Prayer has always been a way for us humans to reach beyond the noise of everyday life—to whisper, vent, praise, cry, or just breathe with the divine. And you know what? Writing those prayers down can be just as powerful. Keeping a prayer journal isn’t about being super spiritual or crafting flawless entries like you’re submitting them to a divine diary contest. It’s about being real—with God and with yourself.
Over the years, I’ve found that starting a prayer journal can turn ordinary moments into sacred ones. Like sipping coffee at sunrise while scribbling thoughts in the margins of a tattered notebook, or scribbling down a desperate prayer in the middle of a noisy bus ride. It becomes a lifeline. A rhythm. A record of your walk with the divine—however messy that walk might be.
Let’s talk about how to actually do it, without all the pressure.
Is It OK to Journal Your Prayers?
Absolutely. In fact, if ancient folks had had Moleskines and gel pens, I’m convinced they’d be journaling their hearts out too. In Greek mythology, people would often carve their petitions into stone or dedicate written hymns to the gods. In Vedic tradition, sacred mantras were preserved on palm leaves. So really, journaling your prayers is just a modern twist on an ancient practice.
Some people worry that writing prayers feels less “holy” than saying them out loud. But here’s the thing—God reads hearts, not formats. Whether you’re whispering in your car or scrawling in your notebook with your dog curled at your feet, it counts.
One of the first prayers I ever wrote down was back in college. I was sitting on the steps outside the library, feeling overwhelmed and a little lost, and I scribbled, “Help me not lose myself in the chaos.” Years later, flipping back through those pages, I saw how that simple plea marked the beginning of me figuring out who I was—and Whose I was.
How to Write Your Own Prayer
Here’s the honest truth: there’s no wrong way to do it. If it comes from your heart, it’s a prayer.
Still, if you’re the kind of person who freezes up when faced with a blank page (hi, fellow overthinkers), here’s a little structure you can lean on:
- Start with gratitude. Even if it’s tiny. “Thank You for coffee. And birdsong. And that meme that made me laugh when I needed it.”
- Be honest. Don’t hold back. “I’m angry today,” or “I feel invisible,” or “Please don’t let me say something stupid in the meeting.”
- Ask boldly. Whether it’s for healing, direction, or just the energy to get through Tuesday.
- End with surrender. Something like, “Your will, not mine,” or “I trust You’ve got this,” or even “Okay… help.”
Some days your entry might be a page long. Other times, it might be just one line. That’s fine. That’s life.
How Do I Start Journaling With God?
You don’t need a fancy notebook. (Although let’s be real—Target’s stationary aisle is hard to resist.) You can start with whatever’s on hand: a dollar store journal, your Notes app, or even sticky notes on the fridge.
Here are a few easy steps to get you going:
1. Pick Your Spot
Find a quiet-ish corner—your porch, your favorite armchair, even the front seat of your parked car. Light a candle if that’s your thing. Cue up a soft playlist if it helps you focus. Or just roll with the chaos around you.
2. Set the Tone
Start by taking a breath. Acknowledge God’s presence. Say something like, “Hey, I’m here,” or just sit in silence for a moment before writing.
3. Write What’s Real
Don’t edit yourself. Don’t worry about grammar. This isn’t for anyone else to read. You can even doodle, add quotes, or paste in photos or headlines that speak to your current season.
Speaking of seasons—as of April 10, 2025, the world’s still recovering from, well, everything. Economic stress, political heat, the AI boom, and that sense of digital overload? It’s real. Journaling your prayers can be one of the few places where you’re not expected to perform, fix, or scroll. Just show up.
Tips for Organizing a Prayer Journal (Without Making It a Chore)
If you’re into structure, here are a few ways to keep things organized:
- Date each entry so you can track your journey.
- Create sections: gratitude, requests, answered prayers, scriptures or quotes that resonate.
- Use color codes or tabs if you’re visual like me.
- Revisit entries regularly—you’ll be amazed at how often your prayers get answered in ways you didn’t expect.
But hey, if your journal looks like a tornado hit it? That’s okay too. The divine isn’t grading your layout.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Remembering
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of keeping a prayer journal—it’s not just about writing prayers. It’s about creating a space where you can meet with the sacred again and again, in all seasons.
It becomes a map of where you’ve been, a mirror for where you are, and sometimes, a glimpse of where you’re going. And when you look back and see all the prayers answered (or transformed), you’ll realize—you were never walking alone.
So grab a pen. Or open your Notes app. Or write on a napkin at your favorite café.
Start your prayer journal today. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” There’s sacred ground in your scribbles.
Have you ever kept a prayer journal? What’s one thing you’ve learned from the practice? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear how this ancient tradition is showing up in your modern life.
Until then—keep writing, keep praying, and don’t forget to leave space for grace in the margins.