This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025

I started this blog to talk about adopting a child (or children) without hiring an adoption agency and to share Catholic gift ideas, especially around Christmas.

But, I think God had something else in mind.

That something else, was prayer journaling.

Since I started this blog (8 years ago?), I have written over 100 posts about prayer journaling. On top of that, God used me to write two prayer journals for young Catholics! I think the fact that I am an author of two books is proof there is a God. I could not do that without Him!

I think it’s time I rounded up the best, and gave you the how, why and when all in one place.

Let’s start with the why.

Why Prayer Journal or Why Pray Using a Journal?

I started using a prayer journal when I was at rock bottom in my life. I was single, heartbroken, lonely and lacked hope. In my arrogance I think one reason why I started writing down my prayers was to “spell things out for God”. Well, God used my act of writing down prayer requests as a way to spell a few things out to me.

Journaling without prayer has been studied and researched in the last 40 years. The scientific findings demonstrate decreased anxiety, improved self-awareness and many other benefits.

I dove much deeper into this topic when I interviewed Catholic Psychologist Dr. Matt Breuninger. You can watch this discussion on YouTube or read the highlights in this post, What does a Catholic Psychologist Say About the Benefits of Prayer Journaling?

This discussion with Dr. Breuninger is really enlightening. He shares many of the psychological and spiritual benefits of using a prayer journal in ways I could never naturally articulate. You can read or listen to this discussion! I share some of the reasons in my own words below, but his insight offers more from an academic and simply a different point of view. Watch or listen here.

I also share my own research in a post I wrote before this discussion titled: 5 Benefits of Prayer Journaling

One of the major reasons why psychologists recommend people to journal is because it can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This is really what motivated me to start a prayer journal. I lacked hope.

I did not understand why things in my life were the way the were.

I was sad . . . really sad.

Reasons to use a prayer journal:

1. It really does help with depression and anxiety
2. Using a prayer journal helps you work out problems in your life
3. It slows you down in this extremely fast paced world.
4. It helps you hear God’s voice.
5. It is an act of love for God because you spend more time with Him.

The way I used my journal is “unconventional”. What I mean by that is – I wasn’t taught how to journal. The only piece of advice I had walking in to it was “write 5 things down that you’re grateful for”. This was something a friend had told me her therapist advised – and before I sought professional help myself.

When I started prayer journaling (cough, cough) 25 years ago, I had NEVER heard of Lectio Divina. Years later (and after I started this blog), I attended a class on prayer journaling by a Catholic organization. The woman teaching talked much about this new to me practice.

As I sat and listened, I thought, “wow, she’s really smart”.

I also thought, “I’m bored”.

Don’t get me wrong, Lectio Divina is a beautiful way to pray, but for me, it was one of MANY ways of using a prayer journal.

Although my “why” start a prayer journal began with depression and despair, I found that the hope it could bring me led me to a much brighter place than any other style or method of praying had led me before.

Perhaps I am not wording that correctly. Prayer journaling opened my heart up to see more of God and His Love in my life. It allowed me to dream again. Hope and Faith is powerful stuff, and I enjoy experiencing it.

With God, all things are possible.

I stopped looking in the past and started looking toward the future – with hope.

My prayer time slowed down and I spent more time in prayer because writing takes longer than thinking or talking out loud.

It was a great blessing and I want to share that blessing with you.

How to Prayer Journal or how to pray using a journal

Some people tend to be intimidated by the first page of the journal. I noticed this on a discussion thread in a Facebook group. I chimed in and said, “I just put a picture (holy card) of Jesus on the first page!

I was moved by how many were in agreement with this “first page anxiety” so I wrote a post to help others! Read it here: How to Start a Prayer Journal in 3 Easy Steps

The first step, after picking out your prayer journal (a cute notebook) is to find a holy card that you love and glue or tape it to the first page. Personally, I pick one with Jesus.

After that, write God a letter. How you start should be how you feel most comfortable talking to God.

Dear God,

Dear Jesus,

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

These are just three examples of how to start your letter.

Then, remember to be polite. Thank God for something. After that, pour out your heart. Try not to worry about someone picking it up and reading it. If you are concerned about that, I have a few tips and tricks below to help you ;).

After you empty your heart to God, close it and walk away. This is a physical act of “giving it to God” or surrendering to Jesus.

The next time you pick up your journal could be days or weeks later. It could be the next day. You might want to write another letter because you forgot to tell Him this one thing . . .

You do not have to use a journal every day.

I often wonder if people think that’s a “rule”. Who’s rule? It’s your journal! Using a journal to pray doesn’t mean you’ll stop mental prayer, going to Mass, praying the Rosary or Grace Before Meals. It’s there to help you if you want it. It’s not an obligation or another thing for your to-do list.

For me, it’s a way to relax and be creative.

It’s a way for me to be less distracted during prayer.

I use it because my mind wanders and I want to give God the gift of my attention and I want to really try to hear God’s voice in my very noisy mind.

I had a sticker collection as a child and I love that there are so many small businesses creating Catholic stickers. Collecting them and putting them in my journal gives me feelings of nostalgia and joy!

This one below is from Just Love Prints!

I created this free download with you that has 40 Prayer Journal Prompts! You can use it any time of year or for Lent!

I also created a more elegant looking download with more prayer journal prompts. You can get that here.

Prayer Journal Tips and Tricks

This post gave my favorite tricks: 3 Prayer Journal Hacks You Will Love

My favorite is the one where you hide what you are afraid someone may pick up and read.

I have used a coloring page to glue right over a novena intention.

I have also used stickers.

When do you find the time to journal?

You don’t find the time to journal, you make the time to journal.

This is a gift of giving God your time.

I don’t journal every day. I don’t think there was ever a phase in my life where I journaled every single day.

A prayer journal is a way to spend time with the Lord but it’s not the ONLY WAY!

I often bring a journal to Eucharistic Adoration with me. There are many weeks when this might be the only time I write in my journal.

But lately I have been thinking about the quote from Saint Francis de Sales:

“Everyone of us needs half an hour of prayer every day, except when we are busy—then we need an hour.”

God often reminds me that is not subject to time. There are days when I have given Him time “I didn’t have” and the day went a lot smoother. He can create time when, according to us, there is none.

Miracles Happen When You Pray (with a Journal)

Miracles really do happen. God gives them to us, but I think when we journal, we notice them more often.

I started my prayer journal when I was heartbroken and hoping for the vocation of marriage. I continued to pray when I went through infertility. I have seen little winks from God by pouring my heart out to Him and telling Him my hopes and dreams.

I want you to experience this too.

Help younger boys and girls start a prayer journal

In this incredibly fast-paced world where kids and teens are “writing” and posting on social media, they need to learn the practice of prayer journaling.

Dr. Sax, author of The Collapse of Parenting, Girls on the Edge and Boys Adrift

described in a talk how girls who would go write in a diary were living; but girls who write and post on social media are performing.

These actions are not the same.

If you want to help your pre-teen or young teen to start journaling, I wrote books for them!

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls and Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys are available on Amazon, this website, and many others.

Do you live giving (and getting) Catholic gifts?

If yes, check out this page! 12 Awesome Catholic Shops

The post The Ultimate Guide to Catholic Prayer Journaling in 2025 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Faith is a Tremendous Parachute

As I walked into my grandparents apartment I would greet my Grandpop with a Hi, how are you?

His answer would either be:

TREE-mendous

or

SPEC-tacular!

Using the word tremendous is a tribute to him. Not only because he would say the word, but also the lesson he provided with that simple one word response to a question we hear often.

How are you?

How do you respond to that question?

You would think all these years later, I would be better at responding to it. I’m guilty of saying,
“good” or “well” or even worse . . . just saying okay and listing a complaint!

As I reflect upon my Grandfather’s response, I immediately realize how incredible this man was.

You see, my Grandfather had to have both of his legs amputated. When I was asking him, “how are you” he was bound to a wheelchair- because he had no legs! And that was just one thing in his life that would give him license to say, “eh, I’m okay”.

I’ll keep the other things he was balancing in his life to myself out of respect for my family, but trust me, no one would have faulted him for giving a humdrum answer.

I want to share with you how our Catholic faith has been a gift to me my whole life, but I recognized it most when I suffered from depression in my mid-20’s.

Our secular world understands the power of an attitude of gratitude. Our faith directs us to give thanks. I think that this advice – to be grateful, was only the beginning of how my firm belief in God prevented me from doing the unthinkable.

Gratitude is the first step, not the end in a life of a Christian.

It’s a good first step, but that alone would not have been enough to help me climb out of my season of despair.

Can a Catholic really suffer from depression?

Even though I earned a BS in Psychology, I hesitated and fought with every fiber of my being the idea of going to speak with a counselor.

I mean, when I was feeling down in college, I went to the counselor’s office once or twice, but grown up world? Seeking out a therapist? No way, I didn’t need that.

But thankfully, at the age of 25, when almost all of my friends were engaged or married, I met a couple new friends.

One had a therapist she liked so much, she waited tables to pay her because she wasn’t covered by our insurance. It was this friend that suggested every night I write down 5 things I was grateful for.

Some nights, I had a hard time.

Once I thanked God for Sprite.

At least one other night I stopped at three things.

I was in a rough, dark place.

Another friend I made had gotten married, and by the time her honeymoon was over, her husband was already gone and with someone else. She had married her high school sweetheart, and it ended very quickly.

This heartbreaking situation led her to a therapist. My friend and I would go for walks and talk about our broken hearts and undesirable place in life. Eventually, this friend convinced me to go see her therapist.

I went.

It was HORRIBLE. I did not gel with this woman at all. I felt worse when I left.

But that therapist saw that we were not compatible, and recommended I go see HER therapist!

Which I did. Eventually this new counselor suggested I take medicine to help lift my spirits.

I refused.

I honestly wondered, “is it okay for me to get medication to feel happier?”

I thought, “no one living in Jesus’ time was getting medicine because they felt really sad. What is wrong with me that it’s come to a point where even the therapist can’t help me – she’s just telling me to take medicine??”

I went to a priest and asked him,

“Is it morally wrong for me to take medicine for depression? I mean, no one living in Jesus’ time was looking for a pill to make them feel less sad!”

Father John answered me with words like this:

“Let me tell you what my mom said to me. She said, ‘this world is so fast’. The world today is so much faster than the world Jesus and the Apostles lived in. Our culture and the speed of our modern day technology is affecting our mental health. It’s okay to take medicine if you need it to help you with depression. There is no sin in that.”

I don’t remember his exact words – except him quoting his mother and how she said, “this world that we live in today is so fast . . .” THAT I remember.

And friends, this was before we had smart phones.

Our world is even faster now.

Why refer to your faith as a parachute?

So, I was questioning why I use the term parachute, but as I reflected on this topic, I realized . . .

What do parachutes do?

A parachute slows the body in motion.

As I type this I can hear cars, motorcycles and trucks traveling between 40 to 60 miles an hour down a major road not so far away from my house. In the earlier hours, if the train goes by about a mile away, I can hear that too.

Not more than two feet from where I sit is a small rectangle that can enrapture me in a world of TikTok videos, Instagram reels, YouTube shorts and more.

The speed at which we can physically travel and the speed at which we are observing visual stimuli is like nothing before in human history.

Yet, if we pick up Scripture, God’s word tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

God knows what we need. God knows what is good for us.

Good and evil are real things.

There was a time when I felt so incredibly sad, that I just wanted to jump off my roof.

But our faith teaches us that God does not want us to take our life. That simple thought is one way my faith slowed me down.

But that was only the beginning.

We live in an age where psychology is a science.

In our culture and time many people see the value and the need to seek mental health. Research has been done that proves actions, such as meditation,

elicits the relaxation response,

decreases depression

and improves over all health.

Research also has found that writing feelings down in a journal can decrease anxiety and increase self-awareness.

But our faith was teaching these things long before scientists, therapists and college professors were.

Our Lady, years before psychologists conducted experiments proving the positive impact mediation has on the mind and body, suggested that we:

“pray the Rosary every day for peace”.

In a world that doesn’t stop, our Scripture says over and over again: “Be still”.

How to battle depression as a Catholic Christian

During my twenties, I started doing two things that were so good for my soul and my mood.

I started praying the Rosary out loud with friends and I started prayer journaling.

These two things (along with the help of an antidepressant) slowed me down and helped me as I wrestled with my broken heart.

Prayer Journaling

I’ve explored the topic of prayer journaling many times since I started this blog. One helpful article that you might find interesting was my conversation with Catholic Psychologist, Dr. Matt Breuninger

What does a Catholic Psychologist Say About the Benefits of Prayer Journaling?

In this conversation, Dr. B points out that:

Prayer journaling allows us to:

• create a space where we invite God in and ask Him for His safety and comfort
• courageously approach dangerous topics

One statement made by Matt Breuninger in this talk was one he made after this point. He said:

Journaling really gives us the space to approach very difficult and painful material. It can reduce our avoidance. It can reduce our anxiety, our stress and our overwhelm. When we journal we are approaching instead of avoiding.

Starting a prayer journal, to some, is a challenge. I urge you, just start.

This post was inspired by a talk I gave on the feast of Saint Teresa of Avila, who is credited with saying, “You pay God a compliment by asking great things of him.”

Copy that quote and ask for big things.

Thank the Lord for the last breath you took.

Today is the feast of Saint Pope John Paul II. If there is one quote I want my children to always know, especially when they are feeling sad, it’s this one:

“I plead with you — never, ever give up on hope; never doubt, never tire and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.”

Write it down. Ask God to restore your hope.

If you would like more help with starting a prayer journal, here is a post for you!

How to start a Prayer Journal in Three Easy Steps

Praying the Rosary will bring comfort to your hurting heart

I feel like the Rosary is like Neosporin. It’s a little something to put on a wound that is not an instant cure, but it helps.

Praying the Rosary out loud allows those physical benefits modern researchers have been able to discover and measure.

Praying out loud with at least one person is so incredibly soothing. Don’t be shy. Find a friend or a relative and ask them to pray with you.

As I write this I am preparing for the 2024 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat. One thing we do at every PWC Retreat is pray the Rosary as a group.

This retreat is for women – so if you fit that description, join us!! Find out more here!

The Rosary is a powerful prayer. Our Lady of the Rosary wants to pull us closer to her Son.

She’s literally throwing us a rope and pulling us up closer to heaven with each prayer.

Grab the rope. Keep praying.

One day, someone will need you to tell your whole story.

Trust me.

Until then, hang on and look ahead.

May God Bless You Abundantly,

Hugs and Prayers,

Amy

Check out this other amazing website: CatholicInfluencers.com!

The post Faith is a Tremendous Parachute appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What does a Catholic Psychologist Say about the Benefits of Prayer Journaling?

This article is based on a conversation I had with Dr. Matt Breuninger (author of Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life’s Hurts)

You can view and/or listen to the whole interview on YouTube here:

Why Prayer Journal?

For me, my habit of prayer journaling began during a depression. My heart was broken, I was lonely and I wanted to run to God with everything and I wondered if He could hear me. I wondered if He was disappointed in me. There were times of such sadness, sorrow and despair.

But, there were also moments of hope.

It wasn’t until many years after that depression that I began to write about prayer journaling and encourage others to try it.

5 Benefits of Prayer Journaling

The articles I have written previously are based on my experience; and although I can say I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology – most of what I have written is not exactly academic.

Enter Dr. Matt Breuninger.

(author of Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life’s Hurts)

Dr. Matt Breuninger prayed the Rosary with ManyHailMarysataTime one morning and I felt compelled to reach out to him. I told him that I am an author of two prayer journals for kids and that I really feel that the act of prayer journaling is a great spiritual practice. I asked him if he’d be interested in shedding some light on the subject from the knowledge of a psychologist. He graciously agreed.

And wow, Dr. B (as he refers to himself on social media) really schooled me

Here are some of the lessons I learned from our discussion.

The Benefits of Writing by Hand

The trend on college campuses that has led many student to stop taking notes by hand and start taking them on a lap top or other device has spawned a number of studies on the benefits of writing by hand.

These studies conclude that taking notes by hand is better for memory.

It has been found by scientific research that writing by hand activates regions of the brain that seem to access deeper learning and processing of the information being written.

When we write by hand laying down neural pathways associated with learning and memory.

According to Audrey van der Meer, a neuroscientist and professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) assures those that although writing by hand can seem more challenging than typing it is much better for our brain. In the article New Study Suggests Handwriting Engages the Brain More Than Typing she states:

“If we don’t challenge our brain, it can’t reach its full potential. “

Why does journaling help people who suffer from anxiety and depression?

How to Start a Prayer Journal in 3 Easy Steps

Patients who have anxiety and depression report having less intrusive thoughts when they journal.

Why is that?

The answer has to do with working memory.

Working Memory is helpful for life problems – from “how am I going to get dinner ready” to “how can I improve my marriage?”

If we don’t feel like we can solve the problem we often want to keep working on it and that can fee distracting, stressful and exhausting.

The act of writing something out allows our working memory to rest.

When we write something down (like in a journal) it gives us the sense that “I don’t have to be working on this problem 24/7.

Writing down what we are worried about or the problem we are trying to solve gives our brains a way to externally process the problem. It allows our brains and working memory to say “I can come back to that”. It signals the brain that it can be returned to.

Journaling gets intrusive thoughts out of our minds and onto paper.

When people do this, they report less intrusive thoughts.

5 Prayer Journal Prompts Inspired by Catholic Influencers

Prayer Journaling Reduces Avoidance and Increases Peace

Psychologists have concluded that journaling reduces the constant bombardment of thoughts that our brain is telling us are important and that we need to figure out immediately or at least soon.

We as people tend to build our lives around avoidance. Psychologists have discovered that when we avoid difficult thoughts or situations we get a short term benefit – we feel relieved . . .at first.

But, then that avoidance increases anxiety.

How does Prayer Journaling help us be more faithful?

Scott Hahn, author and speaker, and Dr. Matt Breuninger just had a recent conversation about a similar topic the week of this interview and Dr. B found that is was very timely.

He mentioned that Dr. Scott Hahn had verbalized in their private discussion that:

” part of what Jesus tries to teach us is how to not be so afraid of suffering . . .”

Prayer Journaling invites us to approach difficult and painful topics and reduce our avoidance.

How is prayer journaling different than just praying?

Prayer journaling allows us to:

• create a space where we invite God in and ask Him for His safety and comfort
• courageously approach dangerous topics

One statement made by Matt Breuninger in this talk was one he made after this point. He said:

Journaling really gives us the space to approach very difficult and painful material. It can reduce our avoidance. It can reduce our anxiety, our stress and our overwhelm. When we journal we are approaching instead of avoiding.

” A huge benefit to prayer journaling is we are cracking open those places and spaces in our heart that we don’t give ourself permission to go to that often.”

That can be scary and we may feel vulnerable.

The Benefits of Prayer Journaling over Time

When you prayer journal, you are left with a sequence or series over time of these reflections and expressions of your heart. The beauty of prayer journaling is that record we create over time.

This record not only allows us to see our growth and progress but also allows us to see how God is moving in and through our journaling.

Through prayer journaling we can see changes that maybe we could not see if we were trying to hold it in our memory.

When something is in black and white on paper it is easier to accept those things as true.

Things become more clear.

God’s grace emerges from the page.

We can become more confident in the Father’s love and power.

We can be more empowered to be co-creators in our own story.

When you prayer journal you will notice things that you would not see if you are thinking about it on the fly.

Journaling creates a rhythm and a space that fosters growth.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. B – subscribe to his YouTube Channel Ask a Catholic Therapist or follow him on Instagram!

How Do I Start Prayer Journaling?

Grab these FREE prayer journal prompts (journal prompts for Lent can be used any time of year).

Get this ebook about Prayer Journaling.

Would you like to introduce prayer journaling to your children?

Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Girls has consistently ranked in the top 100 Amazon categories of Children’s Christian Prayer Book and Children’s Devotional Christianity books. It’s immense popularity led to a demand for a Boy’s Journal – which was published two years later. Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys helps tweens and young teens make sense of what it means to be a Christian and a man created by God. In a sense, it’s a guide book on how to follow the advice of Saint Francis deSales:

“Be who you are and be that well. So that you may bring honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are.”

The post What does a Catholic Psychologist Say about the Benefits of Prayer Journaling? appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Prayer journaling is something that really helped me through some tough times.

I highly recommend it.

BUT, sometimes we are held back . . .

held back because we don’t know where to begin;

if that is you, take a look at this

How to Start a Prayer Journal (in 3 easy steps)

Sometimes we are held back because our prayer intentions are extremely personal and we hesitate to write them down out of fear someone may pick it up and read it.

Sometimes we hesitate because we simply just don’t know what to say.

3 Prayer Journal Hacks You Will LOVE!

Prayer Journal Hack #1:

Hiding personal prayer requests

Sometimes our prayer intentions are extremely personal and we hesitate to write what is in our heart down out of fear someone may pick it up and read it.

Here’s how I deal with those deep, personal intentions I only want to be between God and myself:

I write my personal intention down, but then cover it up by gluing a holy card or a picture I colored (like this one of Saint Joseph) over my intention.

Writing out prayer intentions is something that I do because it helps me really think about what I’m asking for and helps me feel like I am truly bringing this intention to God with my time and effort.

It especially helps me when I am praying a novena.

Often when I pray a novena I have found my intention changes on day 4 or 5. That can be really telling . . . it can help me to understand better what is on my heart. BUT, it can also be frustrating.

Writing out my intentions helps me stay consistent in prayer.

Prayer Journal Hack #2:

Use other people’s words.

Sit down to journal even if you have no idea what to write or say

Sometimes we stop journaling because we don’t feel compelled to say something to God . . . but those moments are a great opportunity to hear what God has to say to us. It’s always a good idea to prayer journal, because there is always someone to pray for and God always has some words for us too.

Where do you start? A free resource like 5 Prayers for Your Children and Godchildren (I wrote these prayers, you can preview them here: 5 Quick Prayers for Your Children and Godchildren (free printable)

When you sit down and start praying for others, it’s a beautiful way to offer God your heart.

Another reason I highly recommend doing this is because sometimes God has words for you that will offer great comfort and hope.

When I started prayer journaling, I remember looking at a book of daily devotions written by Catholic laypersons. The title of one struck me and I had to remove it from the book and paste it in my prayer journal. It simply said, “Sometimes God wants what you want”. Those words were such a comfort and relief to me! I still remember vividly how happy and grateful I was to read those words.

And just recently, I was honored to write a couple reflections in a book similar to that! Called By Name: 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women

Called by Name is a 365-day devotional from WINE: Women In the New Evangelization designed to empower and equip you to draw near to Jesus and use your God-given gifts for the Church. With meditations on scripture and encouraging insights from popular Catholic authors and speakers in the WINE community, this is the perfect daily companion for women who want to connect with the heart of Jesus and live every day in the light of his truth and love.

The Lord is calling you each day to be like him. Called by Name will help you respond to his call by encouraging, equipping, and inspiring you to enter into a more intimate relationship with him, all year long.

Prayer Journal Hack #3:

Use Catholic Stickers, Prayer Cards and Washi Tape.

Sometimes a picture really does say 1,000 words.

*Simple prayer journal entry: Dear Lord Jesus, Please give me a hug today*

I bought 10 of these Jesus Hug Stickers at Christmas time and I’m about to buy 10 more. I gave one to my youngest sister and she said it was her favorite gift!

I started prayer journaling long before I even heard of Catholic Stickers and probably before Etsy was a thing. I used to copy prayers from holy cards and then glue the picture side up on the page next to it. Catholic stickers have opened a whole new wonderful world to me! So much so I wrote this post last year: Catholic Sticker Heaven: Your Ultimate Guide to Cool Catholic Stickers

Some stickers are simple, profound and pretty images. Others have powerful prayers. I love stickers from Just Love Prints, GratiaDesign and Pink Salt Riot.

These stickers can stand alone as prayers as you breathe deeply and meditate upon the prayer, image or quote. They might also spark your soul to share more and unlock a prayer you did not know you had on your heart.

Happy Prayer Journaling!

Sign up and receive prayer journal tips and inspiration straight to your inbox: Yes, send me your posts!

The post 3 Prayer Journal Hacks You Will LOVE! appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Well, this year has been . . . weird.

And challenging . . .

and . . . weird.

I know I never imagined having to wear masks to go grocery shopping and attend Mass. And when everything was shut down – I don’t know, it could happen again.

The first prompt that came to mind is to just recognize in prayer that God is in control. So the first journal prompt I would suggest is to simply write out The Surrender Prayer.

Want 40 more prayer journal prompts? Subscribe to my newsletter and get a free printable download!!! Yes, give me those prompts!!!

Catholic Prayer Journal Prompts for 2020

The Surrender Prayer

I mean, if any reality has hit me in the face personally – is that we can not control most things anyway, so why bother worrying about it.

Easier said than done, I know.

So here’s my suggestion. Write it out and ask Jesus to help you to truly surrender to Him. Ask Him to hold you in His loving arms and help you to rest in His Love. He will help you.

Then take a deep breath. Maybe color around it if it helps or brings you joy.

The second prompt I would suggest involves taking a deep breath.

If you are fortunate enough to take that deep breath without entering into a coughing fit – thank God. And even if you do cough, thank God you just took that breath. Then, think for a minute. There are things to be thankful for.

Make God a Thank You Card

This was actually suggested by my 3 year old daughter. I felt like I had several people I should have been writing thank you cards too – and that my children should have been thanking.

So as I went to spend some time coloring with my daughter, I asked

“who should I write a thank you card too?”

She answered:

” God.”

And I thought – “you’re right, I should make God a thank you card”.

So I folded a paper in half, drew a sun and some hills, a few flowers and my 3 year old son added a “bird”.

Then I got distracted a few times and I want to finish it and glue in into my journal.

One thing we started doing this year is after dinner, each person at the table says 5 things we are thankful for. My intention was to not only cultivate an attitude of gratitude, but also get them to look back on their day and reflect upon what good things happened. And, to have some happy discussions at dinner because there is a lot of correcting if I am being totally honest.

Our 3 year old twins interpreted this in their own, beautiful, childlike way. Each night when we do this new practice, when we get to the twins, they don’t say things or events – they say. . . .

Thanful for Mommy, Daddy, Xavier . . . and name everyone around the table. Often they add our neighbor or an Aunt or an extended family member.

And I share this because – what a great reminder.

Our greatest blessing are the people who love us. Thank God for people. Thank God for things. Thank God for events.

Thank Him.

15 Prayers of Saint Bridget of Sweden

This is a totally new “novena” for me! I had not heard of it until recently. However, I don’t know if we can really call it a novena – these prayers are to be said every day for a year. However, this devotion is very powerful.

I started listening to these prayers on YouTube when I went for a walk in the morning, but now – it’s to dark to go on walk in the morning.

You can get copies of these prayers to download for free from MaryWithYou (someone I met through CatholicsOnline.net)

I suggest writing one a day for 15 days while you listen to the YouTube video. Then maybe saying the prayers will become a part of your routine. I don’t know, let me know how it works – I really want to do it!

Why?

Because not only are they beautiful prayers and really lead you to think about Jesus’ passion, it was recommended to me by a friend who had an INCREDIBLE REVERSION story!

She credits her amazing journey back to the fullness of the faith to her sister praying this novena. It was after her sister prayed this year long novena for her and her family that she went through a tremendous reversion and now serves God in ways that are incredibly remarkable.

Read more about this friend here: A NaPro doctor is Closer than You Think

Write a prayer to Saint Gianna, our heavenly physician.

Say a novena to all the saints that were doctors and scientists! Please, this pandemic needs to go away!

I have a few Saint Gianna holy cards (different than the one pictured above) if you want one, email me!

A novena to Saint Gianna for the intention of ending this pandemic and the need for social distancing would be great!

I also found this lovely prayer from the My Catholic Life blog.

A Prayer to Combat the Coronavirus Pandemic

See the whole prayer here: MyCatholic.Life

Most Merciful and Triune God,
We come to You in our weakness.
We come to You in our fear.
We come to You with trust.
For You alone are our hope.

We place before You the disease present in our world.
We turn to You in our time of need.

Bring wisdom to doctors.
Give understanding to scientists.
Endow caregivers with compassion and generosity.
Bring healing to those who are ill.
Protect those who are most at risk.
Give comfort to those who have lost a loved one.
Welcome those who have died into Your Eternal Home.

see the whole prayer over at mycatholic.life

Draw One Decade of the Rosary, pray as you color flowers.

This Rosary Blanket is my new favorite think! It is so inspiring! It is made by Paige, owner of Shop Fiat to Halo. If you want to purchase a blanket, use the code CHOCOLATE for 20% off.

I think this picture would be great to look at as you sketch, color and pray a decade of the Rosary in your prayer journal!

I can think of more prompts, but I don’t want to overwhelm you!

If you want more prompts, comment below! Also remember you can get 40 prayer journal prompts when you subscribe to prayerwinechocolate.com’s newsletter.

Have a pre-teen or teen you are hoping will develop a love for prayer journaling?

Here you go!!!

The post Catholic Prayer Journal Prompts for 2020 appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Do you have your notebook all ready but the blank pages are just kind of staring at you?

Have you considered starting a prayer journal, but don’t know where to start?

No worries! I’ll help you jump start that journal and it will be fun and therapeutic. And the good news is (besides the Gospel, of course) that there are many Benefits of Prayer Journaling (including stress relief and overall better health)!

A little bit of background:

I started prayer journaling my my 20’s.  My boyfriend at the time had mentioned that when he was going through depression, his counselor suggested journaling to help him cope.  Around the same time, I was teaching 7th and 8th graders and as a part of our morning routine, I had the students write in a journal.  Each morning while I was taking attendance and doing necessary paper work, I would have a prompt on the chalkboard.  The students would write in their journal for about 10 minutes.  Sometimes the prompt would simply state, “write a letter to Jesus”, other times it might suggest writing out a traditional prayer, other times it might ask them to write ten things they feel grateful for.

These “events” led me to start my own prayer journal.

(*If you are more interested in Why I Prayer Journal, you can read more about that here: (and see some of my first journal entries!)

My idea of a prayer journal is a place where I can not only share my thoughts with Jesus, but also celebrate my faith in a creative way.

If you paged through my personal prayer journal you would see many letters that simply start, Dear Jesus or Dear Eternal Father; prayer cards pasted with novena prayers copied in my own handwriting, colored pages, newspaper clippings or other clippings pasted that discuss Scripture or have the lyrics to a song that have helped my personal faith and my relationship with Our Lord.

My prayer journaling is not based on any lessons I have learned academically – it’s a place where I believe my prayer is more focused and fruitful.

If you are looking for a more intellectual, academic explanation of prayer journaling, check out this video produced by Blessed is She: Prayer Journaling Workshop

How to start a prayer journal:

Step 1: Preparing to Prayer Journal

Have fun with picking out your supplies!!!!

This part can be so fun and will truly help you get excited about starting a prayer journal!

Pick out a notebook or journal that you will enjoy writing in, pens that feel smooth when you write and inspirational products from Open Journey

My favorite journaling supplies are:

• An old-fashioned marble styled notebook – yep, that is what I use!*
• Prayer cards/holy cards
• Stickers!  I love stickers so much – I highly recommend grabbing some from Just Love Prints,  Sweet Little Ones and Stump of Jesse. Here’s a secret I have to share with you – the Dollar Tree has some great stickers too!
• Pens that write smooth/ and colored ones too!  These gel pens from Amazon look awesome!
• Colored pencils, markers and yes, even crayons.

The truth is, I am a “wanna be artist”.  Prayer journaling allows me a creative outlet.  I like to color.  I imagine I would enjoy scrapbooking if I felt I had the time, and I do enjoy writing.  I do all of this in my prayer journal.  I can’t sew, I’m horrible at drawing and I have no business picking up a paint brush – so for me, this is a way I joyfully spend time with the Lord.  Since I pretty much don’t know how to relax – this is as close to I get to obey His command to “be still”.

*If you would rather have a journal that is more guided, check out these: 10 Best Journals for Busy Women

Step 2: Dedicate your Prayer Journal to Jesus

Now, about that first page.

If those blank pages are intimidating, or you just have no idea where to begin . . . FEAR NOT!

Here is an Instagram reel showing the first page of two journals! How to START your prayer journal!

I always put a picture of Jesus on the first page.  My favorite image is of Jesus as the Good Shepherd; but I also use what’s available.  Someone left a ton of Divine Mercy Prayer cards in the back of our church, so I give those out when I do prayer journaling workshops.

I love putting an image of Our Lord on the first page.  It sets the tone and says, “Jesus, all of this is for you”.

If you have a holy card you just love, or a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother, you could do a variation of this idea.  Another fun way to begin is to create a collage of holy cards on the first page

or

write out the sign of the cross . . . then turn the page and begin.

Step 3: Pour your heart out to Jesus, and remember to thank him for being your best friend.

So you did something with your first page and you might be wondering . . . now what?

Write a letter to Jesus and pour out your heart.  Tell him what keeps you up at night.  Tell him what you are truly grateful for.  Tell him why you are starting to prayer journal.  Ask him the questions you have about your life and your relationships.  Ask him for guidance and peace. (You can take a peak at my first prayer journal entries here: Why Prayer Journal?

Remember that Jesus is your best friend.  The way I spend time with him and my friends may look different than the way you do.  Your journey in this book will simply be where your heart and pen (or colored pencils) lead you.

If you are curious about how I pray using a journal, take a peek here:

8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal

I recently started a new journal and I know one entry is the novena prayer to Saint Joseph and another page I just had some fun coloring and then over my rainbow stripes I placed a holy card on the center and used start stickers to fasten it there. For me it’s a creative outlet, a way to silence my thoughts and hopefully in doing so, hearing God’s voice.

If you would like some printable prompts – grab this resource: 40 (More) Prayer Journal Prompts!

And lastly, if you are wondering when you might have time to journal – I wrote about that too.

When do real women find time to journal

Follow me on Instagram to see more Prayer Journaling tips!

And if you want me to come and lead a prayer journal workshop, let’s chat!

Email me at prayerwinechocolate@gmail.com and let’s see if we can set a date!

If you’d like to host your own workshop, or “sip and script” prayer journal gathering, here’s a guide:

How to Host a ‘Sip and Script’ party: Prayer Journaling with Friends

Get your tween or teen started with prayer journaling early with the Be Yourself Journal!

Let’s stay connected!  Subscribe here: Sign me up for your newsletter!

Help your sons, daughters, nieces and nephews start prayer journaling with the Be Yourself Journals!

The post How to Start a Prayer Journal (in 3 easy steps) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

This article contains affiliate links.  See more details on my About me page.

Prayer journaling is something I find beneficial and enjoyable. If you have not thought about starting a prayer journal, here are some reasons why you may want to consider it.

(Get 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for free here: Free Journal Prompts)

1. You spend more time in prayer

It takes a lot longer to write the Our Father than to say it. Often when we pray we leave out the time we spend listening to God.  Prayer journaling slows us down in our prayer and allows us time to not only talk to God, but listen to Him too.

2. You get to know yourself better

I find when I pray using a journal I really talk to God more about why I am calling out to Him.  I find myself making sure I thank Him – and that helps me reflect on all the people and things I truly appreciate.  I find myself explaining why I desire certain things and why I have particular hopes.  My prayer life transcends from rote praying and “Please God help” to a much deeper and meaningful conversation with Him.

3. It creates the warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia

Opening a copybook or binder, using glue to attach prayer cards, writing an old fashioned letter, coloring and decorating with stickers all bring me back to a simpler time.  Experiencing nostalgia, according to Erica Hepper, Ph.D., a lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey in England:

“When we experience nostalgia we tend to feel happier, have higher self-esteem, feel closer to loved ones and feel that life has more meaning. And on a physical level, nostalgia literally makes us feel warmer.” In addition, in an August 2013 study published by Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Hepper and her colleagues showed that nostalgia can produce increased optimism about the future.

see entire article at: Huffington Post: The Incredible Powers of Nostalgia

4. Proof to yourself and others, that down time does not have to be in front of a screen

Our actions inspire others.  Whether you’re a parent and children are watching what you do, a spouse, a friend, daughter, son or complete stranger . . . people are watching.  I don’t say that to be creepy, I say it because it is true.  People love people watching.  Our actions leave an impression on others.  I see people looking at screens all.the.time.

5. Stress relief and overall better health

Study after study shows that journaling decreases stress significantly.  When we reduce stress in our lives, we increase our overall physical and mental health.  If you are interested in reading more about how journaling helps, check out this article at Everydayhealth.com

Get free journal prompts for Lent by subscribing!!  Here is the link: 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent

Want to get started?  The Illustrated Faith Starter Kit

The Illustrated Faith Genesis Kit

Praise book set

Need prayer prompts?  Check out this article that includes a free printable! 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent (part 2) {Includes a Free Printable}

The post 5 Benefits of Prayer Journaling appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

Lent can be the perfect season to increase prayer time in our lives.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church,

Lent is the primary penitential season in the Church’s liturgical year, reflecting the forty days Jesus spent in the desert in fasting and prayer

If you have been thinking about starting a prayer journal, Lent is a great time to do so.
Through journaling, we can increase our prayer time and abstain from screen time.

*** Have a daughter, niece or young woman in your life that you love?  Gift her the Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls 

Not sure where to start or what to write?

Here are some ideas that can help you!

(click here for free printable of all of these and part 2: Lent Prayer Journal Prompts)

1.  Paste a picture of Jesus on the first page of your journal.  I love the image of Christ with the words, “Jesus I trust in You” underneath it.  It sets the tone for the whole book.  You can order this on Amazon here: Jesus, I trust in You holy card
2. Draw or color a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and write the prayer “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You” under the picture.  One website I love for pictures to color, cut and paste into my journal is: Look to Him and Be Radiant
3. Copy the Morning Offering onto a page.  Decorate around it.  Read it slowly and pray it
4. Write, “Dear Lord, Thank you for …” and list five blessings in you life.
5. Choose a holy quote that you love and write it on it’s own page.  Use your handwriting or even stencils.  Yellow Pelican has an entire post titled 30 Quotes to Help You Journey Through Lent!  I’m sure you’ll find one there you like! Another collection of quotes can be found here: Bible Verses for Every Woman
6. Copy this Prayer to the Holy Spirit:                                                                                       Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
   Saint Augustine
7. Write a letter to Jesus. Pour your heart out.  Try not to worry to much that “someone else may read this one day”.  It’s okay . . . give Jesus all of your worries and hopes. https://mailchi.mp/5a27d3a57afc/updated-signup-page
8. Copy this prayer I found at Give Him 5’s Facebook page: “My Dearest Jesus,
   Today, I want to be a light for you. Shine your love into my heart so that I may reflect that love to every person that I encounter. Amen.” Then draw a big picture of the sun and sky!
9. Write down words to a song or hymn that really moves your heart.
10. Find a holy card to a saint and copy the prayer that is on the back into your journal. Once you are done copying the prayer or novena, glue the picture of the saint on that page or the page adjacent to it.  Ask that saint to pray for a special intention in your heart.
11. Write a letter to a Saint asking for prayers!
12. Pray for all Holy Souls. Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family.
    Amen.
    Learn more about this prayer here: Pray More Novenas
13. You can now get 40 MORE PRAYER JOURNAL PROMPTS!    
14. 
15. Check out this awesome coloring page: What Lent Looks Like.  Take time to enjoy coloring it.  Paste it in your journal as a whole, or cut out each image seperately.  Perhaps glue one to the top of a page and write a personal reflection about that specific aspect of Lent.  For example: the sacrifice image – write a list of things you could sacrifice on that day.
16. Color or paste a picture of the Crucifix on a page and then write the Prayer Before a Crucifix underneath.  If you subscribe to Look to Him and Be Radiant, Katie sends you a free ebook with many prayer cards you can color yourself.  One of those is the Prayer Before a Crucifix.
17. Print out a picture of your family.  Glue it to a page and write a personal prayer for your family under it
18. Spiritually Adopt a baby  Have fun naming him or her and come back often to this page to pray for this little one! See prayer and printable here: God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle {Free Printable}
19. Saint Patrick’s Day!  Cut out or copy the Prayer of Saint Patrick and color or decorate the page with shamrocks!  (See my Lent Pinterest board for ideas!)
20. Write out the Our Father, then pray it slowly.
21. Try a Lectio Divina exercise.  Here’s a great website that will guide you and give you personal reflection questions: Lectio Divina: Order of Carmelites
22. Ask the Lord what He is calling you to do today.  Listen for 2 minutes . . . then write what comes to mind.
23. Write another letter to Jesus.
24. Dedicate a page to Our Blessed Mother. If there is a specific Title of Mary that resonates with you, choose that image.  Write a specific prayer dedicated to that title or write the Memorare.
25. List five ways you would like to serve God this year.
26. Choose one Station of the Cross to write about and reflect upon.
27. The feast of Saint Joseph is March 19th, but honestly, I pray to him often!  I really like this prayer to him :

Oh St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.
Amen.

Originally, I intended to give all 40 Prayer Journal Prompts in one post.  However, I don’t want to overwhelm you!  This is enough to get started, right?  Please come back (or subscribe) to get more journal prompts soon!

If you are ready for part 2 and the FREE PRINTABLE WITH ALL 40 PROMPTS, CLICK HERE: 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent (part 2) {Includes a Free Printable}

If you are on social media, and would like to share a journal page of yours, that would be awesome!  Please hashtag: #prayerjournal #prayerwinechocolate

I’d love to see what you share! Looking for the free printable? It’s here in part 2 – https://www.prayerwinechocolate.com/40-prayer-journal-prompts-for-lent-part-2-includes-a-free-printable/

The post 40 Prayer Journal Prompts for Lent (Part 1) appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.