How to Start a Prayer Journal with a free printable to help you get started

How to Start a Prayer Journal

Do you want to start a prayer journal, but are stumped as to how to do it? You are in the right place! Whether you are a beginner or have kept a prayer journal in the past, this post will walk you through how to start keeping a prayer journal.

You can use a notebook or a binder to keep track of your prayers and reflections.

Let’s get started!

Image of a hand holding a blue pen hovering above a spiral notebook.

What is a prayer journal?

Simply put, a prayer journal is a place (like a notebook or binder) where you keep track of your prayers. These prayers can be prayer intentions, standard prayers that you like, prayers that you have created, Bible passages that have touched you that you want to use in prayer, quotes related to prayer, or things related to prayer that have touched your heart.

In a nutshell: your prayer journal can be whatever you want for it to be related to prayer.

Why should I keep a prayer journal?

A prayer journal shows the journey of the heart. In a prayer journal, we pour our hearts out to God, we pray for others, we contemplate who God is, and we learn more about waiting on God’s timing. We can learn to grow in faith, love, and trust of God.

How do I start a prayer journal?

Get a notebook, a blank book, or a binder with notebook paper. Write “Prayer Journal” on the top of the first page. You may want to add the date as well. You are ready to begin.

Next, decide what you will focus on in your prayer journal. Will you focus on prayers of intercession (prayers for others and their needs) and prayers of petition (prayers for your own needs)? Or, will you focus on journaling about prayer and using your journal as a love letter to God, talking to Him in prayer? You can also create prayer journal sections to keep track of prayers and Bible passages that you like.

Remember that this is your prayer journal; it can be whatever you want for it to be. The one you start now may be very different than one you will begin in a few years. Also, as you begin using your prayer journal, you may want to make changes to suit your needs better. This is fine. After all, your prayer journal is a resource for you to use to help you in your prayer life.

If you want to have sections in your prayer journal, decide what those sections will be. For example, you may want to have sections for prayers of thanksgiving, for answered prayers, for reflections on Bible passages about prayer, or for drawing images related to prayer.

Remember, this is your personal prayer journal; it can be whatever you want for it to be to aid you in your prayer life.

You may like the Prayer Journal 3-Pack or Shine Journal from Blessed is She, or Pray, Hope, & Don’t Worry Prayer Journal for Catholic Women: A 52-Week Guided Devotional Through Scripture and the Saints to Overcome Anxiety from Sara and Scott Smith.

Image of a person sitting by a window, hands clasped together on top of an open Bible.

How often do I write in my prayer journal?

Write in your prayer journal as often as you like. You may find it helpful to spend a few minutes at the same time every day to write in it. This can help you to create a habit of prayer. To also help you to create the habit of using your prayer journal, you may find it convenient to keep it on your bed during the day or in a place where you will see it and remember to use it.

Don’t worry about what your writing looks like; your prayer journal is your personal letter to God where you share your prayers and thoughts with Him. He doesn’t care what your writing looks like! He wants to know what is on your mind and in your heart. Your journal is for you to keep track of your prayers and remember what you want to remember. It is only for you and God.

Review older prayer petitions in your prayer journal every now and again.

It is good to take time every so often to review older petitions that you have written in your prayer journal. For some, you will see how God has answered these prayers. For others, you will be reminded to keep praying.

Start a family prayer journal.

A family prayer journal is a wonderful way to stay connected in prayer as a family. Each person can write down (or draw, if they are too little to write) their prayer petitions.

It is really heartwarming (and sometimes quite amusing) to read the petitions of our children. It is also nice for our children to go back months or years later and reread what they have written.