This post is all about gratitude journaling for Christians!
Want to learn everything there is to know about a Christian gratitude journal? Then you are totally in the right place!
I have written this super comprehensive post to help you understand all the ins and outs of gratitude journaling. I believe after reading this complete post, you will receive insightful information to enable you to journal better. Feel free to peek at the table of contents to see all the exciting topics ahead.
Bottom line- you will not be disappointed.
Ready? Let’s go!
What is a gratitude journal?
Gratitude journals are a lot like handwritten letters. They are a way for us to slow down and take the time to appreciate all the good in our lives. It’s like slowing down to smell those lovely roses. 🌹 (insert delightful scent)
When we take the time to express our gratitude, we not only make ourselves feel good, but we also strengthen our relationships with others.
My personal testimony on gratitude journals
To commemorate my father’s first anniversary in heaven, I saw it fitting to create a customized gratitude journal in his honor. So, I created it and started journaling. ❤️
I began to see all the good in my life, even when things were tough. I started appreciating the people and things I had instead of taking them for granted. And my outlook on life changed completely. I was happier, more positive, and grateful for everything I had.
If you want to check out my gratitude journal’s full story, click here once you are done reading this post.
In short, I am a walking witness to the power of using a gratitude journal!
P.S. I hope to pass on this gratitude journal to my children so that it can be a family tradition or heirloom. This is one of the benefits of getting a physical gratitude journal.
What are the best times to journal?
The best times to journal are in the morning, evening, or whenever you have a free moment.
- Morning is the best time for some because it sets the tone for the day and gets one thinking about all the things they’re grateful for.
- Evening is also good because it allows one to reflect on their day and remember all the good things that took place.
Note: You can set reminders for yourself so that you don’t forget!
What is the best length for gratitude journals?
The sweet spot for gratitude journaling is around one to three pages. This may seem like a lot, but consider that each entry doesn’t have to be long. You can simply list the things you’re grateful for or write a sentence or two about why you’re thankful for each item.
If you’re struggling to come up with things to write, try setting a daily or weekly goal for yourself. For example, you could commit to writing three things you’re grateful for each day or ten things each week. Once you get into the habit of gratitude journaling, you may find that you have more to say than you initially thought!
What is the best time frame or duration to journal?
The best time frame or duration to journal in days is typically 21 days. This is because it takes 21 days to form a habit. So if you want to make gratitude journaling a habit, then you should aim to do it for this duration.
Additionally, many people find they see the most benefits from gratitude journaling when they do it for at least 21 days.
Clinical reasons why we should journal
Journaling is good for your brain because it allows you to process your thoughts and emotions. It also helps to improve your memory and cognitive function. Additionally, gratitude journaling has been shown to increase levels of happiness and reduce stress. All of these things are good for your overall health and well-being.
So let’s now look at a quick study…
A study was conducted by Emmons and McCullough (2003) titled “Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life.”
The study showed that participants who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
Why gratitude journals make the best gifts…
When it comes to giving gifts, we often think of what the recipient will like or what they need. But have you ever thought about giving a gift that could change someone’s life? A Christian gratitude journal is the perfect example of a life-changing gift.
If you or a loved one is sentimental, they can complete the journal and pass it on to someone else. I think this is a lovely gift that future generations can be inspired by in their faith.
3 different ways to journal
There are many different ways to keep a gratitude journal. You can use a notebook, an app on your phone, or even start a blog. There is no right or wrong way to do it. The important thing is that you take the time each day to express your gratitude.
Let’s review 3 popular ways to journal:
1. Christian gratitude journaling apps
There are many different gratitude journaling apps available. Some of the more popular ones include “Thankful,” “Blessed”, and “Grateful.” Each of these apps allows you to set up a profile and then start adding things to your gratitude list. You can add photos, videos, and even audio recordings to each entry. These apps also allow you to share your entries with other people, which can be a great way to encourage and motivate each other.
2. Writing in a physical notebook
When was the last time you wrote a letter by hand? How about the last time you sent one? Chances are, it’s been quite some time since you’ve done either of those things. Nowadays, most communication is done electronically. We type out emails, text messages, and social media posts. While this form of communication is undoubtedly more efficient, it can also be quite impersonal.
So why choose to journal in a physical notebook? There is something special about taking the time to sit down and write out a message by hand. This makes gratitude journaling on a physical book extra unique and more personal and intimate.
3. Keeping a gratitude jar
A third option for Christian gratitude journaling is to keep a gratitude jar. This is an excellent option if you want to be able to see your gratitude entries all in one place. You can decorate your jar however you like and then add things to it throughout the day or week. When you feel grateful for something, simply write it down on paper and add it to the jar. At the end of each week or month, you can empty the jar and read through all of the things you’ve been grateful for.
Different kinds of gratitude journals
There are many different types of Christian gratitude journals available on the market. One thing I would like to stress is there is no “best” gratitude journal. There is no one size fits all and there isn’t necessarily one “right” way to do things. Everyone has different lifestyles, desires, and goals.
So, I chose to refrain from giving an amazon “top 10 list” and provide you with different kinds of gratitude journals. Some can be a mesh of each one, but I’m highlighting them so that you can start to think about what is best for you. It will help you find the perfect one for your needs.
a) Dated or Undated:
A dated journal will have space for you to write the date at the top of each entry. This can be helpful if you want to track your progress over time or if you want to refer back to specific entries. An undated journal will not have the dates pre-printed, so you can start using it anytime.
b) Daily or Weekly Entries:
A daily journal will allow you to write an entry for each day of the week. A weekly journal will have space for you to write one entry for each week. If you want to track your progress on a daily basis, a daily journal would be best. If you prefer to reflect on a weekly basis, a weekly journal would be better suited for your needs.
c) With Prompts or Without:
Some journals come with prompts to help you get started with each entry. Others do not have any prompts, so you can write about whatever you’d like. If you need help getting started, a journal with prompts would be a good choice. If you prefer to free-write, a journal without prompts would better suit your needs.
d) Scripture-Based or Not:
Some journals have scripture verses included with each prompt or on each page. Others do not have any scripture verses included. If you want to be able to reflect on scripture as you journal, a scripture-based journal would be a good choice. If you prefer to journal without specific prompts or scriptures, a non-scripture-based journal would better suit your needs.
e) Short 3-5 gratitude lists vs. lengthy journaling and reflection:
Some people prefer short and sweet gratitude lists, while others find more value in longer journaling sessions with reflective prompts. I prefer lengthy journals (one full page per entry) so that I can write and have ample space to express my gratitude.
No matter what type of Christian gratitude journal you choose, the important thing is that you use it regularly. Be sure to check out amazon, target, or different book vendors to see which one best fits your needs.
7 key benefits of a Christian gratitude journal
There are many benefits to keeping a gratitude journal, but here are seven reasons why you should start a Christian gratitude journal today:
1. Help us focus on the positive.
In a world that is often filled with negativity, it can be easy to get caught up in all the bad. Gratitude journals help us to focus on the positive things in our lives. When we take time each day to write down what we are thankful for, we train our brains to look for the good instead of the bad.
2. Help us appreciate the little things.
It is easy to take the big things in our lives for granted. We often don’t even stop to think about how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads and food on our tables. But when we take time each day to write down the little things we are grateful for, we start to appreciate all the good in our lives, no matter how small.
3. Help us build stronger relationships.
Gratitude journals are a great way to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them. Expressing our gratitude to others shows them that we value their role in our lives. Each day, take a few minutes to write down all the ways they have blessed your life.
4. Help us deal with difficult situations.
No matter how bad things might be, there is always something to be grateful for. When dealing with a difficult situation, taking the time to write down what we are thankful for can help us keep things in perspective. We might not be able to control what is happening around us, but we can control our attitude. Gratitude journals remind us that there is still light even in the darkest of times.
5. Give us a sense of calm.
It can be hard to find time just to slow down and breathe in a fast-paced world. Gratitude journals give us a chance to do just that. When we take time each day to sit down and write, we allow ourselves to focus on the present moment. We might not be able to control the chaos of the world around us, but we can control our own thoughts and emotions. Gratitude journals help us to find a sense of calm in the midst of the storm.
6. Great way to start your day.
There is no better way to start your day than by expressing gratitude for all the good in your life. When you take time each morning to write down what you are thankful for, you set the tone for the rest of the day. You might not be able to control what happens during the course of your day, but you can control your attitude. A gratitude journal is a great way to start your day off on the right foot.
7. Help us to see God at work in our lives.
Gratitude journals are a great way to build our faith and trust in God. When we take time each day to write down what we are thankful for, we start to see all the ways God is working in our lives. We might not always be able to see His hand at work, but when we look back through our journals, we can see His faithfulness and provision.
Bible verses on Christian gratitude journal
Here are some bible verses on gratitude that you can also use as journal prompts:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” –Psalm 100:4-5
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:30
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for people.” – Psalm Psalm 107:8
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20
“And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” – Colossians 3:17
Christian gratitude journal prompts
If you want to try out journaling, here are 21 prompts to try out:
- What are you grateful for today?
- Who has been a blessing in your life?
- What is your favorite gift you have given?
- What is a favorite gift you have received?
- Why are you thankful for your family and friends?
- What are you grateful for in nature?
- What Bible verse brings you comfort and hope?
- What are you grateful for about your church or faith community?
- What are you thankful for in your own life?
- What talents and abilities are you grateful for?
- What are you doing that brings you joy?
- What simple pleasures are you thankful for?
- What is something good that happened today, no matter how small?
- What are you looking forward to?
- What are you grateful for in your work or school life?
- What are you thankful for about your home and community?
- Who has shown you kindness recently?
- Is there something you’re grateful for that you often take for granted?
- What are you grateful for that brings you to hope?
- What are you thankful for that makes you smile?
- Which accomplishments are you grateful for?
I hope these Christian gratitude journal prompts help you get started on your journey to a more thankful life!
And that’s it, folks, Christian Gratitude Journal
Christian gratitude journaling is a great way to focus on the positive things in your life and cultivate a thankful attitude. No matter which method you choose, Christian gratitude journaling is a great way to start or end each day on a positive note.
So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how much it can improve your outlook on life.
Hugs!
