As we start out a new year, I want to encourage you to consider keeping a spiritual or prayer journal. It’s one of the most impactful practices I’ve found for personal growth and reflection on God's work in our lives.
A journal is a place to record the ways you’ve seen God move—whether in the everyday moments or the profound experiences. It's where you can capture insights from Scripture, reflect on the lessons God is teaching you, and jot down your thoughts after prayer or worship. A journal is also an excellent place to track prayer requests—both for yourself and others—and see how God answers them over time.
Beyond prayer requests, a journal allows you to capture your spontaneous devotional thoughts or even your deeper theological reflections. It can be a space for you to process life’s ups and downs, including the people you meet, the struggles you face, and the things you’re accomplishing. Writing down your experiences helps you keep perspective and allows you to see God’s faithfulness in every season.
Another benefit of journaling is that it helps you chart your progress in other spiritual disciplines. Whether it’s fasting, studying Scripture, or praying more intentionally, journaling gives you a way to reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going. It’s also an accountability tool—reminding you to keep pursuing those practices that deepen your relationship with God.
Here are a few tips that can help you get started:
Write about your day-to-day experiences and reflect on how you see God’s hand in them.
Note down any challenges you're facing and how you're learning from them.
Record your thoughts after reading Scripture or after a time of prayer.
List prayer requests and answers, and be sure to revisit them over time.
A journal is a personal space for you and God. It’s an ongoing conversation that can help strengthen your faith and build a deeper connection with Him.
