As I started reading the Bible through in one year, I fast realized I need a journal to accompany my journey. I want to record my thoughts, questions, findings, revelations along the way. This might be something you want to consider, too. As we prayerfully approach reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will show us new things through God’s word. That’s why it is a living word! And that’s why I want to record the reading process. A.W.Tozer has said “The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.”

I understand keeping a journal does not appeal to everyone. I have come to love keeping a spiritual prayer journal. (That’s why I felt drawn to keep a Bible reading journal, too.) I sincerely think that spiritual journaling has so much to offer for all of us. I heartily recommend it to anyone. But each of us has to find our own way to pray. The important thing is to pray, the form of prayer is ours to choose and it varies from time to time. C.H. Spurgeon put it this way “…True prayer is measured by weight, not by length. A single groan before God may have more fullness of prayer in it than a fine oration of great length.”

The key to spiritual journaling is to take time with God. Start your journaling with a prayer, quieting yourself before God. Then pick up your pen or start typing. Write down what is on your heart, knowing that God already knows what’s going on in your life. Remember that prayer is supposed to be a two-way street. ‘The trouble with nearly everybody who prays is that he says ‘Amen’ and runs away before God has a chance to reply’, says Frank Laubach. He continues: ‘Listening to God is far more important than giving Him our ideas.‘

It takes listening to hear God’s voice! My rule of thumb in prayer is ‘ listen more than you talk’. This is where prayer journal becomes helpful. Listen and document what God is saying to you. Ask open-ended questions and listen. Stay in God’s presence and write down any visions or Bible verses God gives you. Be faithful also in recording prayer answers and you start seeing how God is in action in your life.

I find it helpful to use different font writing my prayers and the things I hear God talking in my heart. Others use different ink for prayer requests and answered prayers. Experiment and find your way to do it. I have found that keeping a spiritual prayer journal has enriched my spiritual life enormously. Prepare for a revolution of your own spiritual life! Prepare for reformation of your whole life!

Gracious God,
Thank you for being alive and well!
Thank you for being an active force in our lives.
Guide us to find our way to pray and listen to your voice.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: What have you found helpful in your prayer life?