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After I wrote this post about keeping a prayer journal (and provided an adorable free printable for your first 30 days of prayer journaling,) I got a few emails from people who wanted to know what it actually looked like to keep a prayer journal.
Is it literally just writing out prayers or is there more to it than that?Well the answer is yes and yes.
Yes–you can write out whole entire prayers, but there are also many other things to track as well. We’ll get to those in a second, but first let’s talk about the purpose of a prayer journal.
What is the purpose of tracking your prayers in a prayer journal?
For me personally, it’s a way to stay organized and to hold myself accountable. When I see “Sally” at the library and she asks me to pray for her father who is having heart surgery–well I want to be sure I actually remember to do it!
I always admire people who can remember every name and prayer request that comes their way–but my memory stinks!
Once you spend some time praying for another person, they become hard to forget; you just have to remember to actually pray for them! That’s where a prayer journal comes in.
I also believe that writing is another form of worship–so when I’m putting pen to paper, I’m doing it for the glory of God. He is in my heart and mind the whole time I’m writing and nobody except Him and me are ever going to see what’s in that journal (most likely) so it truly is all about Him.
So what are some other things to track in your prayer journal? I’ll list a few of my favorites–
10 things you need to start tracking in your prayer journal TODAY!
People and ministries you pray for daily or almost daily–family, friends, church, missionaries…
Answered Prayers–keeping track when prayers that you’ve been praying are answered
Dreams and visions–sometimes passing thoughts and dreams hold a lot of truth, but they are so easy to forget.
Meaningful scripture verses that come to mind during prayer–or when a verse catches your eye when you’re reading the Bible. Maybe there is something there that God wants you to see.
Praises–capture all of those “Yay, God!” moments
Scripture verses for specific situations–for example:prayers for a friend in the military, or scripture to remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Confessions–sometimes you just gotta put it all out there. Was my heart pure? Was I wasteful of my time or money? Did I depend on myself or God?
Personal needs or the needs of others that only God can fulfill–in other words–miracles!
Thanksgiving/gratitude–in my journal, this one always ends up as a “thank you” note to God.
List of people who haven’t yet received the Lord as their Savior–not as a way to separate or shame them. To me,this is the most important page in my journal–our pastor says, “these are the people God misses most”
Think about Luke 15:4
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”
I can’t wait to hear how the prayer journaling is going for you–leave a comment below and let me know
If you are still looking for more information on prayer journaling, check out my friend, Mary from HealthyChristianHome.com–she has a post called, The Ultimate Guide to Prayer Journaling–don’t miss it!!
Change Your Prayer Life TODAY–Join the 21 Day Prayer Journal Challenge!!
First visit! Totally impressed! You could be my far-away spiritual coach! Thank you for your work… and for sharing it! I am sure I am not the only one who will benefit from your ideas!
Best to you and your family!
You’re too kind–
Thanks for stopping by, friend!
This is phenomenal. I have been wanting to start a prayer journal but didn’t have the steps to take. Your posts are just what I needed. Thank you so much. I love your site and can’t wait to read more! ???
You’re so sweet! Thanks for stopping by…keep me posted on your prayer journal journey 🙂
Thanks for all of your ideas! I keep my prayer journal as part of my bullet journal and track some basics – people, today, this week, and answers. I have a spot for “notes,” which can be inspiration or whatever comes to mind. I also keep two spots – one for a gratitude and one for a general prayer for our whole family.
Awesome!! I started a war Binder and it’s one of the best things that I’ve done ever. I will be adding dreams and visions and unsaved people to pray for. Thank you!!!!!!!!
Popped over from Pinterest after finding this pin on the By His Grace board.
I love how comprehensive this list is! It’s such a blessing to see the various ways we can journal in prayer to the Lord.
could u pray for me please i am going through alot…
Thank you so much for all you do. I can’t wait for your ebook on 365 days of prayer journal prompts!!! Do you know if you’ll be introducing it as a freebie initially? Thank you again!!!
I love this. I began journaling daily with my devotionals. Memorizing Scripture has been a struggle for me so I have started writing scripture.
I knew it was comforting and I always look forward to my journal time. I never thought of it the way you put it. A time of worship! I am looking forward to adding prayer journaling to this!
Thank you!
I love that you encourage prayer for people who haven’t found Jesus yet and that you take time to say not to shame them. Thank you!
So much wisdom in this post! I love that you mentioned including answered prayers. It can be so easy to get caught up in all we need done or feel we are lacking or falling behind in. It’s nice sometimes to just take a step back and look at all God has done for us. Sometimes we need that visual reminder that God is in our corner.
Thank you for all these wounderful advices. I’m just starting my prayer notebook
A VERY helpful post. Grateful for your time, effort and love.
May God shine on you and your family.
Thank you .I am encouraged to learn that journaling is a form of worship.
Thank you for this article and the encouragement! I used to keep a prayer journal, but got away from it. I need to start doing this again.
I love this thank you so much