1) “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom: I have led thee in right paths,” Proverbs 4:11. What words of wisdom have you heard or are fond of saying? Alternatively, remember, record and explore a dialogue you have been a part of in which significant wisdom was shared with you.
2) 2 Tim 1:7, “Not a spirit of fear.” Write about a time when you were driven by fear. Ask yourself to dig deeper; what was the underlying fear that caused that fear?
3) Moses was not convinced that he was the right man for the job. Think about a time in which God, or another person asked you to do something that you felt was truly beyond your capacity. What did you learn about God, yourself and faith in the process? How did you overcome your struggles, or lack of skills?
4) Reflect on a cherished memory. When does it come to you? What is its role in your spiritual life? How could you intentionally draw strength from this memory?
5) List 50 good things that have happened to you, or blessings that you have received.
6) Explore an epiphany; that one that evolved slowly, or one akin to a flash of lightening. How did it shift your thinking, understandings, faith, emotions or attitudes in some way?
7) Think of all that you hold onto, the good, bad and ugly. What is in your cache, treasure chest, storage bin, and/or closet? What does this catch-all, collection container look like? Look inside the container, what is old and needs to be purged? What newer things would you like to add?
8) What are you able to give right now, to whom, what is the cost to you, and what is the benefit of sharing your gift or sacrifice?
9) In Heart of a Ready Scribe Melanie Stiles writes, “It’s not a cake until all the ingredients have been added, mixed and then baked. Only a comprehensive vision ensures success.” Respond freely to this idea, or think about a time when you metaphorically prepared the cake, but did not bake it.
10) God can be conceived as Conductor, Composer and/or Master Musician. In turn, we become the music, musicians, and/or the instruments. Which do you imagine yourself to be, music, musician or an instrument? And which term aptly describes God’s role in your life, Conductor, Composer, or Master Musician? How does it expand your faith to envision yourself and God in these other roles?
11) As Catholics we have many lists, the seven virtues, the seven deadly sins, the six principle passions and the six “faculties,” each individual idea, as well as the conceptual set, would make interesting exploration. This is interesting to discuss in a group, but each of these subjects would also make a worth-while mini-journal retreat.
12) Darkness and emptiness are often characterized in our society as negative; however, each is necessary for spiritual growth. Explore your own experiences of darkness and emptiness, both the positive and negative experiences. Include your emotions and feelings at the time, as well as your current feelings as you look back.
13) If God is The Artist, we are His work of art. Explore this idea, as well as the relationship between an artist and his art, the “function of art,” and why an artist creates. Finally, image yourself as an actual piece of art? Are you an oil, maybe a watercolor or a sculpture? Colors, textures, forms, light? What do you depict? What style do you represent? (Perhaps, you are a modern abstract!)
© 2012 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 