How to Turn Journaling Into a Conversation With God (No Rules Needed)

I’ve been journaling for as long as I can remember.

In my late teens, those journals were full of red ink, capital letters, and enough pressure on the page to emboss the next five. It was my survival strategy. A way to let the storm out instead of letting it explode inside.

When I became a Christian, my journaling slowly shifted into a conversation with God. Not a perfect conversation, but a real one. It took me about fifteen years into my walk with Jesus before it became something I did consistently. Even now, I miss days.

The enemy loved to whisper things like:

• “Writing to God doesn’t count as prayer.”

• “You missed a day. Why keep going?”

• “You’re doing it wrong anyway.”

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Some days I fell for it. Most days I didn’t. And every time I drifted, God gently drew me back.

So here’s what I’ve learned, in case journaling is something you've wanted to try or restart.

1. There is no “correct” way.

God already knows everything about you.

Every thought. Every swirl of emotion. Every fear you wouldn’t dare say out loud.

“Before a word is on my tongue, You, Lord, know it completely.” Psalm 139:4

So journaling isn’t about impressing God. It’s simply talking to Someone who already sees your whole heart and welcomes you anyway. No judgment. No shame. No spiritual performance required.

2. Use ACTS to prepare your heart

Before I read Scripture or dive into my thoughts, I write out the first three parts of ACTS. It clears the noise, settles my spirit, and gets me ready to hear from God.

A – Adoration

I start by focusing on who God is.“I praise You for Your steadfast love.”“I adore You for Your faithfulness.”

This re-centers me on His character instead of my circumstances.

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” Psalm 145:3

C – Confession

Not a beat-myself-up moment, but a “Lord, I see it and I want to grow” moment.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” 1 John 1:9

T – Thanksgiving

I write out what I’m grateful for. Big, small, spiritual, practical.

Gratitude cracks open the door to peace.

“Give thanks in all circumstances.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

These first three steps soften my heart and make me ready for what comes next.

3. Use Scripture to anchor your heart

Once I’ve adored, confessed, and given thanks, then I read.

A passage from Scripture. A devotional. Something that turns my attention toward God’s voice instead of my own thoughts.

It still amazes me how often the passage I read speaks directly to what I’m facing. But that’s how intimately He knows us.  It becomes discovery. Relationship. A steady reminder that God is already one step ahead of me.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” Psalm 119:18

I write down themes or patterns I notice. I talk to God about how the Scripture connects to what’s happening in my life. It makes the whole journaling time feel alive and personal.

4. Supplication comes last

After I’ve spent time praising, confessing, thanking, and grounding myself in Scripture, then I bring my requests to Him.

S – Supplication

This is where I pour out:

• worries

• hopes

• needs

• people on my heart

  
  

By this point, my heart is usually steadier and more surrendered. I end by asking the Holy Spirit to guide my day and lead me in whatever He has planned.

“Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Why I’m sharing this

So many women feel intimidated by journaling because they think it has to:

• be daily

• be pretty

• be deep

• follow a perfect formula

Nope.

Some days I write pages.

Some days I scribble a paragraph.

Some days I follow ACTS.

Some days I cry my way through it.

And God cherishes every bit of it.

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him.” Psalm 145:18

Do you have to journal to have a relationship with God?

Absolutely not.

But if journaling helps you quiet the noise, connect with Him, or overcome fear and shame, I hope this gives you a gentle starting place.

God loves meeting you on the page. And He loves meeting you everywhere else too.