WHAT

What is “The Tapestry Project”

The aim of the Tapestry Project is to develop a keener sense of the narrative — i.e. the tapestry that God is weaving in our lives, in the lives of those around us, in the physical and spiritual world.

Everyday, there will be writing prompts to help you get started on the habit of journaling as a spiritual discipline.

These prompts are only a starting point – you may, of course keep writing about anything you like.

What is a Spiritual Discipline?

“…allow us to place ourselves before God so that He can transform us. They are God’s means of grace.” (David Foster)

A means “to create space to meet with God that you otherwise had not planned on.” (Henri Nouwen)

“…any activity within our power that we engage in to enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort.” (Dallas Willard)

What is Spiritual Journaling?

Spiritual journaling is so much more than a diary chronicling your walk with God nor is it going to be just about a deep study of God’s word. Though important, spiritual journaling is not limited to these  practices.

You do not need to be a theologian to benefit from journaling nor do you need to be a good writer. The only thing that is required is a commitment to reflect on the entirety of your existence [ i.e. your “self” (your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, personality, actions), your existence (past, present and projected future), your context (physical, spiritual, social, political) in which you live, move and have your being, the people whose lives intersect with, etc. ] for the purpose of discovering God’s narrative.

That’s right — the pursuit of spiritual journaling is not about the glorification of “self”. The pursuit of self is only a means towards something much greater that ourselves.

What makes spiritual journaling SPIRITUAL is that we are seeking to grow in ability to perceive God’s GRAND design, his tapestry in us and in everything.

God’s narrative is rooted in His Person – through His narrative, he reveals who He is. Everything that He created, everything that He has allowed, reveals and demonstrates his person. That is why, in order to grow deeper in our relationship with Him, we must grow in sensitivity to the subtleties of God’s narrative.

Why Spiritual Journaling?

“All spiritual disciplines and practices, including journaling, are about learning to be aware and awake, open to God, ourselves and the world around us.”

Helen Cepero (Journaling as a Spiritual Practice)

 

“Journaling helps us pay attention to God. It is a way of hearing and responding to God. Journaling helps us understand our unfolding story. Knowing our story helps us to see what God has been doing in the past, is doing now and is calling us to do in the future.”

Richard Peace (Spiritual Journaling)

 

“Journaling helps us not only to process our present and the incoming but to see our place in a larger narrative. Journaling helps us become aware of God’s presence and his design in the world – this leads not only to conversation and deeper intimacy (with God) but transformation, conviction and a desire for change (to be more like Him).”

Xaris Villa (My Personal Journal)