The Promptings of the Spirit
When I taught Theology, every Friday’s class was dedicated to journaling time. It was a quiet and reflective period where students could sit quietly and write thoughtfully. You have heard me speak several times about the importance of journaling and how I incorporate this practice into my own prayer time. Unlike my personal journaling, which often relies on internal prompts or inspirations, in class I used external prompts to guide the students’ reflections.
As a quick refresher, journal prompts are questions, suggestions, or ideas designed to help inspire and focus your writing in a personal journal. For example, journaling prompts can take the form of specific questions or statements that encourage you to reflect deeply on a particular topic, theme, or aspect of your life or faith. The prompts I used in class were based on saint quotes. Each month, I would select feast days and take time to research the saints celebrated during that period, as well as some of their most meaningful quotes.
I would then introduce the saint to the class by sharing their story and background, helping students understand the example set by their lives. The quotes would be written clearly on the board, and students were invited to answer a series of thoughtful questions about these words:
What is the writer trying to say in this quote?
What part of the quote speaks to you personally?
Why does this particular phrase or message resonate with you?
Finally, write a response directly to the writer, engaging with their ideas and experiences.
This structure helped students not only develop their writing and reflective skills but also offered a meaningful way to connect with the wisdom of the saints and apply it to their own spiritual journeys.
Let’s go ahead and give it a try to see how it works out in practice firsthand. Choose a meaningful quote that resonates with you. Then, click on the saint’s name to read their full story and discover more about their inspiring journey and the life lessons they impart.
“Prayer is the key to all the treasures of this life and the hereafter.” – Saint Padre Pio
“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul.” – Saint Therese of Lisieux
“We must speak to God as a friend speaks to his friend, servant to master. Now, our prayer does neither good nor bad to God; but it profits us to have prayed.” – Saint Augustine
“Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.” – Saint Pedro Poveda Castroverde
I hope this method of prayer will greatly enhance your spiritual practice and bring about a deeper and more meaningful sense of peace and connection in your life. Please do not hesitate to share with me how it works for you and any experiences you may have. I am considering making this prayer method a regular monthly feature in future postings.
Keep at it!
Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
This month’s featured Spotify Spotlight highlights some of the most captivating and inspiring musical selections available right now.
To listen click on the photo. Enjoy.
