• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Prayer Wine Chocolate

a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

  • Home
  • Wine and Chocolate
  • Faith
  • CSMI
  • Adoption
  • Life
  • Prayer Journaling
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Be Yourself!: A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Donate a Be Yourself Journal
  • Catholic Coloring Pages
  • Shop

Feb 15, 2017
Faith· Life· The Little Things

Why Prayer Journal?

When I was very young, I wrote in a diary.

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.

(This post contains affiliate links)

Why Prayer Journal-


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:

Screen Shot 2017-02-15 at 11.23.20 AM.png

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 . . .

journalentry1.jpg

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

journalcreativity1a.jpg



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

Share214
Tweet
Pin7
Share3
221 Shares
Previous Post: « Ten Books I Should Have Read By Now
Next Post: Pairing Wine with Chocolate! [Free Printable] »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. LaNeshe says

    February 15, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    Every time you post about it I think I need to incorporate prayer journaling into my journaling. I need to actually start doing it!

    • Amy says

      February 15, 2017 at 1:22 pm

      The Lord gets our attention in all kind of ways my friend lol!!

      • Rita says

        February 20, 2017 at 5:12 pm

        Sometimes it’s the nudge with the elbow, are a stubbed toe??????????? Sometimes as we age we need a stronger persuasion. ……

  2. Christine says

    February 15, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    Thank you for this inspiring post. I keep seeing things about keeping a prayer journal but I never really understood the how/why. Now I do. I am going to start one today! Thank you!

    • Amy says

      February 15, 2017 at 1:22 pm

      Awesome!!!

  3. Anni says

    February 15, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    This is great! I don’t journal – or, I am struggling to pick up the practice. But, I love to hear why and how you are motivated to prayer journal… it’s neat to have an insider’s look, especially when I know I *should* and I am struggling to make gay a spiritual priority.

    • Amy says

      February 15, 2017 at 3:43 pm

      It’s okay if you don’t! Finding time, for me, is the biggest challenge!

  4. Aleesa says

    February 15, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    I need to get a journal and start writing again. I was so fruitful to write things out and I love reading back through my thoughts, inspirations, and struggles.

    • Amy says

      February 15, 2017 at 3:44 pm

      I love how you describe journaling as being fruitful!

  5. Sara @ To Jesus Sincerely says

    February 15, 2017 at 6:29 pm

    I love EVERY one of these reasons! Writing while I pray has changed my life…

  6. Estelle e says

    February 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    I love the idea of journaling in general, and prayer journaling sounds truly inspired. Thank you.

    • Amy says

      February 16, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      Thank you Estelle!

  7. Karen says

    February 16, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    I have always had mixed feelings about keeping a journal. Not sure if you ever listen to Dr. Ray Guirendi {sp?}, but during the period of time when I was considering keeping a journal, I heard him talk about this on his radio program. He advised against a journal, or diary, because we tend to write about the things that are bothering us and each time we read that post {or any post in which we might be venting}, we end up reliving that situation and any bad or hurt feelings that came of that situation resurface. We end up not really letting go of an unpleasant experience in our lives. I totally understood that point and that was exactly what I didn’t want from a journal. However, what I DID want was a place for my thoughts on God and a place to keep formal prayers or scripture verses that spoke to my heart. I actually started a journal for this purpose. In addition, I write about life experiences that I’ve had in relation to God, all with the idea that one day my kids might read these passages and I want them to know how I felt about my faith. Even if someone picks it up now, I wouldn’t be uncomfortable with someone reading something I’ve written. Does that make sense? In any case, I’m glad I started it and I try to take it with me to Adoration. That’s when I tend to write the most these days! 🙂

    • Amy says

      February 16, 2017 at 1:36 pm

      Makes total sense! I often think “someone may read this someday” and I think that compels me to think of my blessings!

      • Karen says

        February 16, 2017 at 1:51 pm

        EXACTLY, Amy! 🙂

  8. Rose says

    February 16, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Such a good habit to start. I’ve never tried it but now I’m thinking about it.

  9. Allison Gingras says

    February 16, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    I write in my prayer journal daily. In many different ways when reading scripture, or jot notes when doing spirtual reading. I’ve even been known to write reflections during the Rosary. I do find the physical act of writing helps me process and remember.

  10. Lexie says

    August 25, 2017 at 10:02 am

    Yeses! I keep one as well 🙂

Primary Sidebar

       

Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

10 Free resources

10 Free resources

10 free resources for subscribers!

10 free resources for subscribers!

GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

Friendship can be confusing to tween and teens. th Friendship can be confusing to tween and teens. they hear “love one another” but are not taught that there are different kinds of love and that friendship is meant to be selective. Saint John Bosco left similar advice. He said:
“Fly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake. If you keep good companions, I can assure you that you will one day rejoice with the blessed in Heaven; whereas if you keep with those who are bad, you will become bad yourself, and you will be in danger of losing your soul.”
Yes, love! But love God above all and remember “Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure” (Sirach 6:14). 
#holyfriendship #Catholicsonline #Catholicreels #saintquotes #CatholicSaint #CatholicSaints #Catholictween #Catholicteen #genlife #Catholickids #youthministry #Catholicyouth #catholicyouthministry
I asked my husband if he could give me some sugges I asked my husband if he could give me some suggestions for Father’s Day Gifts and he said 3 books I was going to give our son for his birthday… which is the day before Father’s Day.
🤨🤔
Do you think they’ll appreciate a joint gift?

Do I just give them to my husband?
Do I give them to my son?

They do look pretty cool!

They were sent to me from Voyage Comics… link for their shop is in my bio!
As an associate of Voyage Comics, I earn on qualifying purchases.
#Catholicdad #Catholicyouth #catholicyoungadults #Catholicmen #Catholicmemes #Catholicsonline #catholicinfluencers #catholicministry #Seek #prolife #prolifegeneration
Decrease stress and increase prayer time! 20 inspi Decrease stress and increase prayer time! 20 inspirational, prayerful coloring pages available (link in bio).
Color outside, at Eucharistic Adoration, with your teens, tweens, kids, and friends !
Enjoy your summer and calm your soul!
#Colorandpray #Coloringpages #Catholicteen #Catholiccoloringpages #Catholicshop #Catholickids #Catholicwife #liturgicalliving #Catholic
This is not a joke, I actually do this. I have a h This is not a joke, I actually do this.
I have a hard time answering God’s call to “be still@. Coloring as a way to slow down is such a great way for me to relax and meditate.
Plus, the feeling of nostalgia that I feel when color brings an added joy to my time with Jesus ❤️
Grab this coloring page and 19 more… link in my bio!
They’re an instant download!
#Catholic #prayerjournal #catholiccoloringpages #adultcoloring #bestillandknow #EucharisticAdoration #CatholicsOnline #Catholicspeaker #SacredHeartofJesus #catholicinfluencers #CatholicsOnline
Let’s talk about Catholic gifts for men… My h Let’s talk about Catholic gifts for men…

My husband’s birthday was on Monday, and I was so excited to give him this book from Voyage Comics!

The truth is, him and I are both fans of this small Catholic business.

Our son loves their comic books too!

Catholic gifts for women often seem plentiful… but when it comes to men, well … shopping for them can be more of a challenge.

I love how the men over at Voyage Comics create extremely incredible content and works of art that entertain without compromising virtue.
I love that I can say to my son and other young people, “look, you can enjoy your work and give glory to God at the same time”!

If you want to give an inspiring gift for Father’s Day… and make your husband or dad smile that this handsome guy… definitely go shopping at Voyage Comics!
(Link in bio ~ Catholic Comic books)

In full disclosure, I was given some products in exchange for my honest review. Honestly… 5 STARS!
As an associate of Voyage Comics, I earn on qualifying purchases.
#Comicbooks #Catholicman #catholicgentleman #Catholicdad #bigbangtheory #thechristbearer #VoyageComics #CatholicSaint #Catholicgeeks #catholictheology #theology
Thank you God, for so many answered prayers and bl Thank you God, for so many answered prayers and blessings!
#Momlife #Catholiclife #Churchhistory #Catholichistory #Catholicart #Artmuseum #Rockysteps #Catholicmom #Catholiclife
Friends!!! Please join me in welcoming Katie home! Friends!!! Please join me in welcoming Katie home! Katie fully entered the Catholic Church on Sunday!

Katie was raised by wonderful Christian parents in the New Apostolic Church and I honestly want to really get her to share her conversion story.
Until then
I will say this… 

never hesitate to invite someone to pray the Rosary with you!

Katie embraced the Rosary as a Christian 
and funny story… I remember her holding it once and saying “I’m not converting “ as her Catholic husband walked by us 😂 

Truth be told, Katie has helped me pull off every single Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat since the very beginning!

Watching her research and completing dive into the Word with her whole heart has been a beautiful, inspiring sight.

And quite frankly, between her and Mark Wahlburg… I think I hear about the Hallow app at least 3 times a day 😆.
Seriously @hallowapp , you should hire her 😉😜!
Welcome Katie and drop a hug emoji below!!!
Love you Katie @craftymom714 !!!!
#Catholicconvert #RCIA #Catholicfaith #Bibleinayear #stayprayedup
How can we love our identity and still be humble? How can we love our identity and still be humble?

Does that sound like a good title for a talk?

I’m working on a “Talk” on Identity (or a blog post if I chicken out 🐓)… and I’m really liking the topic of humility… along with modesty.
My plan was to post this morning and ask for your prayers… but along the way I saw that today is Saint Philip Neri’s feast day.
So, naturally, I googled “Saint Philip Neri humility”.
To my delight, I found this quote:

“Humility is the safeguard of chastity. In the matter of purity, there is no greater danger than not fearing the danger. 

For my part, when I find a man secure of himself and without fear, I give him up for lost. I am less alarmed for one who is tempted and who resists by avoiding the occasions, than for one who is not tempted and is not careful to avoid occasions. When a person puts himself in an occasion, saying, I shall not fall, it is an almost infallible sign that he will fall, and with great injury to his soul.”

I feel like some great message is coming together here, but, I need your prayers.

I mean, I don’t even know if posting about humility on Instagram is like, a total oxymoron?

I’m so thankful to have Scripture and the writing of Saints to help me. I’m also extremely grateful for your prayers.

May we both live as it is written in 1 Peter 5:5 ~
“And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for:
“God opposes the proud
but bestows favor on the humble.”
* if you like that Saint Philip Neri quote, you can see and share it over at @catholicsonline 

Do you have any questions or thoughts on humility?
Let me know in the comments!

Photo taken by @nadiapittmanphoto 📸 

#Catholicspeaker #Catholicauthor #Scripturequote #SacredScripture #humility #Saintquotes #Chastity #virtuouswoman #Catholics #InstaCatholic
Moms, have you ever heard someone say, “You’ve Moms, have you ever heard someone say, “You’ve got your hands full!”?

I have … and it’s usually very true!

I’m so excited to share this new belt bag from Be a Heart (@beaheartdesign )with you!

I chaperoned a field trip today and it made my whole experience more pleasant than if I brought a pocketbook or handbag!

I’m hoping to enjoy lots of adventures with my children this summer, so this will be such an incredible blessing!

I LOVE the Marian blue lining and it truly is lightweight and comfortable!
Use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE when you shop at Be A Heart and you’ll save 10% off!

Link in bio!
In full disclosure, Be a Heart sent me this bag in exchange for my honest review… and I honestly love it!
📸 by @nadiapittmanphoto 
#CatholicMom #Catholicmother #Middleschoolmom #Tweenmom #Momlife #classicaleducation #Catholicmomma #Catholicwoman #Catholicshop #catholicyouthministry
Do our sons understand what it means to be a “sp Do our sons understand what it means to be a “spiritual warrior “? Do we?

I learned and relearned a ton of things writing Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys.

Here’s what we all need to know about being a “Spiritual Warrior “:

1. Yes, there is a battle between good and evil and we are all in the midst of it. Years ago, in cartoons, it was common to see a devil on one shoulder and an Angel on another. It was CLEAR which voice was good and which was evil. The animation gave us a visual of what we were very familiar with.  Today, we must work a little harder so that all of us are detecting what is good and what is evil.

2. You don’t walk out onto a battlefield unprepared.
You put on your suit of armor and you bring your weapon. You do this FIRST! Faith is our shield, prayer is our greatest weapon. In other words, God has to be number one if we want to truly protect our soul. Knowing God has to be not only a priority, but our first priority.

3. We are not alone, but not everyone is going to grow in virtue. The virtues are our “armor of light” that protect us from the enemy. We would be wise to follow the advice of St. Francis de Sales in this, “Love everyone with a strenuous love based on charity, but form friendships only with those who can share virtuous things with you.”
Want to help your son on the battlefield?
Get him a copy of this journal today!
Link in bio!
#spiritualwarfare #Catholicmom #Catholic
I did this in one take… and you can totally tell I did this in one take… and you can totally tell, I know.
FYI I saw this movie the theater and there were real nuns there 😂 
I seriously don’t know what hashtags are appropriate for this…
My son has 2 Be Yourself Journals… I asked him t My son has 2 Be Yourself Journals…
I asked him to show me his favorite page and he chose the “mad libs like” activity 😆.

Anyone who purchases 2 copies of Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys from me this weekend will get the Bible Study for Boys (7 lesson plans) for FREE!!!
Tag your friends that are youth ministers, ccd teachers, DRE’s, catechists and Catholic school teachers!

You could even use it for a VBS program for older kids!

I believe we need the be excited about our faith… especially when we present it to young people!

Our faith is FASCINATING! It’s EXCITING!
It’s anything BUT boring!

Let’s do this!!!

#Catholic #religiouseducation #Catholicyouth #metacatholic #DRE #Catholicdre #Catholicparish #Catholiclink #bustedhalo #Catholicsonline #bibleinayear #Catholictween #catechism #Catholicpriest #spiritualwarfare #Theology #theologyofthebody #babiesanddreams
Prayer of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus O Jesu Prayer of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

O Jesus, I pray for your faithful and fervent priests;
for your unfaithful and tepid priests;
for your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields;
for your tempted priests;
for your lonely and desolate priests;
for your young priests;
for your dying priests;
for the souls of your priests in purgatory.

But above all, I recommend to you the priests dearest to me:
the priest who baptized me;
the priests who absolved me from my sins;
the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me your Body and Blood in Holy Communion;
the priests who taught and instructed me;
all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way (especially …).

O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart,
and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity.
Amen.
#Catholicprayers #CatholicSaints #prayforpriests #Catholic #praymore #audienceofone #prayer #prayerjournal #instainspiration
I dare you to comment below 3 to 5 things you are I dare you to comment below 3 to 5 things you are thanking God for today!!!
#answeredprayers #cultivategratitude #Catholicmom #Catholicsonline #Instamom #MomsofInstagram #CatholicChristian
I have a super sweet story to share with you! Las I have a super sweet story to share with you!

Last evening my husband and I decided that we were long overdue for praying a Rosary with the family.

We have friends searching for jobs that have asked us to pray and many others intentions.

Our kids were outside playing with a little girl who lives up the road.

I walked outside with a bunch of tangled up Rosaries (see reel I made yesterday) and told my 3 children they had to come in to pray the Rosary.

My daughter, who made this Rosary for me, asked if their friend could pray with us.

I said she was, of course, welcome to pray with us!

All 4 kids came inside and my son volunteered to lead the first decade. Our 9 year old guest led a decade too!

She stumbled a little with the words to the Hail Mary but by the end of her decade, I was so impressed.

Once we were done praying my husband complimented our young guest on how well she did.
It was such a beautiful, unexpected event.
What a great reminder… courtesy of my daughter in Kindergarten… to always invite others to pray with you!
#praywithothers #TheRosary #manyhailmarysatatime #HolyRosary #praytherosary #familyrosary #Catholickids #Praymore
Some people want to start prayer journaling, but t Some people want to start prayer journaling, but that first page intimidates them.
Here’s a way to start that it totally stress free!
#prayerjournal #prayerjournaling #Catholic #Catholicreels #JesusItrustinYou
We haven’t even started yet and there’s an iss We haven’t even started yet and there’s an issue 😂 🪢 
#familyrosary #prayingmama #signofthecross #Catholicreels
“I don’t even remember that”~ my Mom. When I “I don’t even remember that”~ my Mom.
When I told my mom how she inspired the title of the Be Yourself Journal, that was her response 😂.
As a tired Mama, I so appreciate this now.
It’s amazing what God’s grace and a mother’s love can do!
My mom felt bad that I felt left out. But, she was also tired and was probably in survival mode with 3 or 4 children at that point.
I get that now.
But God took what my mom didn’t say and placed in my heart the contents of the book I get to the author of!
I am finding so much relief in this realization today.
I often see my shortcomings as a Mother.
I’m tired.
I’m still disorganized like I was before motherhood.
But I do have faith in God and love for my children.
I believe that God knew exactly what He was doing when He chose me to be the mother of my children.
He knows my strengths and weaknesses.
His grace is sufficient… for all mothers.
Praise the Lord!
Happy Mother’s Day!

Share this post and remind others that it’s totally okay to not be perfect.
Keep loving!
#Catholic #Catholicmom #holy #faithful #babiesanddreams #mothersday
Did you know Our Lady of Fatima taught the three y Did you know Our Lady of Fatima taught the three young children a couple of prayers?

The Blessed Mother taught the children to offer all their personal sacrifices to God by praying:
O My Jesus, I offer this for love of Thee, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Another prayer Our Lady taught the children was:

O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

I love how Our Blessed Mother encourages to us to start a prayer by addressing the Lord with these words:
“O my Jesus…”
One of my favorite prayers was taught to the Fatima children by an angel.
This is that prayer:

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee.

Today, May 13th, is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!

#Catholicprayer #prayerjournal #Catholicprayers #Catholic #prayerjournalprompts #OurLadyofFatima #Catholicwoman #Catholicwife #Catholicmom
Sometimes, when I go to Mass, the homily isn’t e Sometimes, when I go to Mass, the homily isn’t exactly stellar…

But bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, when I attend Mass, the other people in the pews don’t participate in the prayers or sing the hymns…

But bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present.

Sometimes, when I’m at Mass my own mind wanders and I’m distracted by children who can’t sit still…

But bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

An incredible miracle happens at every Catholic Mass… 

The whole Christ is truly present -- body, blood, soul, and divinity -- under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the body of Jesus Christ, which was given up for me and you.

#RealPresence #Eucharisticrevival #EucharisticAdoration #CatholicInspiration #Catholicchurch #HolyEucharist #HolyCommunion #Catholicblog #prayerjournal
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2023 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316