My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. - Proverbs 3: 1-2
For the past few weeks I've added something new to my prayer life and time with the Lord. It's inexpensive, portable, adaptable, and honestly something I wish I had started a long time ago. By this post's title you can probably guess what it is. ;) A prayer journal.
You may be sitting there thinking "Um, no. I'm not a writer, I'm not a journal-er," or maybe "I tried that and got nothing out of it." Yep, I feel you because I thought those things as well. But after some gentle nudging (so gentle I'm sure they didn't even realize they were) by a friend I decided to give it another shot. And boy is it good, and let me elaborate why.
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| A sample page from my journal. Sidenotes: the "summary, questions, insights, etc. are actually from Matthew 12 not 11. Also the PostIts are to cover up prayer requests for the sake of privacy. Sorry. |
- A Way to Look Back and Reflect
I'm nostalgic about pretty much everything. In the short time I've had this journal I already love reading previous entries. It's funny to see what was on my heart a few days or the week before, and how Jesus has come into my life with those answers, encouragement, and love. I can't wait to look back months or years from now and smile (or shake my head) at what past Alley was thinking.
- Getting Things Down
I find that actually writing out a concern or prayer usually I makes me think about it more deeply. This is especially helpful in cases where I feel overwhelmed. This is also great when I'm talking with others about something that's been rough or hard to deal with; instead of saying "not good" or "I don't know" (which are perfectly honest answers, just not helpful) when asked "what's wrong?" I can at least have a starting point to explain.
- Remembering Scripture
I highlight, underline, and sometimes use Washi tape in my Bible, but simply highlighting isn't enough to help us remember. The act of writing/rewriting is what really helps commit stuff to memory. Even if all I do write a brief summary of the Bible chapter or section of the chapter I've just read, I can better recall it when I need to.
- Processing Scripture
Again, writing things down tends to make me think more deeply about them. An epiphany or question about what I've just read can be easily added to a summary.
Some sample questions to ask yourself.
- The 5W's. Who wrote this book? Were they writing it to someone? Why?
- What does this even mean? Is there a major lesson I can take away from this book, chapter, or verse? Such as a command to obey, a sin to avoid, a promise to rejoice in, etc.?
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Maybe you're thinking ok, sounds good, what do I need? Four things and you're set.
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| A page of my Bible, naturally covered in washi tape and highlighting. |
An open heart. This is arguably the most important thing. Simply let the Lord come into your heart, be open to His Spirit, and enjoy your fellowship and communion with Him. :)
Something to write in. It doesn't have to be fancy, a simple notebook will do. But if you prefer a leather-bound and locked diary go for it.
Something to write with. Pens, pencils, markers, it's all good
A Bible. If you're new to studying the Bible I suggest a) a study Bible -they tend to have lots of nice "extras" and explanations to help process what's going on and b) an easier to understand translation, I have the NIV translation and like it well enough.
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Some additional recommendations.
A plan. This doesn't have to be anything super complicated. If you are new to studying the Bible, I recommend the following method. (I say this as a 20-year-old girl who has found it works well for me, and not as a professional theologian.) Start with the New Testament: one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John), then one of the letters of St. Paul (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, or Philemon), then an Old Testament book like Psalms or Proverbs. I find that one or two chapters a day is good (though three or four Psalms is manageable due to their shorter length.)
A routine. This is two-fold; one part is setting aside a specific time each day to study, journal, and pray. I find that most people either do this after waking up or before bedtime, but if you are certain you'll be too tired at either of these times, the middle of the day is good too. The other part is for the actual time in the Word and a nice method is to Pray that you will be open to what Lord will teach you. Read and Write any summaries, 5W's, questions, or applications, etc. Pray again in thanksgiving for what you've learned, asking for clarity if you don't understand something, or both. Tell someone, this could be asking advice from a spiritual adviser, shared in a small group, or giving someone else advice.
This was super long but I really hope it helped or inspired you to add to your prayer life!
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| Another page from my Bible. |
Do you have any other journaling, Bible study, or prayer life tips?
