Hey there, fellow Christian! Do you ever feel like you’re going through the motions in your faith? Attending church, listening to sermons, and reading your Bible, but still feeling like something’s missing? Well, have you ever tried journaling?
Journaling can be helpful for self-reflection and spiritual growth. It allows us to process our thoughts and emotions, and to connect more deeply with God. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to document our journey of faith throughout the different seasons of life.
As Christians, we are called to not only believe in God but to actively live out our faith in our daily lives. And journaling can help us do just that. By taking time to reflect on our experiences and emotions, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and how God is working in our lives.
So, whether you’re a seasoned journaler or just getting started, let’s explore some prompts for each month to guide your journaling practice and deepen your relationship with God.
Journaling Through the Seasons: 12-Month Journaling
As Christians, we often talk about the importance of prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. But have you ever considered the role of journaling in your spiritual life? Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth, and it can help us connect with God in meaningful ways.
One way to make journaling even more meaningful is to align it with the changing seasons. As we move through the year, nature offers us a beautiful backdrop for our spiritual journeys. Each season brings its own gifts and challenges, and journaling can help us navigate them with grace and gratitude.
So, let’s explore the idea of journaling through the seasons. We’ll provide a set of prompts for each month, inspired by the natural rhythms of the year. Whether you’re young or old, new to journaling or a seasoned pro, we hope these prompts will help you connect with God and your own heart in fresh and meaningful ways.
12 Journal Prompts for Each Month of the Year
January
As we begin a new year, it’s a great time to reflect on our goals and intentions for the coming months. Consider journaling about what you hope to accomplish in your personal, professional, and spiritual life. How can you draw closer to God and deepen your faith journey in the new year? Some verses that may inspire you include: Philippians 3:13-14, Psalm 37:4, and Proverbs 16:3.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
February
With Valentine’s Day in February, it’s a natural time to reflect on the people in our lives that we love and appreciate. Consider journaling about the relationships that matter most to you and how you can show love and gratitude to those who have supported and nurtured you. Some verses that may inspire you include: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Colossians 3:12-14, and Ephesians 4:2-3.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
March
As we approach the season of Lent, consider journaling about how you can use this time to deepen your spiritual practice and grow closer to God. Reflect on what you can give up or take on during this season to draw closer to God and experience a deeper level of spiritual renewal. Some verses that may inspire you include: Matthew 6:16-18, Psalm 51:10-12, and Isaiah 40:31.
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18 NIV
April
As spring begins to emerge and new life abounds, consider journaling about the signs of new life and renewal that you see around you. How can you apply these themes to your own life and faith journey? Consider journaling about the ways in which you are experiencing growth and renewal in your personal and spiritual life. Some verses that may inspire you include: Isaiah 43:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, and Psalm 92:12-14.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
May
In May, we celebrate Mother’s Day, a time to honor and appreciate the mothers and mother figures in our lives. Consider journaling about the women who have nurtured and supported you throughout your life, and how you can show them love and appreciation. Reflect on the ways in which you can live out the commandment to honor your mother and father. Some verses that may inspire you include: Proverbs 31:28-29, Exodus 20:12, and Colossians 3:20-21.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
June
As summer begins and nature blooms, consider journaling about what you appreciate about the natural world around you. How can you be a good steward of God’s creation and live in harmony with the environment? Consider journaling about how spending time in nature can help you connect with God and deepen your faith journey. Some verses that may inspire you include: Psalm 19:1, Genesis 1:28, and Romans 1:20.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
Psalm 19:1 NIV
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
July
In July, we often celebrate Independence Day and other traditions and celebrations. Consider journaling about the traditions and rituals that are important to you, and how you can incorporate these into your faith practice. Reflect on the ways in which these celebrations can help you connect with God and grow in your spiritual life. Some verses that may inspire you include: 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 2:16-17, and Romans 14:5-6.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
August
As the summer season begins to wind down, it can be a good time to reflect on how you can make the most of the remaining days of warmth and sunshine. Consider journaling about ways to find joy and rest in the midst of busy schedules, and how you can prioritize time with loved ones and outdoor activities. Some verses that may inspire you include: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Psalm 16:11, and Matthew 11:28-30.
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:a time to be born and a time to die,
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
September
As we enter the fall season, September can be a time of change and transition. Journal about the changes you are experiencing in your life right now and how you can find comfort and guidance in God’s presence during these times. Consider how you can use this season of change to grow and strengthen your faith. Some verses that may inspire you include: Psalm 27:1, Psalm 46:1-3, and Isaiah 41:10.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
Psalm 27:1 NIV
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
October
As Halloween approaches, it can be easy to focus on fear and darkness. Use your journal this month to reflect on what scares or worries you, and how you can trust in God’s protection and love in the face of fear and uncertainty. Consider how you can cultivate a spirit of courage and faith, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Some verses that may inspire you include: Psalm 56:3-4, Psalm 91:1-2, and 2 Timothy 1:7.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
November
November is a month of gratitude and thanksgiving. Take time this month to reflect on what you are thankful for and how you can cultivate a spirit of gratitude and generosity in your life. Consider ways you can show love and kindness to others, and how you can give back to your community. Some verses that may inspire you include: Psalm 100:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and 2 Corinthians 9:11.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
Psalm 100:4-5
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
December
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, use your journal this month to reflect on how you can share his love with others. Consider ways you can serve those in need, both in your local community and around the world. Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and how you can keep your focus on God’s presence during the holiday season. Some verses that may inspire you include: Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11-14, and Matthew 25:35-40.
For to us a child is born,
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Spiritual Rhythm throughout the Year with Journaling
As we come to the end of this post, it’s important to remember the value of journaling and self-reflection in the Christian life. Journaling can be a powerful tool for connecting with nature, reflecting on the passing of time, and deepening our relationship with God. By taking time each month to reflect on our experiences and feelings, we can gain insights into our own spiritual journey and find new ways to grow in our faith.
We’ve provided prompts for each month of the year, but feel free to create your own prompts that are specific to your own experiences and relationship with God. Remember, the act of journaling is not about perfection, but rather about the process of growth and reflection. So take the time to slow down, breathe, and connect with God through your writing.
As we move through the changing seasons of the year, let us be intentional about our spiritual growth and our connection with God. May journaling be a tool that helps us to deepen our relationship with God and to live out our faith in the world around us.
