Forced Prayer

[Jesster]

Why does it feel good to have a journal where I express my feelings to nothing?

Because you are not expressing it to nothing. You are expressing it at the very least, to yourself. The book and ink marks as letters and formed words/idea give you the reflective membrane, material information and space to know what you currently express.  So that you can reflect upon it and refine it into new and greater expressions.

It is the development of purpose and meaning.

Self reflection is absolutely wonderful. That's not what you were saying before though. If you want to change your tune and deny what you meant before, then great. We'll go with that instead.

Now that is similar to writing in a journal. As soon as it comes to "being thankful" to some outside mystery, you are going far beyond the journal comparison.