A prayer is an act of communication with God, it is performed by various religions all over the world.
When we pray, we lay our lives before God, allowing him to take control and to guide us in our everyday journey.
Some of us were diligent prayer warriors when we were young, but things changed when we transitioned into adulthood. And it’s not because of lack of time, there are further deeper reasons attached to it.
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Before we learn about prayer journaling, let’s start by finding out the reasons you are struggling with prayer.
Some Reasons Why You Might be Struggling to Pray
Guilt.
Guilt is the most widely known prayer thief. When someone does not feel worthy of God’s love because of their sins, their subconscious calls them out when they attempt to pray and ask God for help.
But the truth of the matter is that Jesus came to die for our sins and that at the cross, through His shed blood, we were made clean and whole.Just like a rose that had been trampled and spat on by men but born anew to a beautiful sweet-smelling flower, we too were made anew.
Past Unanswered Prayers.
I believe that at some point, everyone has had delayed or unanswered prayers. Whether it was a job we were eyeing, or a financial situation that kept getting worse.
At that point, everything screams to us to give up, to give prayer up because what’s the use? Our minds question why we bother praying when they won’t be answered.
But the truth is everything happens according to God’s intended purpose, according to his will that we must submit to in order to align with it.
By trusting that what is meant to be will, we can find ourselves back on the prayer track.
You Feel you Don’t Need to Pray.
In our modern society, being independent and self-sufficient is something that has been praised by a lot of people including the media. When a person doesn’t have to rely on others for basic needs or emotional ones, they are seen as powerful and we aspire to be just like them.
But we forget that there is so much one can take. No matter how self-sufficient one is, they cannot shoulder every burden on themselves for man is not an Island. So why not turn to God when you are weary.
Scripture says in Matthew 11:28, ”Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I shall give you rest.”
Getting your feet back into prayer might seem like a scary thing especially if it’s been a while. Not to worry, prayer journaling might just be what you need to get back on the prayer track.
In prayer journaling, you write down what you normally would have spoken aloud during prayer.
Guilt is the most widely known prayer thief. When someone does not feel worthy of God’s love because of their sins, their subconscious calls them out when they attempt to pray and ask God for help.Where to Start
Getting a Prayer Journal.
This may look like a normal journal to others but in truth, it is where you shall
write down your prayers. Set aside this book just for this and don’t write anything else in it except your prayers, treat it as sacred as your Bible.The smaller the size of the journal, the better. Thus it shall be portable and you can go anywhere with it.
Place the journal in a safe but open place.
Place it somewhere easily accessible, whether it be your desk, next to your bed, or in the car, so you can jot down a few prayers before driving to work.By placing it in a location you wouldn’t miss, you will never forget to pray.
If you’re living with others, establish boundaries regarding it. Make sure to ask them not to open it without your permission.
Place the journal in a safe but open place.
Place it somewhere easily accessible, whether it be your desk, next to your bed, or in the car, so you can jot down a few prayers before driving to work.
By placing it in a location you wouldn’t miss, you will never forget to pray.
If you’re living with others, establish boundaries regarding it. Make sure to ask them not to open it without your permission.
write down your prayers. Set aside this book just for this and don’t write anything else in it except your prayers, treat it as sacred as your Bible.Writing the Actual Prayer.
This is the step after acquiring a prayer journal and finding a safe yet open place to place it. How exactly does one begin? Let’s find out
Start with Thanksgiving.
More often than not, we forget to give thanks for the things we have and go directly to asking for more.
Say you had a friend who helped you out during a financial crisis, after receiving their help, you ghost them and the next time you two talk, you ask for more help, without thanking them for the initial one. How is that person bound to feel?
This applies to God too. It is important to say thanks for what we have, be it good health, a nice loving family, food on our table, or even caring friends.
You can sum this up with one sentence. ‘What are you most grateful for at the moment?’ Every day will have a different answer and with this, your mindset will change too and you’ll be looking at the positive side of all situations.
Proceed with an Open and Sincere Heart.
It might sound silly to jot down your innermost fears and desires but realize that they are safe and you can present them before God openly without judgment.
He will listen and even if you don’t say anything out loud, he’ll still be able to know for he is Omniscient. Write down all that you feel and present them before God, he is a good listener.
Finish with a Verbal ‘Amen’.
After finishing your prayer in the prayer journal, verbally say Amen.
This helps remind your mind and heart that it is indeed prayer and it counts as much as a verbal prayer.
Example of a Written Prayer
Below is an example of a written Prayer to give you more guidance.
Good morning God
It’s 7 am and a bit chilly outside
First of all, thank you for giving me life yet on another day
I acknowledge that not everyone who went to sleep last night woke up
And for waking up in good health
I thank you
Thank you for the family you have blessed me with
My wonderful husband and kids
The joys of my life
As I begin my day, I pray for guidance
I pray for strength to face whichever obstacles lie on my path
Courage and compassion
I pray for a fruitful day at work
My boss Jimmy, soften his heart today
He’s been giving me a hard time
And I fear for my job
But I know my future is in your hands
And for that, I shall not be afraid
As I drive to work
Guide me and direct me
And as Hannah starts her first day at school
Watch over her with your blood.
Thank you
And In Jesus’ name
Amen.
What are the Benefits of Prayer Journaling
It helps connect you with God every day, your relationship improves and you’re more spiritually alert.
You consciously become aware of answered prayers.
Sometimes when we receive good news, we fail to give credit to God and to remember it’s an answered prayer.
Having a prayer journal helps you visually see the prayer request and once it has been answered, you could tick it off and it reminds you to give God the glory.
With a prayer journal, you’ll be able to effortlessly find your path back to God and your spirituality. There’s no need to wait around until the next year begins, why don’t you start now, because God is only one prayer away.
