Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Psalm 36:5-10
Journal writing has been a consistent practice throughout my life ever since I was young. Though there have been times I haven’t been as regular in my writing, it has emerged once again over these past few years as a necessary, daily practice. I need those quiet times alone to write and let whatever needs to flow onto the page arrive without judgement. It is through this lifelong journaling practice that I have come to realize my affinity for prayer. Prayer comes as easily as breathing for me; and, often is my breath. It is common that whatever I have written in my journal shapes itself into prayer and as I arrive to my final words I find myself either writing or thinking, “Amen.”
Today’s Psalm reminded me of my journaling practice and how often writing turns to prayer. The Psalm begins with words of affirmation for the God of our faith. These affirmations are written not because God needs to know, but because we do. The author writes them as a reminder, ultimately ending with a petition for the words of affirmation to continue. Perhaps the Psalmist was thinking of someone specific, a friend who felt far from God’s love. If the Psalmist was anything like me, I can’t help but think they needed these words for themselves.
Consider the practices of prayer and journal writing. When we take time in either affirming ourselves and our beliefs, listing all that we have to be grateful for, we change. Our perspective shifts and we see the world with new eyes. This is why so many life coaches and social media memes focus on affirmation and gratitude. Those who do it, know it is life changing through experience. These practices do not erase the difficulties and injustices of the world, but they do give us a better understanding of the full picture. They offer an opportunity to remember, as well as participate, in all that God is doing.
Take some time today to join the Psalmist. Write what you know, affirm the God of your faith, list all that you are grateful for, entrust it all to God.
May the love of God fill you today, energizing you for action, and opening your eyes to the full picture of our reality. Amen.
Casey Cross
Young Disciples Director
Hope Lutheran Church, Eagle, ID
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You have “a way with words” – thank you for this meditation. I have felt the same way often regarding journaling & prayer Intertwining.