The general consensus is that 2016 wasn't everyone's best year. There are high hopes for this new year and I think that people are much more motivated to change their behaviors or look for new ways to ensure that it is. One thing I personally resolved to start doing was prayer journaling. It sounds like more of a task than it is, so I thought giving a brief guide on where to start might get people excited for a way to nourish their spirituality in such a personal way!

If you like structure and something a little more comprehensive than a personal creation, check out Amazon for cool prayer journals equipped with daily verses and prayers! They come in a variety of colors and from multiple authors. If you want to make sure to tailor your journal to your personal style and organization, Google and Pinterest will soon become your best friends.

Search for a way to get daily verses. A devotional book or app will do, but there are also several websites that provide them at your convenience! A good example can be found on this site: http://www.christianity.com/bible/year/nlt/cjan01....

Next, have something to write in. It can be anything from a three ring binder or a classic notebook to a pretty journal you can pick up at a local bookstore. You'll want to decide on a consistent flow of thoughts within your journal. Personally, I begin by writing out the verse of the day on the top of the page. Right after that I write my reflection on it and try to apply it to everything else that goes on in my life. Some days you'll find yourself writing pages and pages about your thoughts and some days you'll only have a couple sentences. Some days you might not even get to journal! It's all about what makes you feel fulfilled and accomplished. The last thing I include is a prayer. It can be one you know, one you find or even one you write yourself. I typically try to make sure it makes sense with the verse, and then I write out any other prayers or intentions I may have on my heart.

Obviously everyone has different styles and journeys, but I wanted to share mine so that maybe people who read it may feel inspired to try it out. I can't begin to describe the sense of peace and closeness to God that this habitat has brought to me. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a way to enrich their spiritual, mental and emotional lives this year. You deserve it.