Do you keep a prayer journal? It’s a wonderful way to spend time with God, deepen your faith. Rereading old entries can also help us remember the ways He works in your daily life. You’ll see how a situation is an answer to a prayer, or you’ll marvel at the grace He showers every day. Want to start a prayer journal? Here are some things that may help.
Write down your prayer requests
Instead of worrying about everything, pray about anything. Yes, that includes life crises and the small, everyday frustrations that we often feel are too insignificant for God. But no problem is too large for Him to handle nor too insignificant for us to lift them to Him. When I think, ‘God wouldn’t care about this!’ I remember how my toddler was terrified of the neighbor’s terrier. I didn’t laugh at him and say, ‘Don’t be silly! It’s such a small, harmless dog!’ Instead, whenever we passed by that house, I would offer my hand so he could tightly hold on to me until the ‘danger’ was over.
Praise God for His blessings
I try to look for at least 5 things I’m grateful for. ‘Thank you for the funny email I got from a friend. It helped me start the day with a smile.’ ‘Thank you for helping me find a taxi cab before the rain got very strong.’ I also like to go back to old prayer requests and write down the date and the way that God answered it (that’s also a reason why I always leave about 1/3 of the page free).
Write down a scripture
The prayer journal isn’t just about you talking to God, but you listening to Him and waiting on His word. Writing down a scripture and then reflecting on it can deepen your faith. (Read our tips on meditating on scripture.) I also write down any questions or concerns, which I can later ask my church leader or use as a point of reflection at a later date.
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