Journal Prompts for a Spiritual Year in Review

The end of a service year is a natural time to look back.

A lot can happen spiritually in twelve months. You may have reached a goal you had been working toward or discovered something new during personal study. There may have been changes in your congregation or experiences in the ministry that you want to remember.

Taking an hour with your journal can help you think through the year you just lived and what you would like to carry into the next one.

You do not need to answer every prompt at once. Choose the ones that make you stop and think, then come back to the others another day.

1. Where did you notice spiritual growth this year?

Think about who you were at the beginning of the service year.

Maybe you became more comfortable starting conversations in the ministry or improved your personal study routine. You may have worked on a quality that did not come easily to you.

Write about the progress you can see, including the small changes.

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2. What spiritual goal did you reach?

Think about something you hoped to accomplish this year and how you got there.

Write about what helped you keep going. Include any obstacles you had to work around and how Jehovah helped you along the way.

Then take a moment to enjoy the fact that something you once hoped to do is now part of your story.

3. What goal did you not reach?

This one deserves a place in your year in review too.

Maybe you had a goal that did not work out because your circumstances changed. You may have started something and struggled to keep it going.

Think about what happened without turning the entry into a list of everything you did wrong. Decide whether you still want to pursue the goal this year and what you might change when you try again.

4. What ministry experience do you want to remember?

Think about your year in the ministry and choose an experience that meant something to you.

Maybe you met someone who was genuinely interested or had a conversation you had been praying for. You may have enjoyed a particular day working alongside a friend.

Write down the details you do not want to forget.

5. What scripture stood out in your year?

Was there a scripture you found yourself returning to throughout the year? Write it in your journal and think about why it became important to you. Record what was happening when you first began thinking about it and how it helped you.

That scripture may always remind you of this particular year.

6. What did Jehovah teach you about himself?

Think about what you learned about Jehovah through your study and experiences this year.

Maybe you came to appreciate one of his qualities in a deeper way. You may have seen his care during a situation that worried you or experienced the wisdom of a Bible principle firsthand.

Write about what you understand about Jehovah now that you want to remember.

7. Who encouraged you this year?

Think about the people Jehovah used to make your year a little easier. Maybe someone regularly worked with you in the ministry or checked on you during a difficult time. Perhaps a friend gave you advice you needed.

Write their names and what you appreciate about them. You may even decide to tell them.

8. What are you most grateful to Jehovah for this year?

Look back over the whole year and think about what you are especially thankful for.

It could be something you prayed about for months or an opportunity you did not expect. Maybe you are grateful for the people who were beside you through the year.

Write about why that blessing means so much to you.

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9. What do you want to leave behind?

Not everything needs to come into the new service year with you.

Maybe you spent too much time worrying about something you could not control. You may have developed a habit that was taking time away from spiritual things.

Write about what you want to change and why.

10. What do you hope the next service year includes?

Think about the year ahead without trying to plan every detail.

What would you like to learn? Where would you like to grow? Is there something you would love to experience in the ministry?

Write down a few hopes and include them in your prayers to Jehovah.

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Keep a Little Record of the Year

You may want to finish your year in review with one page devoted to the details you want to remember.

Add a favorite photograph or write down the theme of the convention you attended. Include an accomplishment you are proud of and a favorite memory with the friends.

Then date the page and close out the service year. Next year, you can come back and see what changed and what Jehovah helped you through along the way.