Later, I found that book and read it. Memories that had long faded away were brought to the surface because I had written them down.  It was interesting to see what I had worried about, what I thought was most important, and what brought me happiness when I was 11 years old and writing in a puffy covered Cabbage Patch kid diary.

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As a twenty-something year old, I started a prayer journal.  One of my inspirations to do so was my boyfriend at the time.  He had suffered with depression in his past, and a suggestion his counselor/therapist gave him was to keep a journal. When he was telling me about his journaling, I couldn’t help but think, “I should do that”.

According to Psychology Today, the benefits of journaling:

First, you’ve just taken some time to look at yourself, which continues the flow of therapy and makes you more aware. Second, you’ve begun to organize what can seem like a bunch of disjointed material. Writing forces you to funnel disparate thoughts into one linear stream. Finally, you’re keeping a record of your progress. People who journal for a few months are amazed when they look back to see where they were. Sometimes they’re amazed at how far they’ve come. Other times they’re surprised to find they’re barking up the same tree.”

Ryan Howes PhD, ABPP

I was also inspired by my students and the journaling I had incorporated into my lesson plan.  At the time, I was a Catholic School teacher – and one of the subjects I taught was 7th and 8th grade Theology.  But we didn’t call it theology.  As a true product of Philadelphia’s parochial school system, I simply called it, “religion class”.

I wanted my writing to be a part of my prayer life.  On the first page of my notebook that I started to use as a journal, I pasted a picture of Jesus:

On the next page, I wrote a letter to Jesus.  I told Him that this journal was being started with the hope that I would grow closer Him, that I hoped it would help me not only know myself better, but also know more clearly God’s will for my life.  I then thanked Our Lord for the people He had put in my life . . .

The reasons why I keep a prayer journal now, are the same as why I began – but more reasons have kept me going with it and keep my desire to continue this practice in the future.

Why I Prayer Journal:

I feel like writing my prayers down allow me to make a form of physical contact with God. Not long ago, I used to write letters to my friend who decided to move to Turkey to teach.  A little while before then, I was a college student who wrote letters to my boyfriend who lived “far away”.  And a few years before that, I kept in touch with a pen pal that lived in North Carolina.  Getting a letter in the mail was so fun!  I knew that the friends I wrote to also looked forward to getting letters in the mail.  It was a way to “stay in touch” before cell phones and social media.  I feel as though when I write a letter to the Lord, He enjoys hearing from me, reads every word, and responds in His own way.  Writing to Jesus allows me to feel “connected” to heaven.

It helps me pay attention.  I tend to daydream. I am very easily distracted.  Writing my thoughts and feelings keeps me focused.

It allows me to really get all my thoughts and feelings out. I am amazed of how much I “let out” when I write.

It provides a way for me to express creativity.

I love to color.  I love to glue prayer cards inside and simply copy a prayer.  I love a reason to use stickers.  I never really got into scrapbooking – I was intimidated by how incredible others’ work looked.  This allows me to do my best at what would be a not so great scrapbook.  Read more about how I prayer journal at: 8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal

I find that it relieves stress and anxiety.

It reminds me that suffering is temporary. It’s amazing to go back and read what I wrote when I was suffering with crosses of loneliness, confusion and so.much.anxiety.  Seeing those entries and thinking about my present life allow me to see that difficult times do pass.

Prayer journaling gives me another opportunity to thank God for His many blessings. When I write in my journal, I find myself being aware of my blessings and thanking God directly for my family, my home and all the blessings in my life when I write in my journal.  I truly believe that gratitude is so important and should be included in prayer.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer journaling helps me share with the Lord

all that I worry about;

what I think is most important;

and what truly brings me happiness.

Wondering WHEN you could find time to prayer journal?  Read: When DO Real Women Find Time To Journal?

Start Prayer Journaling today with this awesome kit from DaySpring: Illustrated Faith Set

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Speaking of a “to-do” list – I often find myself feeling more productive and focused when I write one!  Our prayer life can feel more productive and fruitful when we write as well.

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Writing can be such a stress relieving activity.  When we do things to relieve stress, we are making ourselves healthier and strengthening our immune system.

For these reasons – improving our spiritual life and our physical well-being – I feel called to encourage you to keep a prayer journal.

The biggest challenge I face is in finding the time to write in my prayer journal.  I have found that I have to schedule it.  It either goes on my “to-do” list, or on my social calendar, and now it is even a part of my service calendar.  I volunteer at pregnancy centers and offer the women there guidance and time to pray using a journal. Once we get started, I join them!

If you are interested on how to host your own prayer journaling party, check out this post: How to Host a ‘Sip and Script’ Party: Prayer Journaling with Friends

Prayer Journaling can be something you do in the morning with your coffee, a way to reflect during Eucharistic Adoration, or a way to “color” with the kids.  Since time is not a luxury, I suggest you keep all your prayer journaling supplies in a bag and in a place that is accessible – so when you have ten minutes, it’s all right there waiting for you!

What You Need for Your Prayer Journal Kit:

1. A Bag to Keep it All Together!
Everlasting Light – Canvas Tote Bag

2. A Journal

It can be as simple as a plain notebook, like this one on Amazon: Mead Composition Book

Or a more elegant one like these from DaySpring:

Dear God – Christian Journal – $9.99
from: DaySpring Cards Inc

Dear God – Christian Journal – $9.99
from: DaySpring Cards Inc
Created to Be Beautiful – Christian Journal

Illustrated Faith – Praise Book

If you prefer a more guided journal, check out this list of AWESOME journals! 10 Best Journals for Busy Women

3. Colored Pencils and Other Fun Stationary

• Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils – these colored pencils are THE BEST!  Let your adult self enjoy the step up from Crayola and Rose Art – and enjoy the quality these pencils offer!
• Glue Sticks and Scissors – I love to glue holy cards and coloring pages inside my journal.  When I was teaching my last prayer journaling class, one of the women there asked if I had the scrapbooking scissors – I didn’t, but thought – what a great idea!  So I added them to my list
• Holy Prayer Cards – I love to write out the prayer on the one side in my journal and glue the image side to the page.  You may have some of these in your home laying around.  Another way to add these to your prayer journaling kit is by asking others if people will give them to you.  Some people feel bad throwing them out, but honestly have no idea what to do with them – ask and you shall receive!  You can also purchase Holy Cards on Amazon believe it or not!  Check out these: Set of 10 and these Pack of 54!
• Stickers!!! Stickers are so much fun and personally, just make me smile!  It’s so nice to look at a prayer page and like the look of it!  Here are some stickers that will really bring you some sunshine!
• Letters Stickers – in watercolor!
• Diary/Planner Stickers
  Illustrated Faith – 23-Piece Go & Tell Stickers
  

4. An Oversized Pencil Case

The stationary will need to be kept organized.  Most pencil cases I have found to be to small. Cosmetic bags, like this one on Amazon: Follow Your Heart Canvas Bag  or this Mini-Tablet Pouch on Dayspring will help you keep your supplies together and give you a smile
God Does Extraordinary Things – Mini-Tablet Pouch

5. A I Got This – 2-Pocket Folder” target=”_blank”>Folder to hold free printables!!!

I Got This – 2-Pocket Folder” target=”_blank”>”I Got This” – God 2 pocket folder

Katie at Look to Him and Be Radiant offers free printables all the time and they are perfect for prayer journaling!  Also, follow my Pinterest board for more ideas and links for free coloring pages!

Having a kit built and ready to use will allow you to get your prayer going quicker.  I know there is so little time in the day – but remember, we need to choose how we use our time.  We need to choose spending time in prayer, and making sure we don’t burn out.  We can’t afford to burn out as spouses, parents and I am sure you could name ten more important hats you wear!  Take care of your soul, your spirit and your health!

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