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I think that keeping a prayer journal is so important because it allows you a space to write out your prayers to God and keep them forever. In fact, I think keeping any kind of journal is really important.
Besides writing out my prayers in my journal, I also have a list of running prayer requests and a list of people I pray for daily.
AND-I keep a page for answered prayers—I love tracking how God has fulfilled his promises. It’s also really encouraging to see those answered prayers when you’re in the midst of crisis.
Before you get started, check out this post about 9 of my favorite prayer journal tools.
The MOST important tip I have about your prayer journal is this: Use the first few pages as an “index” and number each page in your journal. I do this so that I can quickly refer back to something I wrote or prayed about without having to flip through my entire journal. You will be so glad you did this, trust me!
There are a lot of great resources out there to help you actually create your prayer journal.
- Litereally–everything you need to know about setting up a prayer journal at Intentional By Grace
- A simple and yet functional prayer journal example at Arabah Joy
- How to set up a binder prayer journal at “Lies Young Women Believe”
- Another great example here at Lynnae McCoy
Once you have the journal, how do you get started?
Well it’s your lucky day–I have come up with 30 prompts to get you started on your prayer journaling journey! And actually–even if you’ve kept a prayer journal for a long time, these prompts are great for getting you refocused.
Each day, you read the prompt and pray about whatever comes to mind–some days the topics are broad and other days they are specific; but each prompt allows you the freedom to go as deep as you’d like.
Some days it might look like a list and other days it might be love letter to God.
Do not try to put yourself in a box by saying, “This is how a prayer journal is supposed to look,” because there is no right or wrong way to do it and these basic prompts are meant to help you discover your best way to keep a prayer journal.
I also included a scripture with each one to give you a jumping-off point if you need it.
Prompts for Your First 30 Days of Prayer Journaling:
- Day 1: Your family (Psalm 103:17-18)
- Day 2: Your neighborhood and neighbors (Mark 12:31)
- Day 3: Your town/city (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Day 4: Government and political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
- Day 5: Your church (Ephesians 1:17-18)
- Day 6: Someone who needs salvation (Romans 1:16)
- Day 7: A friend who is sick (James 5:13-16)
- Day 8: A military family (Romans 12:12)
- Day 9: A local mission (1 Peter 3:14)
- Day 10: Something you are thankful for (Ecclesiastes 3:12)
- Day 11: A sin (or sins) you need to confess (Romans 10:9-10)
- Day 12: Contentment (Psalm 37:16)
- Day 13: An important decision you need to make (Galatians 6:9)
- Day 14: Your spouse (or future spouse) (Mark 10:9)
- Day 15: An elderly friend (Titus 2:3)
- Day 16: Your mentor (Proverbs 27:17)
- Day 17: Someone you mentor (2 Timothy 2:2)
- Day 18: A Biblical truth you’re lacking (Luke 10:27)
- Day 19: A person you don’t get along with (Matthew 5:44)
- Day 20: Something you need to trust God with (Romans 8:28)
- Day 21: Your goals and plans (Joshua 1:9)
- Day 22: Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Day 23: Miracles (Deuteronomy 10:21)
- Day 24: A friend who needs prayer (Psalms 103:13-14)
- Day 25: Something you feel guilty about (1 John 1:9)
- Day 26: A missionary family (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Day 27: A fear you need to face (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Day 28: Thankfulness (Ephesians 5:20)
- Day 29: Something you’re embarrassed about (Psalm 112:7)
- Day 30: Your spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:1-12)
After you complete your first 30 days of prayer journaling, you can either start over at day 1 or just pray about whatever comes to your mind on each day. I find that if I have a list of ideas on hand, I am more likely to actually journal each day.
For an adorable printable Copy of these prompts, sign up and I’ll Email you a link to download the PDF file. It’s super handy to keep tucked inside your journal or Bible.
Let me know how it goes–I’d love to hear how these prompts inspired you during your prayer journal time.
Linked Up:
Change Your Prayer Life TODAY–Join the 21 Day Prayer Journal Challenge!!
I think the prompts will help me in keeping my prayer journal.
Which bible translation are you using?
would love this 30 day prompt list to help me journal and pray better I use the ESV
This is 100% exactly what I needed right now. The Lord has called me to get up early every morning specifically to pray for things. His timing is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing.