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Aug. 21, 2025

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ — The following is submitted by Author David Willie Gardner:

I never thought journaling would change the way I walk with God. For most of my life, I saw it as something emotional people did to process their feelings. Maybe it was good for keeping track of thoughts or prayers, but I never expected it to impact my spiritual life. Then came a season where I felt stuck. I was praying, reading the Bible, and doing everything I was taught to do. Still, I felt dry inside. My prayers felt like they were bouncing off the ceiling. I wanted to hear from God, not just talk to Him. I needed something real that’s when I discovered journaling.

It Started with One Question

One quiet morning, I sat with my Bible and a notebook. I didn’t have a plan. I just knew I needed to hear from God. I wrote at the top of the page:

Q: God, are You really listening to me?

I sat in silence. A soft sentence came to mind, and I wrote it down:

A: I have always been listening. You are just now learning how to hear.

That one sentence went straight to my heart. It felt personal. It felt true. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was deeply real. That moment changed everything.

A Simple Way to Connect

The journal method is simple. I start with a question. I write “Q:” followed by whatever I need to ask God. Then I wait. I quiet my thoughts and open my heart. When a response comes, I write it down under “A:”.

Sometimes I write one sentence. Other times, I write a full page. I never try to make it sound perfect. I don’t filter my thoughts. I just listen and record what I sense in my spirit. Many times, a Scripture will come to mind. Other times, it’s a quiet thought that brings peace or correction. It may not always feel dramatic, but over time, it builds a relationship. That’s the real value.

Why It Matters

This method helped me slow down. Before I journaled, I often rushed through prayer. I would talk to God, close my eyes for a minute, and move on. Writing things down forced me to pause. I had to sit still and expect a response. It also helped me recognize God’s voice. As I wrote, I started to see patterns. God would often say similar things in different seasons. He reminded me of truths I had forgotten. I began to notice when a thought was from Him and when it was just my own idea. Over time, journaling helped me trust that God really was speaking. I just had to listen.

A Record of God's Faithfulness

One of the best things about this practice is being able to look back. I can see how God has spoken to me through the years. Some entries remind me of struggles I forgot I had. Others show me how much I’ve grown. There are moments where I clearly see answers to prayers I once cried out in desperation. Journaling has become a record of my spiritual journey. It is something I treasure.

You Don’t Have to Be a Writer

This practice isn’t just for people who enjoy writing. You don’t need perfect words or a fancy notebook. You just need a heart that wants to hear from God. Your questions can be simple. Try asking, “God, what do You want me to know today?” or “What is getting in the way of my relationship with You?” Even if nothing comes to mind right away, stay quiet for a few minutes. Often, that’s when a thought or Scripture rises to the surface. Write it down without judging it. You can always pray about it later.

A Tool for Intimacy, Not Performance

Journaling isn’t about doing things right. It’s about drawing close. This method created space in my life for real connection with God. I stopped rushing through prayer and started building a friendship. There were mornings when I cried while writing. Other days I laughed. Sometimes I only wrote a sentence or two. Every entry helped me remember that I wasn’t just speaking into the air. I was speaking to someone who listens. God wants to be known. This method helped me see that more clearly.

Getting Started

You don’t need a plan to begin. Just grab a notebook and a pen. Find a quiet place. Ask a question. Wait in stillness. Write what you sense. Keep your Bible nearby. Often, the Word will guide the answers. Be consistent. Even five minutes a day makes a difference. If you stick with it, you will begin to notice a change in how you hear God.

The Impact on My Life

This journal method has become part of my daily rhythm. It helps me stay rooted in God’s presence. It reminds me to listen, not just speak. It gives me clarity when life feels chaotic. Most of all, it keeps my heart connected to God in a way I never experienced before. My spiritual life is stronger because of this simple practice. My prayers feel more real. My faith feels more alive. I no longer wonder if God speaks. I know He does.

An Invitation to You

If you’ve been feeling spiritually distant, I want to encourage you to try journaling. It may feel awkward at first, but give it a chance. God wants to speak to you more than you realize. All He needs is a little room in your day. I talk more about this practice in my book Will the Real Gospel Please Stand Up. The book includes questions, reflections, and moments that invite you into deeper conversation with God. It’s not about religion. It’s about a relationship. If you’re ready to hear God in a fresh way, read the book. Pick up a pen and start the journey because God is already waiting.

Pre-order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJFFY6QM

Follow me for more encouragement and updates:
Official Website: https://authordavidwilliegardner.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordavidgardner/

Instagram: @davidgardnerauthor

Your next step toward deeper faith might be one journal entry away.

SOURCE NY Media Hub

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