So, what is structured prayer journaling?
Most people who journal or prayer journal use a free-hand method where they write about what comes to their mind and is on their heart. Every entry can be different, as some days you may hash out a problem while the next day you may celebrate a happy moment. I would say that it is more of a moments-based approach.
Structured prayer journaling is formatted in such a way that it focuses everything toward God’s viewpoint and priorities. It is less about what I am doing, thinking and trying to solve, and more about what God is doing and wants to do in my life, which is a more holistic approach of my relationship with God. Not that it doesn’t address those things I am pondering, for it certainly does, but structured prayer journaling captures those things through the context of God’s movement in my life. This is what makes it such a powerful prayer discipline.
My format for a structured prayer journal has two main categories: practical and reflective. Each category has five sub-categories. These are the areas of my prayer life that they cover below:
Practical
- Thanksgiving & Praise Reports
- Overcoming Sin & Self Confessions
- Prayer Requests List
- God’s Answer to My Prayer Petitions
- Dates of when God Answered my Prayers
Reflective
- My Heart/My Passion Notes
- Witnessing List
- Insight & Updates to Spiritual Things
- Notes of Things God is Speaking to Me
- Obedience to God’s Promptings
Did I cover everything? I think so. Perhaps you may have another category that would be helpful to you? I will provide more details about each of my compartments (sub-categories) in future posts.
The reason I love structured prayer journaling is explained in this wonderful quote below by Charles H. Brent:
Tomorrow I will be sharing how important structured prayer journaling really is. It will give you an ah-ha moment!
I am participating in The Nester’s 31 Days of Writing; you can go here to keep up with my 31 day feature on structured prayer journaling.
Happy Journaling!!!
~gina
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Award-winning author Gina Duke is a wife, mom and the Director of Women’s Ministry at her local church. With a B.S. in Organizational Leadership, she is able to bring a clear word for authentic Christian living. Through her book, “Organizing Your Prayer Closet: A New and Life-Changing Way to Pray” (Abingdon Press), she imparts 1 Peter 4:7 with the gift of structured prayer journaling. You may also follow her on Twitter and Instagram @TheGinaDuke.
Dawn says
October 4, 2014 at 9:19 amHi Gina,
I enjoyed both of your posts you shared on a writing a structured prayer journal. Mine is not quite a detailed as yours, but I really like how you laid it out. I have a hard time sticking with the consistency of doing it, but when I do I see such a benefit in all areas. Makes me wonder why I don’t work harder, right?:) Prayer is as essential as breathing, it fills my wings and bouys me up to meet the day. I probably find myself just resting in Him, consistently, as my morning starts. It quiets my heart and direct my feet so that I can be a prayer-warrior when the day starts.
Thanks for sharing! Good luck on your 31 days of posting on the blog.
Blessings,
Dawn
ginaduke says
October 4, 2014 at 1:39 pmThanks, Dawn. Glad to meet another prayer journaler. I have to admit that I’ve been a little light this week as we have been vacationing with family for a wedding. With all of the pre-wedding festivities, 31 Days of writing and just spending time with our family, I’ve had a hard time being as diligent with it. But when that happens, I don’t sweat it. I am still praying just as regularly, but maybe not making as many journal entries. I plan to take a time of reflection when I get home and catching up. Hope you continue to tune in for my remaining posts!
~Gina