Written By Tabitha Harrison // EEW Magazine Online

Ever found yourself staring at a blank prayer journal, unsure how to begin? That used to be me – clutching a beautiful leather-bound journal but frozen by the pressure to write something “spiritual.”

One night, exhausted by the facade of having it all together, I finally scribbled, “God, I don’t even know how to talk to You on paper.” That raw admission became the first step in transforming my prayer life from a routine checklist to a joy-filled dialogue with God.

Though I had been a lifelong churchgoer, my prayers often felt transactional – like dropping coins into a divine vending machine and waiting for answers. But that night, as my pen moved across the page, tears blurred the ink. I wasn’t striving for holiness; I was simply being honest. In that authenticity, I found something unexpected: joy.

Let me share seven simple practices that turned my prayer journaling from a duty into a delightful, authentic, sacred journey with God. These are not rigid rules but heartfelt invitations to deepen your connection with God through the written word.

1. Start Where You Are

Matthew 11:28 invites us to come to Jesus as we are: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This truth gave me permission to approach God honestly. Some days, my journal entries begin with, “Today was awful,” or “I’m so tired, God.” Those unvarnished starts often lead to profound conversations with Him. You know God can handle our real emotions and meet us in our rawest moments, right?

2. Set the Right Atmosphere

"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) isn't just a pretty verse on my wall – it's an invitation to carve out space for sacred moments. In my case, that's a quiet corner of my bedroom with a comfy chair and soft lighting. You don't need a Pinterest-worthy prayer nook. My space isn't fancy – just my grandmother's old armchair, a reading lamp, and my favorite pen (okay, maybe a few favorite pens). Sometimes I light a candle or play soft worship music. Other times, it's just me and the sound of my pen scratching across paper. The point isn't the setup – it's creating a space where your soul knows it's time to connect with God.

3. Use Joy-Focused Prompts

Psalm 119:24 declares, “Your testimonies are my delight.” To embrace joy, I began incorporating prompts like:

• What are three ways I saw God’s goodness today?

• When did I sense God’s presence?

• What made me smile this week?

• What challenge taught me to trust Him?

These prompts opened my eyes to joy in unexpected places.

4. Let Scripture Spark Dialogue

Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” Writing out Scripture and responding to it in my journal brought new life to my time with God. Sometimes I ask questions, express gratitude, or simply write, “Wow, God!” Engaging with His Word in this way has become a wellspring of joy.

5. Record God’s Faithfulness

Psalm 105:5 encourages us to “remember the wonders he has done.” My journal has become more than a daily log; it’s a testimony of God’s faithfulness. I revisit old entries, marking answered prayers with colorful stars. This practice strengthens my faith and fills me with joy as I see God’s hand throughout my journey.

6. Express Yourself Creatively

Psalm 16:11 declares, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” Embracing creativity, the big kid in me still loves sparkles and squiggles. I began adding doodles, poems, and even photos to my journal. Sometimes I paste in meaningful keepsakes or write prayers in unique formats. My journal became a scrapbook of joy, reflecting my unique walk with God.

7. Share the Journey

1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us to “encourage one another and build each other up.” I joined a small prayer journaling group where we share insights, answered prayers, and creative ideas. Witnessing others find joy in their journaling journey has deepened my own experience and multiplied my gratitude.

A Joyful Invitation

The beauty of prayer journaling is that there’s no wrong way to do it. God isn’t grading your grammar or penmanship. He delights in your presence as you delight in His. Some days my entries are lengthy reflections; other days, they’re a single sentence or a simple “Thank You, Lord.” Both are precious to Him.

Looking back at my first tear-stained journal entry, I smile. Admitting I didn’t know how to begin led to a journey filled with joy, transformation, and unforgettable moments with God. Now my journal is more than a record of prayers; it’s a story of faith and a reflection to His goodness.

So grab that blank journal and don’t worry about doing it “right.” Just start. Show up as you are. Write what’s on your heart. Watch how God turns those empty pages into a masterpiece of connection.

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