Immanuel Journaling

When you’re journaling, you might wonder, “Is this me? Is this the enemy? Is this the Lord?”  
Don’t worry about that in the moment. Just write. You’ll sort it out later using the Filter Checks.

Remember: this isn’t about producing perfect revelation. You’re not writing Scripture. You’re simply letting your mind and spirit sync with God. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:3–4, 27), and Scripture tells us we can have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:10–16).

So relax. Enjoy the process. You’re not being graded. You’re strengthening your “connection muscles” — just like working out at the gym. One session won’t transform you, but daily practice will. Make it a habit. Invite friends. Build community. Enjoy the journey.

JOYFUL IMMANUEL TWO WAY JOURNALING EXERCISE

(adapted from Life Model Works)

This is one way to connect with God — not the only way. If you already connect well with Him,
wonderful! You can still try this method to see if it deepens your experience or helps during
emotional challenges. If connecting feels hard, move slowly. Let God set the pace.
Before you begin, take at least two minutes to quiet your mind:
Close your eyes
Breathe deeply
Notice your body

Notice your emotions
Notice distracting thoughts without judging them

Start the Journaling

1. Gratitude (5–10 minutes)

A) My Gratitude to God
Write something specific you’re grateful for.
You can also speak it out loud as a prayer.
B) God’s Response
Write what you sense God might be saying back to you.
You can stay in this back‑and‑forth flow for as long as you want.

Thought‑Rhyming (25–30 minutes)

This is where attunement happens — feeling seen, understood, validated, and known by God.
You may bring up a specific issue, or simply let God lead.
The key is surrendering your expectations and receiving whatever He wants to give.
Ask the Lord these questions and write your impressions:

A) “I See You…”
Ask: Lord, how do You see me today?  
Write what you sense God lovingly noticing about you.
(See Psalm 33:13–19; Psalm 34:15; Nehemiah 9:9; Exodus 3:7–9)

B) “I Hear You…”
Ask: Lord, what are You hearing from me today?  
Write what you sense God has heard in your words, thoughts, and emotions.
(See Psalm 34:17; E xodus 3:7–9)

C) “I Understand…”
Ask: Lord, what do You understand about what I’m carrying?  
Write how God understands the weight of your situation and validates your feelings.
(See Exodus 3:9; John 5:19)

D) “I’m Glad to Be With You…”
Ask: Lord, how are You glad to be with me right now?  
Write His delight in being near you, even in weakness or difficulty.

(See John 14:26–28; Exodus 4:12; Matthew 28:20)
E) “I Am Doing Something About This…”
Ask: Lord, what are You doing about this?  
Write what you sense God is doing on your behalf — big or small.
(See Romans 8:28; John 5:20; Psalm 34:19; Psalm 35:10)

3) Closure

Pause and notice how you feel.
Do you sense more peace? More alignment with God? More resolved about your issue?
Repeat Step 1 (Two-way gratitude) — both your gratitude and God’s response to it. Go into detail
here- it helps with building those connections.
Short on time?  
Just do Step 1 (A and B) and go back and forth with God for however long you have.

Creating Immanuel Community (30–40 minutes)

A) Gather a Group

Meet with at least three people who practice Joyful Two‑Way Journaling.
Meet in person or online (Zoom, phone, etc.).
Keep it same gender, unless couples- then it can be a group of four.

B) Choose a Facilitator

The facilitator:
Encourages eye contact and attunement
Keeps the group safe and non‑critical
Redirects gently if something doesn’t pass the Filter Checks
Sets the timer

C) Share Journaling

Each person may read their journal entry if comfortable. It’s best to check the filter checks first,
before reading. If you have peace, and it aligns with scriptures, read it out-loud to your group.
The rest of the group simply nods and smiles if they sense Jesus in it. If not, they gently re-direct the
reader to spend some more time with God around their journaling.
No unsolicited advice – No unsolicited stories

D) Shalom Check

Notice God’s presence and any increase in peace or perspective.

E) Close

End with prayer, gratitude, and hugs.

Recommended Resources:

• Joyful Journey by Jim Wilder et al.
• www.joystartshere.com
• Prayer ministry training: www.alivewell.org
• Podcast: AlignwithGodwithBobandDenice (on Apple and Spotify)
• Frequentl