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Jun 22, 2016
Catholic Influencers· Faith

8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal

I once transformed a marble copybook into a prayer journal.  Writing in it helped me:

diary.jpg

pay closer attention during prayer,

relieve stress,

express some creativity,

and

document my feelings and thoughts.

One of my goals this month is to really get back into keeping a prayer journal.  I long to enjoy this “me time” and prayer time.  Perhaps even with a glass of wine . . .

There are affiliate links within this article.  Thank you for helping me continue writing at prayerwinechocolate.com!

 

Here are 8 ways to turn a blank notebook into a prayer journal:

  1.  Write Letters

    I often loose focus and start to daydream when I do, well, anything.  So in order to feel more focused in prayer, I started writing letters to Jesus.  I also have written letter to saints asking for their intercession. I tell the Lord what I am thinking about, what I am grateful for, what I desire and what I worry about.  I once wrote a letter to Jesus telling Him why I had been relentless in my prayers about meeting a man that would be my husband.  In that letter I was very specific about why I wanted to be a wife so badly.  These letters helped me pray, and also helped me really search my heart.

    philomenajournal1

  2. Copy Prayers

    Many times I have started a novena for a specific request, and half way through the nine days of praying my intention’s wording changed.  It often would change so much it became an entirely different prayer. This is a huge reason why I LOVE novenas.  I find, often, that what I want – is not really what God wants.  I feel like that becomes apparent when day 4’s intentions are much different than day 1’s.  So, now when I commit myself to saying a novena, I really have to ask myself – is this a strong desire, or just a wish?  Writing the prayer out takes time, so I must evaluate if that time and energy is really worth it to me.  Once I decide to pray the novena, I write out the whole prayer on Day 1 – and I write my specific intention.  For the next 8 days I pray that prayer through reading what I wrote.  This way, my intention stays the same in wording.  If I don’t make it through, chances are, what I was asking wasn’t truly in my heart. If you think an email reminder would help you in praying a novena, you can sign up for that here: Pray More Novenas!

  3. Write an inspiring quote or lyrics from an uplifting song, then decorate the page

    Years ago when I started keeping a prayer journal, there was a song “I Turn to You” sung by Christina Aguilera.  The lyrics were in the Catholic Newspaper in our area, and an author called it “A Pop Song Psalm”.  I cut out the lyrics and glued it to a page.  Around it I wrote things like, “Be more prayerful”, “be more grateful”.  It gave me an excuse to color and draw!

  4. Color and Paste 🙂

    I’m so happy adult coloring books are all the rage – but honestly, give me a kid coloring book and I’ll be just as happy!  Here are some links so that you don’t have to purchase any coloring books!  The following bloggers have free coloring pages waiting for you! Katie Bogner at Look to Him and Be Radiant has a ton of free coloring pages!  I love her work!  From Fulton Sheen quotes to The Works of Mercy you will find many to choose from! Colleen Mitchell at Blessed are the feet will give you four free coloring pages just for subscribing to her blog! Dianna Kennedy has a free Rosary Coloring Book she gives to all her subscribers.  She says it’s for kids, but I signed up to get that for me!  Perfect for a journal page in my opinion! You can purchase 20 coloring pages from me to download instantly!  To get yours go to Coloring Printables from Be Yourself

  5. These colored penciled are the best!  Save the Crayola for the kids – these feel and look like butter! Prismacolor Colored Pencils

    journaling1.jpg

  6. Cut out and paste a devotion, article or picture and decorate the page around it

    I once read a reflection piece on John 6:7.  The author who reflected on this miracle of the loaves and fishes, pointed out that grace is not bound by either logic or arithmetic – that Jesus’ presence turns scarcity into abundance.  I cut it out and wrote quotes from the reflection around it.  I drew pictures. I felt like it was a letter from Jesus to me telling me not to worry and have hope!

  7. Make a collage!

    Use real photographs and fill the page of pictures and thank the Lord for all of these wonderful blessings. Use magazine pictures to show God all that you dream of and hope for as a prayer of petition!

  8. Use stickers, stencils, markers, stamps and washi tape!

    When I was a young girl, I LOVED stickers! I collected them, kept a sticker book, traded them and my heart did a certain kind of leap when my mom bought me a pack for no special occasion.  Stickers bring me such fond memories and a childlike joy.  I also remember it being a special occasion when I could use markers.  Do I sound ancient? I don’t care, pass those scented markers and that stamp pad, I’ll make this page look pretty and praise God in some shape or form!JesusItrust1

  9. Use Holy Cards and Holy Images

    Years ago I glued on this holy card to the first page of my prayer journal.  I believe it set an incredible tone and was a much needed reminder that I needed each time I opened that book.  Now I have my eye on a beautiful illustration of Mary, Undoer of Knots.  I was first introduced to this title of Mary when Pope Francis came to Philadelphia last Fall.  I would really like to pray this novena and the picture that is in the April issue of Serenity, the Little Sisters of the Poor’s publication has “wowed” me. I am excited to cut it out and put it in my journal!  Amazon has some awesome holy card sets as well!

    Check out: Vintage Replica Holy Cards; 54 Holy Cards; and Favorite Bible Verses!

     

    What did I miss?  Which idea do you like the most?  Would you go to a girls’ day out where you would take time to journal with your girlfriends?   I’m working on that idea next!!!

    Do you prefer a more guided journal?  Check out my article: 10 Best Journals for Busy Women !!!

 



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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. A Beautiful Camouflaged Mess says

    June 22, 2016 at 11:02 am

    I could totally envision myself decorating a page, or coloring a coloring page, or making a collage with some spiritual music on in the background, humming (or singing) to myself… after children are fast asleep…

    These are great suggestions, and perhaps as life allows for some downtime in the future, I can try some of these ideas! Thank you!

    • Amy says

      June 22, 2016 at 11:49 am

      I love the idea of having spiritual music on in the background! Thank you so much for suggesting that! Now the trick is – finding downtime! Thank you so much for commenting!

  2. Darla from HeartWork Organizing says

    June 22, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    I love the idea of adding color and cards into a journal. Better than just endless lists.

    • Amy says

      June 22, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Definitely better than endless lists!!! I agree!

  3. Kathleen says

    June 22, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    I love going back and reading my journal entries and seeing how God has answered my prayers.

    • Amy says

      June 22, 2016 at 1:55 pm

      That is such an awesome thing to do! I am so glad you mentioned it – since I totally forgot! God Bless you Kathleen!

  4. Mallory says

    June 22, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    I actually improved my prayer life with my prayer journal. Thanks for posting these ideas.

    • Amy says

      June 22, 2016 at 4:40 pm

      No problem – I needed to hear that. I keep saying I can’t find the time – but I need to make the time in order to improve my prayer life! Thank you Mallory!

  5. carrie says

    June 22, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    Sounds so refreshing! I always was more consistent when I used a journal. I should get back to it!

    • Amy says

      June 23, 2016 at 7:53 am

      It’s hard – life is so busy!

  6. Alicia says

    June 23, 2016 at 7:36 am

    I posted a comment but it seemed to disappear into the great unknown, lets see if I can do it again. These are such great ideas and I love the idea of a prayer journal and it has given me more ideas for my life-history journal. I am recording all the stories and events that I can remember from growing up until now, including the stories that my parents told me and my grandparents too before they are forgotten. Once I complete this I will take up a prayer journal but I am going to remind myself not to do two of the same kind of projects at a time. I usually have 4 hobbies going at a time – LOL. I am going to bookmark this page in order to remind myself of all the great ideas you have given me in the future. – Thank you!

    • Amy says

      June 23, 2016 at 7:52 am

      I love that you are doing a life-history journal!!! I understand about having to many projects at once! So happy you like the ideas. God Bless you Alicia! I always appreciate your comments – and wisdom 🙂

  7. Caroline @ In Due Time says

    June 24, 2016 at 9:28 am

    This is so fun! I really need to spice up my journal. I recently got a journaling bible too, but haven’t used that much either 🙁

    • Amy says

      June 24, 2016 at 9:30 am

      It can be very challenging to find time!!

  8. Brittany says

    June 25, 2016 at 9:00 am

    I love to write and draw but I’ve never used drawing in my prayer life. I really need to get back into the habit of writing out my thoughts and prayers each day, if only to keep my thoughts and prayers organized. I need to learn the art of bullet journaling.

    • Amy says

      June 25, 2016 at 9:30 am

      I have never heard of bullet journaling!

  9. Caitlyn says

    January 5, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    Loving all of these ideas to incorporate some creativity into your prayer journal!

    • Amy says

      January 5, 2017 at 1:01 pm

      So happy you love them too 🙂 Prayer journaling fun!

  10. Maureen says

    April 1, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    Oh my goodness. What a perfect post. I started a prayer journal for Lent. But it sometimes seems so rambling. I love these ideas. THANK YOU!

    • Amy says

      April 1, 2017 at 4:30 pm

      So happy you like them 🙂

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Listen, this is the best retreat hack for Catholic girls!
****The Be Yourself Journal Scrapbooking activity.****

Give each girl a Be Yourself Journal.
Explain how, “We are all called to holiness but we take different paths.” ~ Saint Katharine Drexel.

Have each girl pick out a Holy card and two Catholic stickers.

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same set of basic instructions, different yet BEAUTIFUL results when followed!
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Huge thank you to the women who donated journals and holy cards!!!
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Not sure what to do with all those prayer cards? Not sure what to do with all those prayer cards? 

Holy cards can be a fantastic prayer journal prompt. 

Copy the prayer off the back and glue the card to the page ;next to, underneath or above where you wrote the prayer).

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Getting ready for a Confirmation Retreat this week Getting ready for a Confirmation Retreat this weekend!

So excited to help these young Catholics see that each is called to holiness… but each mission is unique and unrepeatable!

Huge thank you to the women who donated journals for the retreat (11 donated!!!) and the women from my Bible study group who donated Holy cards!

If you would like to donate a Journal for one of the girls attending the retreat this weekend… send me a private message and I’ll explain how!

Holy cards are GREAT prayer journal prompts!

Which Holy card would you put in your prayer journal?
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Keep at it!!! Don’t give up and Don’t give in! Keep at it!!! Don’t give up and Don’t give in!!! “The world offers you comfort… but you were not made for comfort, you were made for GREATNESS!”
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