Your Prayer Journal

Fans of nonfiction enjoy reading the biographical accounts of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. These tales of heroism, triumph and perseverance are often pieced together from journals, letters, and other personal writings and reflections. Lately, more Christians are beginning to keep prayer journals as a way to chronicle their walk with Christ.

Each day, many take time out to jot down their prayer requests, praise reports, or random thoughts in a prayer journal. Some Christians use this as a time of meditation. They may jot down a verse that has had an impact on them or key points from a sermon that were particularly relevant that day. The prayer journal may even be used as a way of communicating with God.

One of the blessings of a prayer journal is being able to go back and see how God has moved in your life. Often, when we are going through a trial or situation, we are unable to see the “big picture.” With a prayer journal, we are able to get a broader perspective. We can read about the events leading up to the situation, see how God was with us each day, and ultimately realize the miracles in our own lives that helped us get through. These are revelations that may only become apparent after the fact, when we are able to see it all on paper.

Moses understood the importance of keeping a prayer journal. The first five books of the Bible, or the Pentateuch, are a written account of how God blessed the Israelites. Moses often retold the historic narrative to the people of God to encourage them, motivate them, and humble them. And these are the words the Israelites passed on to their children and their children’s children so that they would always remember. (Deuteronomy 6:1–3)

Keep your prayer journal as a way to remember what God has done for you. Who knows—maybe it will become a best seller some day and help others, too!