Starting a prayer journal is one of the most intimate and transformative things you can do for your spiritual growth.
Whether you’re new to journaling or seeking to renew your connection with God in a more intentional way, a prayer journal becomes both a sacred space and a spiritual discipline.
Through my own journey, I’ve discovered how grounding and life-giving this habit can be and in this article, I’ll walk you through how to begin, sustain, and enjoy every step of prayer journaling.
What Is a Prayer Journal?
A prayer journal is a dedicated space—digital or physical—where you can record your prayers, thoughts, reflections, and experiences with God.
It’s not just a notebook; it’s a record of your faith journey, a tool for spiritual growth, and a conversation log with your Creator.
There are no rigid rules for what a prayer journal must look like. It could be:
- A blank notebook
- A guided journal with prompts
- A digital document or app
- A simple binder with dividers for different prayer categories
Personally, I use a physical notebook just for my prayers. I like to write everything down.
Each morning when I wake up, I sit down and write my prayers. It’s become a rhythm that brings peace and clarity to the start of my day.
Why Start a Prayer Journal?
People start prayer journals for many reasons:
- To grow closer to God
- To organize their thoughts during prayer
- To document answered prayers
- To reflect on Scripture and its impact
- To reduce anxiety by surrendering worries to God in writing
For me, as a Christian, I always felt the need to be prayerful and to have a personal way to talk to God.
That’s what led me to this habit. I’ve always written things down—it’s how I think best—so journaling my prayers just made sense.
What I love most is how it brings structure to what can often feel like scattered thoughts. Over time, I’ve started noticing patterns: things I continually struggle with, answered prayers I would have forgotten about, or blessings that I might have overlooked.
Choosing Your Prayer Journal Format
Before diving in, choose a format that matches your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few suggestions:
Simple Lined Notebook
Perfect for minimalists and those who love freeform writing. This is what I personally use. It allows you to write without restrictions and develop your own system naturally.
Bullet Journal Style
Ideal if you like structure, trackers, and bullet points. You can create sections for gratitude, Scripture, prayer requests, answered prayers, and even mood logs.
Pre-Made Prayer Journals
Great for beginners who want prompts or a template. These often include sections like “Today I’m praying for…” or “A verse on my heart today…”
Digital Journals or Apps
If you’re more tech-savvy or always on the go, apps like Echo, Evernote, or GoodNotes (on tablets) can work well.
How to Structure a Prayer Journal Entry
There’s no one-size-fits-all format, but here are components you can include to guide your entries:
Date
Start each entry with the date to track your journey over time.
Greeting
I always start my prayers with something like “Thank you, Father” or “Good morning, God.” This sets the tone and feels like I’m starting a conversation.
Praise & Gratitude
Reflect on what you’re thankful for. Gratitude helps shift your focus toward God’s goodness.
Confession
Be honest about your struggles or shortcomings.
Petitions & Intercessions
List your needs, the needs of others, and areas where you seek God’s intervention.
Scripture Reflection
If you read a verse or passage, jot it down and write your reflections.
Closing
I like to end with “Amen,” closing the conversation with a sense of reverence.
Sometimes I write just one line: “Thank you for this day.” Other times, I read a Psalm and feel led to write more. There’s no right or wrong—just honesty.
Building a Consistent Journaling Habit
Consistency is key. To make this a lasting habit:
Pick a regular time
I journal early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m. That’s when I feel most connected. But if I sleep in, that’s okay. The goal is regularity, not perfection.
Keep your journal visible
Leaving it on my desk reminds me to open it. Out of sight often means out of mind.
Start small
You don’t have to write a full page every day. Even one sentence is valuable.
Pair it with another habit
Like reading Scripture or drinking your morning coffee.
Give yourself grace
Some days you’ll skip. Life happens. Don’t let guilt stop you—just pick it back up tomorrow.
What to Write on your prayer journal When You’re Not Sure What to Say
Some days, your mind goes blank. Here are ideas to keep your pen moving:
Gratitude List
What are 3 things you’re thankful for today?
Names of People to Pray For
List them and say a short prayer.
Scripture Promises
Write a verse and how it applies to you.
Worries and Fears
Surrender them on paper.
Prayers for Guidance
Ask for clarity in a specific area of your life.
Remember, it’s okay to write less some days. Like I said earlier, sometimes all I write is “Thank you for this day.” That’s still a prayer.
Tracking Answered Prayers and Spiritual Growth
One of the most powerful things about a prayer journal is looking back. You start to see how God has moved in your life.
You might notice:
- Prayers that were answered in unexpected ways
- Areas where you’ve grown spiritually
- Repeated themes that need more prayer or surrender
Consider dedicating a section to “Answered Prayers.” It’s incredibly faith-building to re-read those moments.
Encouragement for Beginners: Let It Be Yours
Starting a prayer journal isn’t about doing it “right.” It’s about making space for an ongoing conversation with God.
You don’t need fancy supplies or long entries. I personally love that my journal is just for me; no one else reads it.
It’s a safe, sacred space. Some days I don’t have much to say, but writing even a sentence grounds me. It’s my way of checking in with God and keeping my faith real and personal.
Final Thoughts: How to Start a Prayer Journal
Whether you’re picking up a pen for the first time or returning to this practice after a break, starting a prayer journal is a beautiful act of faith. It slows you down, clears your mind, and strengthens your spirit.
For me, keeping a prayer journal has become one of the most peaceful parts of my day. It’s a quiet moment, just between me and God.
And over time, it has helped me feel closer to Him, more anchored, and more aware of His presence.