Journalling and Bible Reading

One thing that has revolutionised my personal Quiet Times has been journalling my Scripture reading. I regularly post these on my blog and social media with the title of “Reflection on [Bible Passage]”

Writing down my thoughts slows me down. It forces me to read the Bible passage slowly and carefully, and to think about what God has said in His word.

In addition, a framework called SOAP – Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer- helps me to listen to what God is saying to me now. This framework is a variant on the ancient practice of lectio divina.

Here is how I use journalling in my daily devotions.

Firstly it is important to settle my heart and to focus. I calm my thoughts and pray for the Holy Spirit to speak to me in the word.

Next, I read the passage, perhaps a chapter or half a chapter, to get a feel for what the passage is about. I used to let the Lectionary of the Uniting Church guide me in this, but in recent times I have been working through a book of the Bible.

Having read the passage, I look for a verse that is being highlighted by the Holy Spirit. Occasionally I will read the passage up to three times before I see the verse that is the one I need to think about.

I write the verse down under the heading “Scripture” then move on to “Observation”. Under this heading I summarise the passage so that I am understanding the verse in its context. Typically this section is about 2 to 4 paragraphs. I use a Study Bible in my devotions, so sometimes I might look at what the footnotes have to say.

Application is where I look at the Scripture verse and think about how to apply the verse. What is this verse saying to me today. How might I need to change my thinking or my actions in order to apply this verse?

Finally I pray about the verse, and anything else that God is showing me in this passage. I write down a short prayer of one or two sentences that summarises what I want to say to God about my reflection.

Our daily devotion time is meant to be rich as we encounter God in the Scriptures. Unfortunately, for many of us, it becomes a religious ritual in which we rush through a short passage, then a commentary such as Word For The Day, before a quick prayer and dashing out to work. Journalling invites us to slow down and meditate on God’s Word.