Spiritual journal prompts: 10 reflection questions to embrace the awe of God
I’ve been asked by readers, pastors, and small group leaders to finish a workbook to serve as a practical guide. It’s been a daunting and humbling experience, especially as I’ve narrowed down which writing prompts and spiritual journal prompts to include.
When I reflect on God’s work in my life with these questions, I can’t help but feel in awe. It’s humbling, and yet, reassuring to know that I’m part of God’s bigger story and purpose, and that the God of the universe cares for me, personally, and is involved in the details of my life.
I understand the importance of making the Faith Storytellers workbook accessible, doable, and practical. So many Christians are already overwhelmed by their faith story, and the last thing I want this workbook to be is burdensome. That also means I’m leaving many writing prompts and spiritual reflections on the “cutting room floor.”
As I finalize the writing exercises with each chapter, I thought I’d share some of the reflection questions that didn’t “make the cut.” Below are 10 spiritual journal prompts with corresponding Bible verses.
I hope that these prompts will help you focus on God and put him in perspective: He’s far bigger than you or I can ever fathom: He’s all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and ever-present (omnipresent).
In my personal experience, reflecting on these questions has been awe-inspiring. As I edited faith stories for my book, I repeatedly asked storytellers questions and prompts to reflect on how God loved them or was involved in the details of their lives.was constantly
Asking these questions and hearing how the storytellers’ perspective was faith-inspiring. I’m not sure if it was the regular asking or the volume (I edited more than 40 stories for my book, “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story”).
Regardless, it’s my prayer that Christians who use the workbook will have a similar experience!
10 spiritual journal prompts with Bible verses (NIV)
Describe a time you felt God's presence strongly. What happened and how did it change you? (Psalm 16:11 – "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.")
Write about a challenge or hardship where you later saw God's hand at work. (Genesis 50:20 – "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.")
Write down a prayer and how God answered it. How does God’s answer, even if it was “no” or “not now,” show God's faithfulness? (1 John 5:14-15 – "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.")
Reflect on a moment God provided unexpectedly. What does this reveal about His care? (Matthew 6:26 – "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?")
Recall a time you felt distant from God. How did He draw you back? (James 4:8 – "Come near to God and he will come near to you.")
Write about a person God placed in your life to influence your faith. (Proverbs 27:17 – "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.")
Describe a "blessing in disguise.” How did God transform a difficult situation or circumstance, or allow a “silver lining” to emerge? (Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.")
How has God grown you spiritually? (Philippians 1:6 – "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.")
Reflect on a small, everyday sign of God's love, such as a “God Winks” moment or divine coincidence. (Lamentations 3:22-23 – "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.")
Looking back over the few years, ask God to show you a time that reflected his faithfulness. (Deuteronomy 7:9 – "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.")
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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story,” which shares Christian testimonies and stories, as well as curated lists about Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning education journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign and been inside NASA, Mackenzie now edits the Faith Storytellers website and is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.
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