Why do you prayer journal?
What makes you so committed to this prayer discipline?
What keeps you coming back to it?
I’ll admit right now that I am addicted to prayer journaling. I cannot NOT do it. There is also a biblical reason for why I prayer journal.
Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer. 1 Peter 4:7
I had been doing structured prayer journaling for quite a while when I ran across this scripture, and it so resonated with me, that I held on to it. I have included it on every page of my prayer journaling worksheets to remind me of my journaling’s true purpose.
This verse gives me 3 parts to my journal’s purpose statement:
- It reinforces my sense of urgency in recording my prayers. Peter was right when he said that every matter will have a conclusion, and we must get busy praying over them
- It reinforces my commitment to prayer. The things we take to the Lord are precious and serious. If I did not prayer journal, I would personally feel as if I am not taking this spiritual discipline seriously. This may not be true for everyone so no judgment, but for me it is imperative that I journal through my prayers.
- It reinforces my discipline for an effective prayer life. My structured prayer journal directs my prayers; otherwise, I may ramble onto into oblivion, or sleep. This discipline gives me a clear mind so that I can pray.
It is these questions that compel me to carry on in structured prayer journaling. This is no passing phase for me. What about you?
Does your prayer journal have a purpose statement or inspiring scripture that keeps you on track?
Tomorrow, I will be sharing more from my experiences in prayer journaling.
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.
Many blessings,
~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.
Gina, What a good point. I’ve written a purpose statement for my planner, but not for my prayer journal. A simple reminder of why I’m committed and passionate to pursue prayer. Thanks and Blessings!
Thanks, Deb. I’ve never thought of doing a purpose statement with my planner. I will have to think about that…gina
My planner (which I will be buying a new one for 2015 because I love it so much) has a quote every week and a sort of focus point as well. I like direction and having intent and it definitely helps with that as well as keeping me organized. Having that idea for my prayer journal makes complete sense as well. I’m just starting prayer journaling (I’ve always journaled so it was a mish mash of both). I’m enjoying your tips!
So glad to hear this, Christie. If you order Organizing Your Prayer Closet, it has more tips and a 60-week structured prayer journal enclosed that you can use very much like a planner. There are scripture headers at the top of each compartment. Either way, you will really enjoy structured prayer journaling! Thanks for stopping by! ~gina