One of the first ones is laying beside me right now, as I type. It is open to the first page. The cover is purple and white, and it is spiral bound with white metal. At the top of the first lined page, in perfectly shaped cursive. Hebrews 11:1 is written out under the date: Sunday, January 23, 2005. Then, it begins with the words: “Father, I thank you for today, and I thank you that we can believe in you.”
This was only the beginning. Somewhere along the way, I remember writing a prayer that God would continue to bless my efforts in writing in a prayer journal. This first prayer journal is filled with pages lined with my perfect script in a black pen. Now, many journals and quickly scribbled thoughts later, my handwriting has almost been ruined. But I suppose that’s the joy of a prayer journal.
So, what is a prayer journal. In all my years of hearing about them, I have heard so many different explanations. Some people list everything they did during the day, some are written to God, some are written about God, some are books that are filled with Scripture and quotes, some are lists of prayer requests. Prayer journaling varies from person to person. However, there is a good deal of value in a prayer journal.
First, I think we should distinguish a prayer journal from a prayer list (or record).
In an ordinary diary, journaling implies writing about the day. Think of a prayer journal as a written record of your spiritual journey. Elisabeth Elliot refers to this type of journal as “Chronicle of a Soul”. She says: “My memory is poor. A journal is a record of His faithfulness (and my own faithfulness too- which teaches me to value His grace and mercy).” That’s a great way of looking at a prayer journal! This journal is a way for you to glimpse more of His faithfulness, grace, and mercy, especially over time.
The definition you have for a prayer/spiritual journal greatly affects what you put into it. I am not going to tell you all about my own prayer journal. However, I am going to give suggestions for what to fill your Chronicle of a Soul with.
1. Prayer Requests- Sometimes, I take the time to journal specifically about a specific issue. I think it is wonderful to have a place where you list all your prayer requests and their answers. But use your prayer journal as a place to journal more specifically about a prayer request that God has placed upon your heart.
2. Copy down Scriptures and quotes from your other reading.
3. Journal about specific ways a particular Scripture or quote has affected you, or how you desire to be changed
4. Tell God about your struggles, joys, pains, ideas… I talked about how God used my journaling to solidify parts of my decision regarding college (LINK)
5. Praises- reasons to be thankful, praising Him for His attributes, etc.
6. Anything else pertinent to your journey with Him.
Some people have lengthy entries every single day. Others write things down sporadically. I suggest that you have some type of routine (including it with your devotions), but also use it whenever you find something that speaks to You, something that reminds You of God, etc.
Write as you would write a letter to God.
Recently, a friend and I were talking about spiritual growth. She said that she would not realize God’s faithfulness, were it not for her prayer journals. The value of a spiritual journal immeasurable. And it is wonderful treasure for future generations. You can look back and see answered prayers, praising God for who He is and what He has done.
So, what do you think about spiritual journals? Any questions or ideas are welcome!
