Prayer Journal

 Diaries and journals, things of girlhood that have followed me into my adult life.  They have been such a help.

In early elementary school I tried keeping a journal.  I never knew quite what to write and felt strange just recording my life for an unknown future generation.  Those entries are short and sporadic.

As a teenager, I began journaling to God.  It felt good to be writing to someone who was reading my words and actively caring about my cares of each day.

I have a box full of prayer journals now.  I prefer spiral bound, hard cover, with thick, lined paper.  I can still find them for less than $5 at Ross and sometimes Walmart.

My journal keeps me grounded.  I can vent my troubles, praise God for His answers to prayer, thank Him for His involvement that I recognize, but didn't necessarily ask for.  

On occasion, I go back and read through previous entries, and I can see how He has been working and where my attitude has been.  I can see where He has answered prayers in ways that I might not have recognized otherwise.  It helps me adjust my perspective and recognize patterns that might need changing.

My prayer journals increase the benefits of my walk of faith.  Writing my prayers keeps my mind focused on what I am saying to God and minimizes the bunny trails my thoughts can take me on when I am praying without pen and paper.

It especially helps me as a mom.  My kids interrupt my prayer time, and I can set down my pen and manage the current situation and return back to where I was to finish my conversation with God.

A few years ago, I was reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

After that, I usually start my prayer journal giving thanks for something, even when it might take me a bit to come up with something I can be thankful for.  It helps my attitude and keeps my heart humble towards God.