“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write down on a scroll all the words that I have spoken to you,”
Jeremiah 30:2
“‘Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you don’t forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don’t slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren.'”
Deuteronomy 4:9
Sharing our spiritual stories can be as simple as jotting dates and quick descriptions of things that have happened to and for us. We can also spend time writing and publishing our stories. These can be treasured gifts for a friend or a legacy for our family. They can be quick notes of encouragement to remind others of the times God has been been faithful to help in difficult circumstances.
Our spirit is the center of our being. This includes our core beliefs that take us deeper than the surface level of any emotion or life experience. When we have a strong spiritual core, we can weather life’s storms better equipped, knowing our strength comes from God. There are truths and values we believe in which bring us hope and comfort even when life seems dim. We can allow ourselves to acknowledge our feelings without allowing those feelings or current life situations to dictate our actions. We are able to search the scriptures and pray for the answers we need to move forward.
A cultivated spirit comes with time and the patient practice of allowing ourselves to be quiet and listen for His guidance, while also studying the Bible, meditating on His Word, and praying.
We can use meditation and quiet time practices to bring us closer to God. We can then move into a time of written reflection.
When choosing what you’d like to write about, ask the Lord for suggestions. It may be a word or theme that is placed in your heart, such as gratitude, loss, or purpose. You may also choose a scripture passage or a past life event that has made an impact in who you are today. Maybe you’ve had a time when you felt especially close to the Lord and want to capture that memory to remind yourself and to share with others.
Here are some tips for getting started:
Just start writing. Don’t believe it needs to be perfect.
Show up consistently. Allow yourself to sit quietly or write whatever comes to your mind. The words will flow easier as your mind, body, and spirit become familiar with the routine.
You can add to your stories anytime. You can jot spiritual story starters on your notes app, scraps of paper, or speak them into your phone, to jog your memory the next time you sit down to write.
Maybe your writing comes in the form of a poem, or incomplete sentences. Let it flow. Don’t critique it. We learn so much from writing down our spiritual stories; those imprints on our hearts that have changed us in some way.
When you are finished, put it away. You can come back later to reread it, looking for the golden nuggets. You can revise the writing at that time if you choose to share your story.
Remember: raw and natural writing is a gift.
(Click here to receive your free Spiritual Stories Starter Kit!)
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of stories. Jesus used many parables to explain Biblical truths to us. Help us to use our unique stories to bless and encourage others in our lives. You, Lord, have given us unique experiences and we can use these stories to share Your love and kindness with others. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Journal: Create a list of topics you might choose to write about. Which ones would you like to share?
Porch Chair Prayers 