Journaling with Jesus: The Life-Changing Habit of Prayer Journaling
Have you ever found yourself sitting quietly, wondering how to express your thoughts and feelings to God?
Have you been overwhelmed by your feelings with no outlet?
If so, let me introduce you to the world of prayer journaling! It’s like having a heart-to-heart talk with your best friend but on paper.
Starting a prayer journal will grow your faith. A prayer journal is like having a cozy conversation with a close friend, where you can spill out all your hopes, fears, and gratitude without worrying about interruptions or judgment. Plus, writing things down helps clarify what’s on your heart and allows you to reflect on how far you’ve come over time.
A few years from now, imagine flipping through the pages of your journals and seeing the insights you have gained through your faith journey. As you read through the pages, you will find prayers you have jotted down for loved ones and moments of divine intervention that remind you that you’re never truly alone. Plus, it’s an awesome way to track answered prayers—because, we so quickly forget how much we’ve been blessed!
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Getting Started with Prayer Journaling
You might be thinking, how do I start a prayer journal?
It’s easy. Start with a journal or notebook that you like. You can use a simple spiral notebook, a guided prayer journal, or a printable like the Pray without Ceasing journal.
When you start writing, remember there is no right or wrong way! You want to freely express your thoughts and feelings. No one will read this journal except you unless you share it with them.
Your prayer journal can be as formal or as whimsical as you wish. You can use different formats like bullet points one day, doodle or sketch another day—whatever feels right!
Write about what’s on your heart – what makes you happy and makes you feel burdened. I Peter 5:7 says to cast all our cares and worry on Jesus because He loves and cares for us.
Don’t feel like you are required to write in your journal; write when you want to. Some days, you may have pages to write and many emotions to express and other days, you might write a sentence or two.
Finally, you can include quotes from scripture or your favorite Bible teachers that inspire you. Or you can write little notes of encouragement to yourself.
So grab that cute notebook you’ve been saving (you know the one!) and start filling it with your thoughts and prayers.
In a few weeks, you will be surprised how this daily practice could deepen your faith in ways you’ve never imagined!
30 Prayer Journal Prompts to Grow Your Faith
I want to help you get started. Here are 30 prayer journal prompts and a daily Bible verse to write for encouragement that highlights each prompt. You can write the verse or use it as inspiration in your journal.
- Write a prayer of gratitude for three specific blessings in your life today. Write I Thessalonians 5:18.
- Reflect on a challenge you are currently facing. Write a prayer asking for guidance and strength. Write Isaiah 30:21.
- Describe a person in your life who needs support. Write a prayer for their well-being and healing. Write John 13:34.
- Write about a time when you felt a deep connection with God. What were the circumstances, and what did you learn about the nature of God during this time? Write James 4:8.
- Pray for clarity regarding a decision you need to make. Ask for wisdom and guidance as you make this decision. Write Proverbs 3:5-6.
- Reflect on a scripture or spiritual quote that inspires you. Write a prayer that incorporates its message. Write your favorite Bible verse or a verse that inspires you.
- Write a prayer of forgiveness for someone who has hurt you. What emotions do you need to release? Write Ephesians 4:32.
- Describe a dream or aspiration you have. Write a prayer asking for help in pursuing it. Write Psalm 32:8.
- Reflect on the beauty of nature around you. Write a prayer of appreciation for the world you live in. Write Genesis 1:31.
- Write about a fear that is holding you back. Pray for courage to overcome it. Write Joshua 1:9.
- Pray for your community or the world. Choose an issue or person/people you want to lift up in prayer. Write Jeremiah 29:7.
- Reflect on a time when you felt lost or uncertain. Write a prayer seeking direction and purpose. Write Psalm 119:105.
- Write a prayer for your personal growth. What areas do you want to focus on? Write II Timothy 3:16.
- Describe a recent moment of joy. Write a prayer of thanks for that experience. Write Philippians 4:4.
- Pray for someone who has been a source of inspiration in your life. What qualities do you admire in them? Write Exodus 18:21.
- Write about a lesson you learned recently. Pray for wisdom to continue learning and growing. Write Psalm 25:4-5.
- Reflect on a time when you felt peace during a storm. Write a prayer thanking the divine for that comfort. Write Mark 4:39.
- Pray for the strength to let go of something that no longer serves you. What do you need to release? Write Matthew 6:33.
- Write a prayer for hope in difficult times. What specific situations do you want to address? Write Romans 15:13.
- Reflect on your relationships. Write a prayer asking for healing and understanding in any strained connections. Write Proverbs 10:12.
- Write about a specific goal you want to achieve this month. Pray for the motivation and resources to reach it. Write Isaiah 40:31.
- Pray that your faith will grow and be strengthened. What causes you to doubt your faith? Write Deuteronomy 31:6.
- Reflect on the concept of love. Write a prayer asking for the ability to give and receive love more freely. Write I Corinthians 16:14.
- Write a prayer for someone who is struggling today. What specific support do you pray that God gives them? Write Proverbs 27:17.
- Describe a time when you struggle with God’s timing in your life. Write a prayer of trust in that timing. Write Psalm 130:5.
- Pray for patience in a situation that is testing you. What can you learn from this experience? Write Psalm 25:5.
- Write about a moment when you felt God worked in your life. Pray for more experiences that bring you joy, fulfillment, and God’s purpose. Write Jeremiah 1:5.
- Reflect on the importance of gratitude. Write a prayer expressing your appreciation for the little things. Write Colossians 3:17.
- Write a prayer for the future. What hopes and dreams do you want to bring to God in prayer? Write Micah 7:7.
- Write a letter to your future self. What encouragement and prayers do you want to share with them? Write Philippians 1:6.
A prayer journal will help you see how God is working in your life and answering your prayers day by day. Start your prayer journal today with the Pray Without Ceasing Prayer Journal designed to strengthen and grow your prayer life.
I hope these prayer journal prompts deepen your prayer life and enhance your spiritual reflections!
Reflection:
How could a prayer journal strengthen your prayer life?
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