Have any of you used a prayer journal before? I only discovered that this was a thing a couple years ago. I’ve always kept a journal that I would use to jot down thoughts during prayer, but I never knew that there were themed journals with directed prayers and journal prompts. Maybe you didn’t either.
Personally, now I love prayer journals. For the last couple years I have been using a prayer journal for the holy seasons of Advent and Lent, and I have found them highly beneficial in deepening my experiences of those seasons.
If you’ve never used a prayer journal, here’s a quick description for you. Most journals typically have a similar structure.
First and foremost, you’ll read God’s Word through a scripture passage or verse. Then, the journal author will offer a short reflection because many of us have a hard time relating scripture to our lives. Usually, the reflection is ended with a short, simple prayer. And then you’ll find prompts for journaling based on the scripture and reflection.
This Lent I chose to use something more like a daily devotional and journal my thoughts in my own prayer journal. I actually liked the one I chose. However life through some kinks at me this season, and sadly I haven’t been able to keep up with it.
So I was excited to become acquainted with blogger Sara Estabrooks and her journal dedicated just to Holy Week!
Even though my Lenten practice fell apart, I still have time to put my energy toward a fruitful Holy Week! And Sara kindly sent me a copy of the journal so I could review it for all of you also.
The great thing about this journal is how accessible it is. This is a journal for everyone. The bible passages chosen are ones that we already know. Sara’s reflections are simple and honest, and the prayers and prompts she offers to readers are uncomplicated and natural.
Readers will be taken through many different emotions and facets of Holy Week – praise, adoration, betrayal, darkness, sacrifice, surrender, suffering, powerlessness, fear, hope, and finally the miracle of the Resurrection.
Naturally, the beginning of this journal starts by focusing on praising and adoring Jesus, both with the crowds chanting “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday, and Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus with her expensive perfume. Then, we reflect on the dark side of our human nature through Judas’ betrayal, and meditate on the darkness, despair and loneliness that can fall upon us through separation from God.
Finally, we enter the Triduum. As we focus on Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering, the journal prompts us to think of the ways in which we are offering ourselves as gift for others. Then on Good Friday, as our Savior appears powerless and and on Holy Saturday as the disciples live in fear and darkness, we also meditate on the ways in which we feel powerless or are living in fear.
Finally, we pray for hope and the light of Christ in our lives, and then we reach the Resurrection. Sara has delivered us full circle to praise, adoration and thanksgiving on Easter Sunday!
Truly, I can’t wait to get started with the journal. I think this is going to be extremely fruitful for me this year.
If you are looking to make Holy Week different this year, I’d highly recommend you try Sara’s journal. Here’s a link to purchase the journal in her store. And if you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come back and let me know or post your thoughts on my Facebook page.
Have a blessed, prayerful and fruitful Holy Week!
