayer requests from others.

Journaling is a creative wellness practice that strengthens your faith or prayer life. As you can see from these faith journal ideas, there are many different ways to go about it. Once you get started you may even want to try a gratitude journal. Just remember to make it your own. You’re gonna love it!

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