Over the years, as I have grown in my relationship with the Lord through prayer, journaling has aided in my ongoing conversation with God. It is how I process in words what I am personally going through, and it is how I invite God into my reality. While prayer journaling, I can sense when it is me speaking, and when it is God. In essence, it records the heart-to-heart connection I have with God through prayer.
Why Journaling?
My journaling almost always follows time spent in God’s Word through lectio divina, for Scripture is God’s love letter to each one of us. And journaling is my love letter back to Him.
Journaling captures my experience of prayer. It solidifies it. It helps me see themes and patterns in my conversation with God, which helps me understand more clearly what He is doing in my life. Without journaling, it would be difficult for me to remember all that God has spoken to me throughout the years.
Where to Begin?
If you have never journaled before, but it sounds intriguing, here are five tips to help you begin.
1) Find a Quiet Place
A Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is the most quiet, peaceful place for prayer. It creates the space for reflective prayer, quiet listening, and honest conversation. However, going to Adoration every day is not possible for most of us, so designating a quiet corner of your home for prayer is the next best thing.
2) Bring Your Bible
Since prayer journaling is often inspired by time spent reading Scripture, it is important to have a Bible close at hand. Not sure what to read in the Bible? Start with the daily Gospel. Other ideas include praying with the Psalms or the Gospel of John.
3) You Do Not Need to be a Writer to be a Journaler
Your journal can take shape in a multitude of ways. Perhaps it ends up being filled with bulleted lists. Or you might hand-letter Scripture verses that touch your heart. You may write paragraphs or simply jot a few sentences.
4) Consistency is Key
Writing a little everyday or every few days will give you greater insights into your own heart and how God is speaking to you.
5) Start with a Guided Journal
The Heart to Heart Prayer Prompt Journal is a thoughtfully designed companion for time spent in Eucharistic Adoration. Rooted in the Catholic tradition of contemplative prayer, the journal provides
- Scripture passages
- Guided prompts
- Space for journaling thoughts, feelings, and spiritual insights
In addition, the Heart to Heart Prayer Prompt Journal encourages a posture of stillness and receptivity, helping you become more aware of God’s presence and voice in the silence. Over time, it will become a treasured record of grace, guidance, and transformation in the heart of prayer.
A Little More About Lectio Divinia
If you are not only new to prayer journaling but also new to praying with Scripture, here are nine steps to get you started.
- Spend five to ten minutes settling down. Notice your cares and concerns. Jot down a few feeling words.
- As you settle into prayer, invite God to approach you. Notice His presence, and enter into it. Here, you can simply say, “Come, Lord Jesus,” or “Come, Holy Spirit.”
- Read your Scripture passage slowly.
- Read it again.
- Highlight words and phrases that stand out to you. This is usually God’s personal message for you, so pay close attention.
- Notice what rises in your heart: thoughts, emotions, memories, hopes, fears, or dreams. Offer them to God.
- Listen for His response, through the Scripture passage or a stirring in your heart.
- At the conclusion of your prayer time, journal your experience. This could be a few words, a few sentences, or several paragraphs. For me, this usually looks like a conversation with God, or a letter to God, where I share my heart and record how He responds to me.
- From time to time, go through your journal and notice themes and patterns in your prayer, as well as clues as to how God speaks personally to you.
A Note of Encouragement
Journaling is not mandatory for a fruitful prayer life. Nor is there a right or wrong way to do it. But it can be a helpful tool as you grow in your relationship with the Lord.
Do you incorporate journaling into your prayer routine? How has it helped you grow closer to God?
Sarah Damm is the blog manager and a writer for Blessed Is She. She also is a frequent contributor to other faith-based platforms. Residing in Minnesota with her husband and six children, Sarah was a stay-at-home mom for 21 years, until she returned to the workforce in 2023. Sarah enjoys attending her kids' volleyball, football, basketball, or baseball games (depending on the season). She loves her faith, coffee, walks with her husband, and good books. Read Sarah's posts here. You can find out more about her here.
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