I find that more women than men seem to journal.  I wonder why that is.  It's got to be something other than the stigma of being perceived as writing in my "dear diary."  Well, I'm sure that some men and women find that communicating with written words is hard.  Also, I'm sure that some people think there's no point since God knows everything already.  Some others might think that they don't have anything else to say than what they've said already.  I've even heard some people say that they like to talk to other people, but don't feel as confident talking to God in prayer. 

Why is it important to pray and journal, not just process our lives with other people?  I have some thoughts that arose from this morning's devotions...

Generally, a conversation goes like this:   A --> B--> C--> D

A. Message is formed the mind of person 1
  which leads to
B. Message is spoken by person 1
  which leads to
C. Message is heard by person 2
  which leads to
D. Message is understood by person 2

The problem is that each of those steps could go wrong.  Miscommunication happens all the time!  Adding to the already difficult reality that we are a bunch of flawed peeps.  It seems that miscommunication is a huge problem

In talking with finite beings:
    -we are limited by our understanding of a situation, each other's words and linguistic nuances.     

    -we want to/ought to speak lovingly according to (our own) concept of what is love
    -we have limited wisdom
    -we have allegiances (to each other, our own values, organizations, ideas)
    -we have limited energy and sometimes just want to end a conversation (to get food, go home, go to the bathroom, etc.)

In talking with God:
    -He is unlimited in His understanding (1 John 3:20)
        -so we can speak/communicate imperfectly
        -we can speak in generalities (knowing that God knows the specifics)
    -He is unlimited in His patience and energy to listen (1 Peter 5:7)
    -He is unlimited in His affections (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)
    -God is completely committed to righteousness but without condemnation when his people are not (Romans 8:1)
        -so we can speak freely and be convicted as needs  be, but without worrying that we'll skew God's love for the other person
    -Our faith is built by sharing our heart with God
        -we grow in trust in God when we tell Him things
        -we feel closer to God when we tell Him our thoughts, ideas, secrets and private matters
        -we grow in our desire to tell God more when we feel accepted by Him
        -we want to please God more when we feel closer and love Him more
    -God understands everything we think and say better than we do
        -so we never have to (though we may choose to) clarify
    -There is greater peace when we talk with someone who understands us better
        -it feels good to talk peacefully

So, friends, and internet junkies.  Take some time tonight and step away from the computer; write out a prayer for someone you know who is hurting!  Write some thoughts about your day.  Write out your reflections on John 1 and 2.  Just write something and let your fingers connect your heart with the heart of God!  It's not a woman-thing, it's not an act reserved for the super-spiritual or super smart.  Journaling -or as you could say transcribed musings with God- is a great habit to get into to grow in your faith, grow in your prayer life, grow in your intimacy with the Creator of us all.