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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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Dear Lord, help me to be who you want me to be and Dear Lord, help me to be who you want me to be and set the world ablaze!!!
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On vacation; just happen to be staying in a house On vacation; just happen to be staying in  a house next to a church that organizes an incredible celebration for the feast of the Assumption every year! 

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And the day was extra special because I ran into an old friend… Sister Lisa!

20 years ago I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Sister and a lovely group of high school girls. I hold those 2 weeks in a very special place in my heart.
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There is so much I’d love to tell you about the There is so much I’d love to tell you about the 12 year old girl who colored these pictures. 

But, I hear in my heart those moments in Scripture where “Mary pondered these things in her heart”. 

What I was assured of this week by the example of more than one “junior high student “ is this…. 12 year old girls still love to color.

I mean, let’s be honest… I still love to color.

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You and I both know that the Rosary is not just fo You and I both know that the Rosary is not just for white haired Grandmas… but how do we convince our friends and loved ones to embrace this powerful prayer and meditation on the life of Our Lord Jesus?

Honestly, with me in my 20’s… it started by being a gathering of broken hearts.

I was lonely, another friend was going through infertility, another was stuck in the past so much it affected her daily life… another found herself facing an unplanned pregnancy.

When you hit rock bottom, you grasp at anything that could possibly pull you up.

For us, that was the Rosary.
How? One friend suggested it because her Mom had a rosary group she attended for years. Another (me) said “yes, let’s do it”.

If you have a friend who is deep in sorrow… go to her with a Rosary and offer to pray with her.

If this is a person who may be reluctant, bring wine. Offer one glass and two listening ears.
The Lord and His Mother will do the rest.

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Do you have dietary restrictions but would like to Do you have dietary restrictions but would like to attend the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

In the past I have received messages inquiring about the food that is included in the registration cost of the retreat.
This year, I’m happy to announce that the vineyard serving our lunch is extremely accommodating for those who have strict diets.

Here’s what’s on the menu for the 2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat:

The 'standard' lunch is a duet of sandwiches -- half turkey wrap with lettuce, tomato, muenster & honey mustard, and half a baguette sandwich with tomato, mozzarella, and basil oil. 

Accompanying the sandwiches is a seasonal mixed greens salad with dried fruit and cheese (and sometimes nuts are included as well). 

If anyone has an allergy to nuts or cheese we serve their salad without it of course. 
Also, for dairy allergies, they would receive a full turkey wrap WITHOUT cheese (and none of the tomato-mozzarella baguette).

Gluten-free guests receive tuna salad on a bed of greens.

Vegetarian guests receive a full tomato-mozzarella baguette (and no turkey wrap).

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When I was in my early 20's, I would often to go a neighboring parish for daily Mass before I went to work as a camp counselor.

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The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat was held i The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat was held in 2016.
That year participants visited the place where Saint Katharine Drexel lived, worked and prayed for most of her life. Shortly after that retreat the property was sold and Saint Katharine Drexel’s Shrine was moved into Philadelphia where it continues to be today.

Since 2016, Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreats have been held almost every year. We’ve visited the National Shrines of Saint Gianna, Padre Pio, Our Lady of @czestochowa_shrine and have participated in an out door Mass on the grounds of a vineyard.

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So excited… REGISTRATION is now open for the Pra So excited… REGISTRATION is now open for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!!!!
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Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys is a grea Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys is a great way to encourage your son to write this summer!!
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My husband Matt gives each of our children a bless My husband Matt gives each of our children a blessing before they go to bed at night.
I asked him if his parents did that … and he said, “no”.

He said that his father would bless him with holy water in church, so he was doing that with our son one day and the priest who said Mass saw him do it. The priest then told Matt, “you know, a parent blessing his or her child is one of the few blessings a lay person has the authority to give.” 

Since then, he has given them a blessing almost daily.
The words he uses as he makes the sign of the cross on their foreheads are:
“God bless and protect my son (daughter)
Keep him (her)safe, good and holy and protect him (her) from all evil, Amen.”
I might have to ask him or the kids what I’m missing or if I messed that up a little… but you get the idea.
Bless your children!

I read that a blessing realigns our world with heaven by acknowledging all is a gift.

Do you bless your children? Did your parents bless you?
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Type the next line of the prayer in the comments! Type the next line of the prayer in the comments!
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Hi there!!!! I am so happy you are here and we ar Hi there!!!! 
I am so happy you are here and we are connected on “the gram”!

My name is Amy Brooks… and I started the Prayer Wine Chocolate blog with the intention to share how my husband and I grew our family through adoption-without signing up with an adoption agency.

I also wanted to create gift guides that had Catholic gifts on it.

I share this today because my word of the year is “laugh” and when I thought of posting a “Friday introduction “ I immediately recalled the saying:
“Want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans!”

What starting this blog has led to- through the grace of God- has been amazing!
I realized that I had what @jenniferfulwiler would call a blue flame inside of me - writing.
Once again, I have to laugh because my English grade in 8th grade was so bad my dad pulled me off the soccer team and when I started college I had to take a remedial English class. God has reminded me over and over again that through Him all things are possible!

One of the greatest experiences in this journey has been meeting incredible people who love the Lord and who are truly kind and compassionate. It was through meeting @windhovering Jerry Windley-Doust that motivated me to write the Be Yourself Journals that our now published by @osvcatholicbooks . I also have been extremely blessed by the community of Catholic Social Media now known as @catholicsonline . If you are trying to evangelize or minister with the help of social media, I invite you to join us! 

I’m the oldest of 5. I asked my brother to give a speech at my wedding reception because I think he’s so funny that he truly could be a stand-up comedian. He ended up giving a speech so touching, I published part of it one boy’s Be Yourself Journal. He also cracked everybody at the wedding up 😂.

Somewhere in this group of pictures there is a picture of my parents. In that picture, my dad has his face painted. One of my siblings overheard him talking about him having this done as a “once in a lifetime experience “! 😂 He’s 72… apparently last weekend was his first opportunity to have this done.

Ps. My younger son recently asked me if I had water when I was a kid. He then asked me if soap was invented yet.
SUMMER JOURNALING can be fun!! I have 2 Be Yourse SUMMER JOURNALING can be fun!!

I have 2 Be Yourself: a Catholic Journal for Girls in stock and only a handful of the boy’s journals in stock!

I’m jumping on the #smalloverprime specials and anyone who purchases (or donates) a journal in the next 24 hours will get the coloring pages download for free!!!
That’s 20 inspirational quote coloring pages!!!! And trust me- they are fun for all ages!

Plus… this is the last day you can get the Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide for over 40%off! 

Links are in my bio!
Happy Summer 😎🍉🕶🌻☀️!
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