Prayer Journal
God desires to connect with us and prayer is a time where we simply talk and listen to Him. It is central to our Christian faith. Many see the necessity of prayer but struggle to pray because they have never been taught how to. This is where a simple prayer journal can help. As you know God more intimately each day, you will experience more of His presence, comfort, joy, peace and love.
Benefits of Having A Prayer Journal
Journaling helps you to grow a deeper prayer life as you express your thoughts and emotions in words. In the process, you will be surprised to discover how much God is at work in your life and what God is saying to you!
You could buy a physical journal to write your journal entries, set up a special file on your computer or use an online tool (e.g. Evernote) to type them in.
Tips to Categorise Your Prayer Journal
You could divide into different sections:
a) Praise and Thanks
b) Confession / Things to Improve
c) Daily Needs and Requests
d) Answered Prayers
e) People to Pray For
Sample Prayer Journal
The P.R.A.Y. Model
Praise
Psalm 106:1, “Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
God is good. We can never run out of things to praise Him for His amazing love and grace for us. Begin by thinking a reason to thank Him and begin praising for who He is.
“Dear God, I praise You because You are _______.”
You could also sing songs of adoration to Him (Psalm 96:1,2; Colossians 3:16) by playing praise and worship songs.
Repent
Isaiah 59:1-2, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
Sin keeps us from coming close to God, but God desires to be close with us. Ask God to check your heart and motives.
Receive His forgiveness for any area that He brings to mind (1 John 1:9) and forgive anyone who has offended you in any ways (Matthew 6:14-15).
“I am sorry for _______. Please forgive me and help me to change. I also want to forgive _______.”
Ask
Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
God is a generous giver. You can ask Him to provide all your needs (e.g.: strength to overcome and healing) and needs for others (e.g.: protection and salvation of your loved ones).
“I pray that You will help _______.”
Yield
Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Submit the outcome of your prayer to God. Trust in Him how He answers in His ways and timing. Choose to obey His instructions and do His will (Matthew 6:10).
“God, I will trust You for _______.”
Three Key Elements to Have When You Pray
a) A humble spirit to hear from God.
b) Faith in who God is.
c) An expectant heart to connect with God and that He hears and answers your prayers.