What do you write in a prayer journal?
This is an interesting question because when most people think about prayer, they imagine getting on their knees or engaging in some other form of worship to talk with God.
That is a beautiful and meaningful practice. I do it too.
But can journaling also be a form of prayer?
I believe it can, and I want to share how that has looked in my own life as you consider if it is something you might want to try as well.
Using Journaling as Prayer
A few years ago, a friend introduced me to a practice he called two-way prayer.
He used his journal as a way to connect with God, and the process was surprisingly simple.
It begins by addressing God in whatever way feels most authentic to you.
For me, I usually begin with “Father” because that language helps me feel grounded and connected in the relationship I seek to have with God.
Then I write a question.
Sometimes it is something simple like:
- What do you want me to know today?
- What is your will for me right now?
Other times it is a bigger question about direction, purpose, or a decision I am wrestling with.
Whatever it is, I write the question down.
Listening and Writing
After that, I pause and listen.
This works best in a quiet space without distractions.
I keep my journal open, take a breath, and then begin the next line as if God is speaking directly to me.
I might write something like “Jeff,” or “My son,” or “My child.”
Then I write what comes to mind.
I do not overthink it at the moment.
I do not try to edit or evaluate whether it is truly God speaking or just my own thoughts.
At least not right away.
I simply write.
If I am genuinely trying to connect with God, what comes to mind is usually good, grounding, and aligned with love and truth.
I can always reflect on it later.
If I start analyzing too much at the moment, I lose the sense of connection.
Why This Practice Matters
This practice has been powerful for me.
It transforms prayer from a one-way conversation into a dialogue.
Instead of prayer being a list of requests followed by “amen,” it becomes a space to ask, wait, and listen.
Sometimes I go back and forth a few times in one sitting.
More often, I do it once a day as part of my regular routine, typically in the morning. It’s a nice way to open the day with that conversation and connection with God.
Other Ways to Use a Prayer Journal
There are many other ways to use a journal as part of your prayer life.
You might read scripture or another sacred text, sit with it, and then write your reflections and insights.
You might write after spoken prayer to capture impressions or insights that come afterward.
You might use journaling simply to process your thoughts and emotions in God’s presence.
There is no single right way.
The goal is connection.
I believe journaling can help us connect more deeply with ourselves, with others, and with the divine when we use it intentionally.
An Invitation to Try
If this is new to you, I invite you to try it for seven days.
Use a journal to connect with God in some way. See how it feels.
Notice what comes up.
You do not need anything fancy to begin. Just a journal, a pen, and a willingness to be present.
That said, I am currently creating a custom journal specifically designed for this kind of reflective and prayerful practice. It will be available in the coming weeks!
If that interests you, feel free to reach out. I will share more when it is ready.
For now, I also have a resource called the Seven-Day Journal Reset.
It is designed to help you intentionally create the life you want by using your journal as a place of reflection, clarity, and creation.
Watch more in the video below:
