PRACTICE EXERCISE #6: Increasing Joy Capacity

1. Think of a memory that makes you feel grateful and connected to God in the moment.

2. Go back and relive the experience for 10 seconds or more. 

3. Give the memory a short title (2-5 word name).

4. Describe what you felt in your body (and where in your body) when you relived the memory.

5. Reflect on what you think God might have been wanting to impress on you by that memory.

EXTENDED PRACTICE (Part 2): 

• Start a list of grateful memories with the goal of having at least ten grateful memories.

• Then use this list to go into five minutes of non-verbal gratitude every day, as you recall and appreciate these memories. 

This activity, both in English & Spanish, can be done by yourself, with another person, in a group.

This activity, both in English & Spanish, can be done by yourself, with another person, in a group.

DIRECTIONS:  Partners > Give examples from the day, or the day before, and take turns sharing. You share one, your partner shares another, and so on back and forth until you both name three things for each part. By Yourself > Journal your personal answers and share it with that friend later. Small Group > Pair up people to do this partner activity. For a quick, simpler version in a small group, you can just do it whole-group with each person sharing only 1 for each part (1 x 1 x 1), and assigning the person to the left or right as the other person they are to appreciate.

Name Three...

1. Things from your day for which you feel thankful 

2. Qualities you appreciate about the other person

3. Qualities about God you appreciate 

PDF: Imanuel Journaling Worksheet -  Immanuel Journaling, a prompt-based journaling activity, is a way of opening up our hearts to God and hearing His loving concern for us. This practice features a step-by-step process for sharing a personal need or struggle with God and “hearing” His voice in the context of His compassionate listening and care. This practice fosters a greater awareness of God’s care. It helps you in praying through your stressful situations, past/present hurt, prayer needs, or whatever you’re experiencing. It also leads you to appreciate God’s empathy for you and brings you much-needed affirmation from the Lord. It’s a great tool for your personal devotions or to share with your small group.

In this Journaling Exercise:

1. WRITE a letter to the Lord about what you need from Him and how you appreciate Him in your life. 

2. LISTEN for God’s response to you, tuning into His thoughts and feelings, which generally come through your own thoughts, feelings and Scripture

3. JOURNAL your responses in order to bring you greater clarity as you pen it down on paper, and for later access to it. 

4. SHARE your letter with others who would be blessed by it.