Prayer Journal

Several years ago a mentor of mine encouraged me to keep a prayer journal so my prayer life would be more intentional. How many times I would have the best intentions to pray for diffent things but rarely follow up on really praying for them. A few weeks ago I decided to give my old prayer journal a face lift.











I took my moleskine journal and divided it into eleven sections using 1 inch divider tabs. I labeled one for each day of the week along with one for Rod, kids, quotes and misc. In addition to praying for Rod and my kids every day Monday is family, Tuesday is friends, Weds. is home, Thurs. is church, Friday is me, Sat. is world justice and Sunday is San Diego (local justice.)

My favorite part of the journal are the pre-written prayers I cut and pasted to the corresponding sections. Most of the prayers I used were from Stormie Omartian's "Power of a Praying Woman", "Power of a Praying Wife" and "Power of a Praying Parent."

One of the reasons why I used a moleskine journal was so I could have a built in envelope in the back to keep extra prayers that may not apply right now but will be kept for future use.

Every day when I have a few moments I pray for my husband and kids and whatever is assigned to that day of the week. The pre-written prayers help me express to God what's on my heart without having to put too much thought to it which takes time which I don't have. I obviously add specific things that are not written out and have to tweak a few things but for the most part this has helped my prayer life tremendously. In the past few weeks I've prayed more for my family, friends, church, country etc. than I have all year. The majority of the prayers are scripture so this is also helping me learn the Bible more.

This morning I was feeling resentful, tired and irritated. This is a prayer that calmed my spirit and gave me hope.
"The enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for you like a thirsty land. Answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails! Do not hide your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you."
Psalm 143:3-8