Hi friends,
As our community grows, I thought it would be encouraging if we had a shared rhythm of participating in a devotional together each week.
So, in what follows, I’ve provided a spiritual journaling exercise.
The most important thing is to engage with God on your own - to be wholehearted in your worship.
In addition, as James Clear says,
Many people assume they are bad at writing because it is hard. This is like assuming you are bad at weightlifting because the weight is heavy.
Writing is useful because it is hard. It’s the effort that goes into writing a clear sentence that leads to better thinking.
Just as James Clear points out the value of writing in honing our thinking, prayerful journaling can also sharpen our spiritual insights.
So I encourage you to write your answers to the journaling prompts.
Then, share some of your insights with the community: What did you hear from God in this exercise?
Let’s encourage each other.
Jesus, the Bread of Life
Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel empty and dissatisfied with my life.
As I sit in Your presence today, nourish my soul with the Bread of Life.
Old Story:
I am lost in the wilderness, searching for meaning and fulfillment in ways that leave me empty and unsatisfied.
Biblical Truth:
Jesus, the Bread of Life, offers sustenance that no worldly pleasure can provide. In Him, I find the nourishment my soul craves.
Verses:
“I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.”
My New Story:
By faith, I am united to Jesus, the Bread of Life. My deepest needs for spiritual nourishment are met by his constant love for me.
Journaling Prompts:
- How do I seek fulfillment and satisfaction outside of Jesus?
- How will I rely on Jesus, the Bread of Life, to quench my spiritual hunger and thirst?
- How can I effectively communicate the message of Jesus as the true source of eternal fulfillment to those around me?
Creative Idea:
Bake or purchase a loaf of bread and share it with a neighbor or friend. Please, of course, don’t make a forced transition to talking about Jesus as the Bread of Life!
Rather, the bread is your reminder to be attentive to God’s love. Simply, honestly, and authentically: enjoy the time with your friend. If spiritual conversations naturally emerge, that’s great. If not, that’s great too: it’s holy and good to treasure the gift of friendship without an agenda.