Prayer is an important communication tool that we believers have, allowing us access to God in a personal way. While there are many strategies for vibrant prayer life, one noteworthy component is a prayer journal. When you make prayer journaling a habitual part of your daily life, you prioritize prayer and discover real results.

What is a Prayer Journal?

A prayer journal is as simple or as complex as you desire it to be. It is basically a written form of your prayers and/or prayer needs. It can either be you writing out your actual daily prayers in text format or could instead be a list form of prayer needs that you are talking to God about in prayer that day.

How to Start and Keep a Prayer Journal

You can go about the process of starting a prayer journal in a couple of ways. You can opt for the ultra-simple lined notebook and create your own, or you can buy a prayer journal online. The act of starting a prayer journal is simple. Most people date their entries, and then make a point to write in their journal daily. If daily is too frequent, perhaps begin by trying to commit to three entries a week or something similar. Whatever you have to do to begin, the important part is starting. Then, as you get more used to the process, it will come more naturally, and you will begin to miss your prayer journaling on days you can’t get to it.

Prayer Journal Ideas

The thought of starting your own prayer journal should not overwhelm or intimidate you. Remember, this is a personal process that you are using to grow your prayer life and create a more rich experience. There really isn't a “right” or “wrong” way to go about it. The following are some prayer journal ideas that will get you headed in the right direction.

1. Look at Templates
2. Buy a Blank Journal
3. Buy a Journal Online
4. Make Sections

Look at Templates

If you aren’t sure exactly how to go about starting a prayer journal, take a minute to search online for prayer journal templates. This will give you some great jumping-off points for creating your own prayer journal. You can even print these out for prompts if you want or purchase a journal that has templates for you to fill in answers. For example, doing a quick online search, one template has a section for the “date, scripture” you are reading that day, followed by a section for you to enter some things you are “praising God for” or are thankful about. Then, there is a section that says “prayers for” and this allows you to list needs for yourself and others. Finally, the template ends with an “on my heart” today section, which, of course, gives you an area to just jot down what is weighing heavy on your heart and mind that day. This is an example of one template, but online, you can find hundreds of options, meaning there is one that will fit your preferences exactly. Of course, if you can’t find something you like, you can always create your own. Speaking of which…

Buy a Blank Journal

If you don’t like any of the templates you find online, or perhaps you just don’t like prompts at all and prefer instead of treating your prayer journal completely as your own, a product of your own thoughts, perhaps changing daily as to what you write, you can opt for a blank journal. There are all sorts online that you can choose from that are simply lined pages you can fill in as you see fit. You can also design your own journal with prompts of your choosing.

Buy a Journal Online

Take a quick look on Amazon for prayer journals, and you will see a large variety from which to choose. Some are simply beautifully designed lined books that allow you to enter your own prayers and your own prompts. Others include prompts or templates that are designed to help you as you journal.

Make Sections

Finally, when creating your prayer journal, if you do opt to go about the process yourself, instead of buying a journal you just fill in, it’s a good idea to divide your daily entries into prayer types. This allows you to approach your prayer life comprehensively and adhere to the Bible's teaching on the proper way to approach God in prayer. For example, there are a few types of prayer that are highlighted throughout the scriptures. Ideally, you will use each of these prayers to guide you as you pray.

Common Types of Prayer

The following are just a few examples of the many types of prayer and some scriptural examples:

• Adoration - This is praising God for who He is. Exalting the Lord. Some scripture examples of adoration can be found in Psalm 104:1-4, Nehemiah 9:5-6, 1 Kings 8:22-24. 
• Lament - This isn’t nearly as pleasant but still necessary for a well-rounded relationship with God. The lament aspect of prayer is where we bring our doubts and fears and even despair to God. It is where we talk about depression and any difficulties we are facing in life. Some Biblical examples of lament can be found in Psalm 88:1-7, Psalm 13:2-3 and Lamentations 5:1-5.
• Thanksgiving - This is where we thank God for all He has done for us both in the past, what He continues to do daily and what he will do in the future. This helps us become more grateful. Some examples of this in scripture include Luke 1:46-55 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
• Petition - This type of prayer is when we ask God to work on our behalf. It is asking for God to work, but goes much deeper as you can see in the examples of it in the scripture found in Ephesians 3:14-21, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and in Genesis 18:22-33.
• Deliverance - This is very similar to petition, but it is more focused on asking for protection from dangerous situations or to be saved from difficult circumstances. Psalm 3, Luke 22:39-42 and Jonah 2 are all examples of this type of prayer.

Prayer Journals Are Great Tools

Prayer journals are great tools to use to enhance your daily prayer life. Consider adding our Love in Faith’s Bible Box, and the Bible box subscription for new Christian products each month for an even greater focus on your prayer life and daily walk with Christ.