How to use this Journal Activity

If you are in a group: Complete the sections that have a white background together. The sections with a peach background should be completed individually. Then come back together and talk about what you have written.

If you are doing a solo devotional: Read through and complete the journalling prompts as usual, and use the discussion questions as an additional journaling prompt.

If you are a small group leader: Participate in this activity with them. Especially if you have not done this activity before. It can be a really powerful and moving moment, that you will only understand if you have experienced it.

A Note to the Leader

Do not require group members to read their letter outloud. The root of this letter is asking God to reveal sin that is hendering growth. You don’t want people to be hesitant in their time with God because they are worried about sharing with the group.

Participate in this activity with the group, especially if you have not done this activity before. It can be a really powerful and moving moment, that you will only understand if you have experienced it.

Avoid doing this activity on phones. They can be too distracting, and prevent people from hearing God clearly.

Activity Introduction

Today we will be doing an activity where we allow God to speak into our lives. In a moment we will spread out and write a letter to ourselves from God, using the prompts on the worksheet. Then we will come back together and discuss our experiences. You will not be required to read your letter out loud.

It is understandable if you feel nervous going into this actvity. If you don’t know what to write, just start putting your pen to paper. Don’t get too hung up on using the perfect words or needing to write a long letter. Give God this space, and He will speak to you.

Pray

Feel free to add more to this prayer if there is something on your heart. Do not rush through this part.

Dear God, Thank you for giving me this time to connect with you. As I write, please guide my words. I want to hear what you have to say. Thank you for always loving me right where I am. You are awesome God. Amen.

Address

At the top of the page write today’s date. Then write who the letter is to: you. You can write “Dear [your name]” or use a nickname “Dear child of God”, “Dear beloved”, “Dear son/daughter”, “Dear warrior”, etc. choose the greeting that feels most right in the moment.

Paragraph One

Ask God to tell you what He is happy about with you. What have you done that is good in God’s eyes? Have you made some changes in your habits? Made up with a friend? Been kind to a family member? Worked hard at something? Given time or money? Start the paragraph:

I am happy with you because ______

Paragraph Two

Ask God what you need to work on. What area of your life are you ignoring? What is God asking you to do that you haven’t done? Where is there anger, greed, envy, or laziness in your life? Start the paragraph:

The concerns I have for you are _____

Paragraph Three

Ask God what will happen if you DON’T make the changes He is asking you to. Will you get hurt? Will someone else get hurt? Will it stop you from doing other things you want to do? Start the paragraph:

If you do not _____

Paragraph Four

Ask God what will happen if you DO make the changes He is asking you to. What will you learn? How will you feel? Who will see God through your actions? Start the paragraph:

If you follow my instructions, _____

Discussion Questions

How do you tell the difference between God’s voice and your own? Did you feel like you were just making up the letter? Or that God was flowing through you?
Did you feel like God revealed something new to you? Or did you find it difficult to write this letter. If so, what was difficult about writing the letter?
Would anyone like to share what they wrote in the first paragraph? What did God tell you he was happy with?
Who is planning on making some changes or taking an action after writing this letter? How can this group support you moving forward?
Close the activity by saying that you are available if anyone wants to talk about their letter in private. Or encouraging the group to talk to a trusted adult about their letter.

Bible Verses About Hearing God’s Voice

John 10:1-5

John 10:25-30

Jeremiah 33:2-3

John 14:28-31

John 16:13

Letter from God