Journaling as a Spiritual Practice

Starred review from April 28, 2008
According to Cepero, director of spiritual formation at North Park Theological Seminary, we come to know God more deeply by paying attention to our own reality, and in doing so, learn to “tune our hearts to hear God's transforming Word for us.” In this lively, encouraging and pastoral book, Cepero shows readers how to journal in a way that moves past simple recitation of events to writing that reveals God at work in a life. Brief chapters recommend areas to explore, including one's past and present story, suffering, hopes for the future, noticing God in daily life, and addressing the past. Cepero teaches strategies and techniques throughout with examples from journals and her own experiences. She also provides suggested exercises to help writers find focus, particularly beginners or those who feel stuck with their writing. An especially insightful chapter explores how physical movement or exercise frees the mind and spirit to write. Finally, Cepero suggests ways to cope with common barriers to journaling, including our inner critics and censors. An appendix includes helpful guidelines for group journaling.