One Small Habit to Help You Prepare for the Memorial

Last updated on March 5th, 2026 at 10:51 pm

As the Memorial approaches each year, many of us want to slow down and reflect more deeply on what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us. Yet life can move quickly. Meetings, work, daily responsibilities… and before we realize it, the Memorial evening arrives.

One small habit that can help is journaling. You don’t need artistic pages or long entries. Sometimes writing just a few honest thoughts after reading a scripture helps the meaning settle deeper in the heart.

Think of it like pausing during a conversation. The silence allows the message to sink in.

Why Journaling Can Deepen Appreciation

When we read a verse and immediately move on, we often miss details. But when we pause and write a response, our mind slows down.

For example, you might read John 3:16 many times during your life. Yet when you stop and write about it, new thoughts appear.

You might ask yourself:

• What does this verse teach me about Jehovah’s love?
• Why was Jesus willing to give his life?
• What does this gift mean for my future?

Writing helps transform knowledge into gratitude.

A Simple Journaling Routine

You can keep it very simple.

Step 1 — Read one scripture about the ransom.

For example:

• John 3:16
• Romans 5:8
• 1 Peter 2:24
• Luke 22:19

Step 2 — Reflect on one question.

Let the verse stay in your mind for a moment.

Step 3 — Write a few thoughts.

Your entry could be:

• a short reflection
• a personal prayer
• one quality of Jesus you want to imitate

Even 5 minutes can become a meaningful moment of meditation.

Recommended: 6 Memorial Study Ideas

Memorial Journaling Prompts

If you’re not sure where to start, prompts can guide your reflection.

Try questions like these:

• What does the ransom teach me about Jehovah’s love?
• Which moment in Jesus’ final hours moves me the most?
• How has the ransom personally changed my life?
• What hope does the ransom give me for the future?
• What quality of Jesus would I like to imitate more?
• What does forgiveness through the ransom mean to me?
• How can I show appreciation for the ransom this week?
• What scripture about Jesus’ sacrifice touches my heart the most?

You might write a paragraph… or just a few sentences. Both are meaningful.

When You Want More Structure

Some friends enjoy having a bit more guidance when they sit down for personal study. That’s one reason I created the Jesus Study Kit.

It’s a collection of printable study tools designed to help you explore the ransom in a thoughtful way. It also includes bonus printables focused on studying Jesus’ life and teachings.

Many readers like using these pages during Memorial season because they provide small starting points for reflection. Instead of wondering what to study next, you can simply choose a prompt, open your Bible, and begin.

A Small Example

One sister told me she keeps a jar of prompts on her desk. Each evening she picks one, reads the related scripture, and writes a few reflections in her notebook. Some days it takes ten minutes. Other days she ends up studying longer.

But she said something beautiful: by the time the Memorial arrives, she already feels her appreciation growing.

A Thought to Reflect On

Preparing our heart for the Memorial doesn’t require complicated study plans. Often it begins with a quiet moment, a scripture, and a few honest thoughts. Journaling simply creates space for those moments.

So here’s a question to think about:
If you were to write one page about the ransom this week, what scripture would you start with?