3 Things To Write In Your Prayer Journal

Several weeks ago I wrote about prayer journaling and the concept of documenting your prayers and concerns in a prayer journal. 

Yet you may be wondering, “what do I put in a prayer journal? I can barely find time for prayer!”

I think many of us have started a personal journal and abandoned them. In fact, there’s a collection of very pretty half-started journals in a box somewhere in my garage. 

How It Started

A few years ago I got serious about regularly taking notes in church. It helps me stay focused and gives me a way to go back through sermon takeaways later on. Soon note-taking during sermons became a habit.

When I changed churches several years ago, I started going to a Bible study after the first service, and it seemed logical to add a printout of the lesson to my notes, making it easier to jot my questions and keep everything together.

Now I have a couple of volumes.

It’s not unusual to hear a prayer request at church, whether it’s in a study, the lobby or just between friends. I started writing those down in the same notebook so I could spend some time later praying for that person or need and not forget. 

How It’s Going

This small change of adding my prayer list to my sermon/study notes created an intentional habit that is transforming my life. 

Why?

God hears our prayers.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
Jeremiah 29:12 ESV

When I reflect on what God has done in my life and for others, I am often filled with joy. Does it mean that every one of our prayers are answered with miracle outcomes? No. Loved ones die. Tragedies happen. Life isn’t fair. Yet, He comforts us, and being reminded of the times He delivered us through life’s storms is important in building our faith and teaching us to rely upon Him.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” 

Colossians 4:2 ESV

Three Prayer Journal Essentials

Alright, let’s get back to the topic at hand: What should I include a prayer journal? Well, anything you want! I promised you three, though, so here are my top 3:

1. Prayers: This includes your pleadings, questions, requests, and quite frankly, the things we don’t know, don’t understand and don’t know what to do with. Just write it down.
2. Praises: When a prayer is answered, remind and encourage yourself by adding it back as a praise.
3. Scripture: Are you fortifying your prayers with God’s Word? Fill your journal with the verses and scripture that catch your eye and heart. Go ahead and mark up your Bible. You’ll need those verses for days when your prayers seem too big, too impossible and too improbable. 

Father, we rejoice that we can come to you with our needs and our praises. You are so faithful! Please guide our hearts to stay in a constant mindset of prayer for others as much as for ourselves. Your will be done. Amen.

— Elise