N 1986, AT THE SUGGESTION OF A Christian neighbor, I began prayer journaling. I recommend it to anyone whose prayer life needs a boost.
Many types of prayer journals exist. Some write their prayers as they speak to God. Others make lists or jot notes. Still others meditate on a passage of Scripture and write their thoughts. Some use notebooks. Others prefer nicely bound blank books. One of my pastors uses his laptop computer. He moves his lists around to keep current what is urgent, and even "bolds" the names on his emergency prayer list.
My system is an adaptation of one suggested by writers David and Karen Mains. I use a three-ring binder, with narrow-lined paper and index tabs. The loose-leaf binder enables me to add pages as needed in each section. The binder paper provides margins. In the left one I note the date of my writing; in the right, the date and a brief description of any answer God sends within my request categories.
The Way I Do It
I began with five sections: (1) adoration (praising God for who He is, often suggested by my Bible reading); (2) thanksgiving (for what He has done); (3) confession; (4) intercession (subdivided into individuals, institutions, and government); and (5) personal (subdivided into my own needs, my husband's, my children's, and other relatives'). I later added a sixth category: my writing (help as I work on a piece, acceptance by a publisher, its influence on readers if it is accepted). During the years I wrote a monthly question-and-answer advice column for Guide magazine, I added a seventh section in which I listed specific concerns for youngsters who wrote me of very difficult problems. There's also a certain amount of guesswork involved in analyzing a problem when hearing only one perspective on it, so I asked for wisdom and discernment, lest I inadvertently hurt a bruised child or encourage a rebellious one.
I don't have time to read or write in my prayer journal every day. Indeed, pressure to do so would kill its usefulness. But I keep coming back to it on days when I have a bit more time, or when I feel a particular need and want to focus my prayers. Whenever I take time with my journal, I feel God close to me.
These are some of the benefits:
1. More specific praying. I ask myself what I really want.
2. It keeps my mind from wandering while praying.
3. It brings to mind readily the requests I want to continue praying for but might otherwise forget.
4. It gives me a written record of the many answers God has provided.
5. This, in turn, strengthens my faith on days when it is otherwise weak. It reminds me that He is there; He does hear me.
6. This same record provides recollections of His providences I have been able to use to bless others-by writing them up, or in devotional talks, or sharing with a friend in need.
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Madeline Johnston is a mother of four, grandmother of six, and wife of one seminary professor. She lives in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
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