How to Make A Prayer Journal

Last Updated: March 15, 2023 Approved

There are many different ways to talk to God through your prayer, and there even some things to avoid. One method of prayers is to write a journal (something like a diary of prayers). You'll be amazed to see how God has been answering your prayers as you keep track of what you've been praying about.

Steps

1
Get a journal. Any journal will do, as long as it has paper and no writing in it. It could be a journal or a diary. It doesn't matter. It should have a decent amount of pages in it, at least 70 so it will last for a while.
2
Find a hiding spot. You will be writing down your prayers in here, even the personal ones that you don't want anyone else knowing about. It's good if no one ever knows where your journal is. It is even better if they don't even know that it exists. It's harder to find something you're not looking for.

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3
Write an entry. It doesn't matter how you write it. Just write it. But make sure you include the date. You'll want to know what day you wrote it later on. When you're writing, don't leave out anything. Just say your prayer that is going through your mind. Write exactly what you would say if you were "talking" to Him. Just talk to God.
4
Go back and read. Once you write an entry, don't read it again until you fill up the journal. Once you fill it up, read everything, and you'll be amazed at all of the prayers that got answered. It's a really neat thing to realize that prayer works. When God has answered your prayer sometimes you will know but sometimes you wouldn't know since it may be different from what you wanted or expect.
5
Consider listing the names of people you're thinking of for prayer, and why some especially need prayer, realizing that you know that you can write about interceding in prayer for the needs of and about people. Write about praising God including in advance for blessings on these persons -- as well as on yourself -- both those that have happened, are desired and expected.

Community Q&A

Question

I'm slightly confused on how prayer journals work. Do I still pray, or is the journal enough? And how does God hear the prayers if they're only written?

Elizabeth White

Community Answer

You can decide this on your own! Some people just write it, and some people (like me) write it and then pray. The choice is yours. Always assume that God is all powerful and all-knowing. He will know your prayers if you write them down.
Question

Is it okay to write down my prayers in a composition notebook?

Community Answer

Of course! That's part of journaling as well. If you don't want to use a notebook, use a computer or your phone.
Question

How do I prevent a prayer from becoming repetitive and boring?

Community Answer

Think of God as your best friend. Tell Him everything you worry about, are happy about or are sad about.

Warnings

Don't let anyone find your journal unless you are comfortable with other people reading it.

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If you are comfortable with other people reading it, hide it anyway.

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:5-7).

God doesn't want you to show off your praying, so don't go bragging about it.

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