Journey into Prayer Journaling

On October 24 and 25, I had the joy of leading a workshop at the Permanent Forum for Evangelism (PFE) that is especially close to my heart. The PFE is an annual Seventh-day Adventist Church event in Italy that offers space for fellowship, study, discussion, and training focused on evangelism and mission.
The workshop, entitled “God, I Make Room: Writing to Learn to Listen,” was dedicated to prayer journaling. This practice is deeply rooted in my personal story. From an early age, thanks to my mother’s invaluable advice, I learned to preserve the story of my life in the pages of a journal. It was more than just a notebook for recording important and happy moments. It became a true refuge for prayer requests, the dates when God answered those prayers, and the songs that marked every moment of great joy or profound loss. For me, my journal has always been a faithful witness to my journey with the Lord.
During the workshop, it was deeply moving to watch this journey come to life. Each participant received a journal, stepped into this beautiful practice, and took their first steps toward writing in the presence of God. One particularly meaningful moment was the activity in pairs. Participants openly shared their thoughts on how to choose to plant seeds today for the future, reflecting on the significance of their choices in light of their faith.
The energy and depth of these conversations then found their way onto the posters we had prepared around the room. There was room for everything: an outpouring of gratitude, a “why?”, an open invitation, or even the courage to ask God or others for an explanation, without holding anything back.
By the end, dozens of colorful sticky notes covered the posters. Reading them felt like turning the pages of a group's collective heart—a group eager to step out in faith, ask questions, and, above all, become fully involved in God's plan.
It was a beautiful and deeply moving journey, one that left a lasting impression on each of us. It was tangible proof that when we take the time to write and share our stories of faith, the future begins to blossom.
Abigaela Trofin, WM Director, Italian Union