Have you ever heard of prayer journaling? The wonderful thing is that there is no right or wrong way of doing this. I have done prayer journaling for many years and have found that it is beneficial not only for my emotional well-being but for my spiritual well-being as well. After explaining prayer journaling to so many of my clients, I have decided to share on my website how prayer journaling can work. There are many templates online that you can download and follow. I would encourage that you simply write in a journal or notebook and preferably no fill in the blank leads. This will allow your thoughts and feelings to flow naturally, and sharing with God, in time, may be easier, real and honest.
You may ask, what's the difference between prayer journaling and journaling? Prayer journaling is praying and writing to God versus just putting thoughts on paper. In prayer journaling, you entrust God to help you and guide you with what you are feeling and thinking. At the same time, you can release stress, anxiety, emotions and possibly gain understanding or clarity since you are allowing the Holy Spirit to be a part of your journaling. In journaling you write down your thoughts and feelings to release stress, anxiety, and emotions. I am not discouraging journaling, I am just wanting to share the benefits of prayer journaling.
For me, prayer journaling is derived from: Philippians 4:6-7:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." .
1. When you begin your prayer journaling, address how you would start your prayers with God. For example, "Good Morning Father, .. or Hello my Lord, ... However is most comfortable for you.
2. You definitely want to thank Him first (ref. Phil 4:6). It can be for something that happened during the day, something that comes to mind. For example, thanking God for giving you strength to get through another day.
3. Then you pour your feelings and thoughts to HIM on paper. Try your best to be as honest and real as you can with HIM. As you are writing, ask HIM for what you need, or if you are praying for someone you are worried about, pray for them. Share your feelings, for example, “I am overwhelmed today because ___.” Share your thoughts. This part of the journaling process is where you lay it all at HIS feet. Our Father listens to us when we pray. Whether it's through written words or speaking to Him.
4. Try to always end in Jesus' name. Jesus did say that if we ask anything in His name, our Father in Heaven will do it (John 14:13-14). Of course GOD will answer us, but HE can respond with: Yes, Wait, No, or I have something better for you. Remember, God sees the panoramic picture of your life. He loves you and knows what’s best for you.
I hope this guide will help you as you start your prayer journaling journey. You will also be blessed to look back and see the growth, pruning and answered prayers God grants you. Writing thoughts and feelings to God was a way King David spoke to Him. If he can do it, I know God would delight in our writing to Him too. Till next time.
All In Christ's Love,
Monica