It Starts Small

The Song of Solomon is a rich and poetic book celebrating the intimacy and passion of romantic love, often interpreted allegorically to also describe the love between Christ and the Church. The prompts below focus on the key themes of love, desire, and commitment found throughout the book, encouraging reflection on both human relationships and one’s spiritual life. 

The anticipation of love

(Song of Solomon 1:2–4)

• The Shulammite woman longs for her lover, describing his words as better than wine and his name as fragrant oil.
• Journal Prompts:
  • Think about a time when you experienced a deep longing for connection. What words or images would you use to describe that anticipation?
  • Reflect on your relationship with God. Do you have a sense of deep longing and desire for His presence? If not, what can you do to cultivate it?
  • Consider how you use your senses to appreciate and draw closer to God. What fragrances, sounds, or tastes remind you of His goodness and presence? 

Insecurity and affirmation

(Song of Solomon 1:5–8)

• The woman expresses insecurity about her appearance (“I am very dark…”), but her lover reassures her of her beauty.
• Journal Prompts:
  • In what areas of your life do you feel insecure or unworthy? How do you seek affirmation from others versus from God?
  • Write about how God sees you, based on what you know of His character. Meditate on the truth that His love for you is not dependent on your appearance or performance.
  • How can you speak words of affirmation to those around you who may be feeling insecure? 

The garden of intimacy

(Song of Solomon 4:12–15)

• The lover describes his beloved as a “locked garden,” full of beautiful and fragrant plants. This imagery speaks to the sacred intimacy of their relationship.
• Journal Prompts:
  • Think of your spiritual life as a garden. Is it “locked” and protected, or is it neglected and open to spiritual “weeds”?
  • What are the “fragrant spices” or fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) that you see growing in your life? What areas need more care and cultivation?
  • How do you cultivate exclusive intimacy and trust within your closest relationships, honoring the “locked garden” concept? 

The relentless pursuit

(Song of Solomon 3:1–4)

• The woman searches for her beloved in the night, demonstrating a passionate, persistent pursuit.
• Journal Prompts:
  • Describe a time when you had to persistently pursue something you desired, whether a dream, a relationship, or a goal. What kept you motivated?
  • Reflect on your spiritual life. Do you actively pursue God, even when He feels distant, or do you wait for Him to come to you?
  • What might it look like to be more “relentless” in your pursuit of God’s heart and presence? 

The challenge of little foxes

(Song of Solomon 2:15)

• This verse warns of “little foxes that spoil the vineyards.” These can be small issues or distractions that, if left unchecked, damage the relationship.
• Journal Prompts:
  • What “little foxes” are currently active in your life? What seemingly small habits, thoughts, or distractions are undermining your closest relationships?
  • Consider your spiritual life. What are the subtle sins or compromises that threaten your intimacy with God?
  • Develop a plan to address one “little fox” this week. What intentional steps can you take to guard the “vineyard” of your heart? 

Commitment and security

(Song of Solomon 8:6–7)

• This passage speaks of love as a powerful, unquenchable flame, as strong as death and as fierce as the grave.
• Journal Prompts:
  • How do you nurture a “flame” of commitment and passion in your important relationships? What keeps the fire alive?
  • Reflect on the unshakable nature of God’s love for you. How does this provide you with a sense of security and peace, even during trials?
  • What does it mean to wear love like a seal on your heart and arm, as described in this passage? How can you live out this visible, tangible commitment?

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