Take a few moments to come to a place of quiet within yourself. Focus on your breathing. Gradually become aware of the presence of God, who gives you all you need.
Isaiah 26:1
On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah.
On this day, you can sing even if you don’t like your voice. Your pen can hum as you scribble, doodle, and add musical notes in the margins of your prayer book or your journal. Just as Isaiah’s readers celebrated and praised God’s accomplishments, you can draw an asterisk, underline, or highlight as a way of praying. Maybe a phrase warrants colored pens to augment your reflections. Today Isaiah mentions a strong city. Maybe you will outline a skyline as you meditate on that. Later, you may look back during an end-of-month prayer review and remember why this or a different page stood out for you. Let writing implements participate in prayer. In days to come, you can flip to noted pages when you want to repeat or deepen a prayer. Let yourself create.
What benefits will I experience if I use annotations to deepen my reflection and prayer?
How will I appreciate the personal growth I have made when I eventually look back and reflect on my old writing?
(Pray to God, using this prayer or your own.)
God, help me to celebrate you by allowing myself to freely write my emotions. Open my heart and mind so that I have the courage to explore and express my personal reflections.