My daughter gave me a prayer journal written by Shannon Roberts for Christmas. I decided to share her resource and the template for journaling.

A verse is shared to focus on:

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

Reflection: (She gives you her reflection, then you have space to write out your reflections.) Below are my reflections on the verse.

The words “quick” and “slow” give me pause to reflect on how to show up in our daily routines and relationships. Some days are easier than others, depending on how we feel physically and emotionally. I’m halfway there if I can show up with curiosity, observations, and seeking to understand, which takes excellent listening skills and perspective-taking. Pausing and slowing down enough to consider my words or if I need to say anything. Maybe my role is to listen. Anger is fascinating to me. It’s necessary and genuinely okay to be angry. God gave us emotions to experience. I find my anger is the root cause of thoughts and feelings around being misunderstood or deciding the why behind others’ behaviors without clarification. Recently, I received an email with just one sentence that sent me to a place of anger and frustration. I stepped outside the situation to consider the person’s approach to work, the years I’ve known them, and perspective from their role. This slowing down eased the moment and provided a “slow to speak” response.

Take notice of your initial response to behaviors. How and why did you move from your calm state to dysregulation? You are responsible for your response and understanding how you got there. The great thing about your response is there is science behind all that you do and say. I notice when I move from my ventral state to a response that triggers my sympathetic nervous system. I pause and practice my calming strategies and perspective-taking when I notice my unique symptoms. All of us are different, and getting to know how you respond and the science of your responses can help. Knowing the science, for me, keeps me out of judgment of myself and others. When we get that we can be wired a certain way due to our unique genetic makeup and life experiences, we can then practice new behaviors to rewire our brains and change.

Gratitude:

God, thank you for creating us to respond to our environment, which helps us connect with others and keeps us safe.

Teach me:

God teach me to pause and slow down.

Guide me:

God guide me in situations where emotions flood my reasoning to listen, pause, or take a break. Guide me in peace and love.

Things on my heart:

My heart is preparing for a busy work week of travel. I pray for opportunities to listen and support. Help me to consider and accept new ways of approaching life and work. Give me an open heart and mind.

Highlights:

Concentrate on quick to listen and the word “slow”–slow down and pause.

Prayer Requests:

Lord, I pray for my immediate family. Help us all to listen and respond in love. Help my daughters in their relationships and parenting. Teach them and guide them towards Your Word and promises. I pray for all those traveling next week in my job. Keep us safe. Keep us open to learning and engagement. Provide wisdom and strength to the presenters. I ask that you heal my mother’s mind and help her with her memory each day. Provide her with peace and joy.