Prayer journaling is a way to connect with God by taking notes during bible study, writing down your inner thoughts, and developing a relationship with him. When I started journaling, I wasn't expecting its powerful impact on my life.
Possibly like you, I've always had a relationship with God because I was raised in church. I pray often, attend church on Sundays, and acknowledge that he is Lord. However, I felt this massive shift once I began to make it a daily habit of writing in my prayer journal and talking to him about everything.
My life started to transform into something I had never seen before. I endured this calmness and peaceful energy daily. Each day, I was a better person than I was the day before. My self-image began to reflect how God sees me: confident, secure, anointed, empowered, valuable, and virtuous. I find so much joy and contentment growing in my relationship with God.
I would love for you to experience this transformation and start your spiritual journey today. Below, I have provided five inspiring reasons for you to discover the power of prayer journaling.
1. Builds a greater connection with the Holy Spirit.
Strengthen your relationship with God.
You may have a relationship with God, or you're trying to discover one. No matter your current situation, we can all seek to strengthen our relationship with him.
Talk to God daily. He wants to have a relationship with you. He patiently waits for you to open your mouth and let him in. Some say, "Well, I don't know how to pray." There isn't a right or wrong way to pray.
Prayer is simply a conversation with God. When you wake up in the morning, on your way to work, while making dinner, tell him what's on your mind. He wants to hear from you.
Gain knowledge in his word.
Open your bible and start reading. Many of us have learned from what others have said about God. That's okay. But you will become more confident in his teachings when you read them.
The directions and instructions he has for you will become more evident. You will gain clarity when making decisions because you have a guide to refer to.
Not only do you have the bible to refer to, but you will start hearing the holy spirit speak to you. No, this is not an actual voice like you and your friend conversing. It is a feeling you have deep down in your spirit that you can't ignore.
Have you ever wanted to do something, and right before you did it, you felt this tug within yourself telling you it's not a good idea? That was the Holy Spirit speaking to you.
You will experience this more often because it's God's daily direction for you.
2. Be intentional about becoming a better version of yourself.
Through bible study, you will begin recognizing the person God wants you to be. There will be a shift in your self-image because you'll be intentional about developing a greater you.
The power of I am.
Self-development will be a priority because you continuously learn and acknowledge what God says about you. Proverbs 18 expresses that we control our lives by what we say, and there lies a life of abundance or lack thereof. This is the power of affirmation and only speaking words from God.
I am strong.
I am healed.
I am wealthy.
I am made in the image of God.
I am secure.
I am prosperous.
I am free.
Grab our FREE 100+ Powerful Affirmations for your vision board, prayer board, or to start speaking over your life daily.
3. It will develop into a self-care regimen.
We must pour into our own cup. We can only expect to give people the best version of us if we have something left to give.
I've found so much peace and joy in journaling. I'm able to unwind, reflect, and pour out everything that's on my mind. It provides a sense of relaxation and meditation.
I have created an aesthetic prayer journal to give myself and others a tool for self-reflection and growth. There are pages for bible study, scriptures, affirmations, daily reflection, and gratitude. Every aspect of this journal provides a pathway to a fulfilling spiritual journey.
Self-care can become part of your daily morning and evening routine by utilizing a prayer journal.
4. Your relationships will evolve.
The change in you will be noticeable.
The things we do in private will be reflected in public. Now that you have started strengthening your relationship with God, people around you will see your change.
They may ask what you're doing differently and support you, or it could encourage them to start their spiritual journey. Ultimately, this could bring value to your relationships and strengthen bonds.
Create new relationships.
Wise people hang around other smart people (Proverbs 13:20).
If you haven't already, you will feel the urge to want to get around people who share the same faith as you and seek a daily relationship with God.
Some of us have friends who believe in God, but they don't have an identical relationship with him like we do. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that because everyone's journey is different.
For myself, prayer is a lifestyle and not an emergency call. Therefore, I wanted to get around people who shared this mentality. I joined a bible study group on Saturday mornings, which has catapulted me further.
Take the next step and surround yourself with people who share your values.
Change in current relationships.
In contrast, you may grow apart from friends you've known for years for several reasons. It could be that they don't understand your new journey, or your evolved mindset will no longer allow you to keep the same company.
We sometimes form relationships that give us something that we need in that season of our lives. When we move into the next season, we no longer need what satisfied us in the previous season.
For instance, if the foundation of your group of friends at work was formed on gossiping about the boss and you're discovering a more kindhearted you, that group of friends will not align with your new mindset.
5. You will experience an increase in faith.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.
While embarking on this journey to grow spiritually, it will force you to lean into God's word and come to know him better.
Your trust in him will get stronger, which, in effect, will build your faith. Faith is having peace during any circumstance because you know God is in the midst. You could be having trouble with your finances, maybe you've received a bad health report, or your child has gotten off course; whatever the case is, you will be at rest knowing that God is in control.
Being at rest means you will not worry and will not allow anxiety or fear to control you.
My daughter was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease when she was five. I had never experienced frequent hospital stays, daily medications, or having someone so close to me need constant medical care. It has been an uphill battle, but fixating my eyes on God and pressing into his word has given me strength during this process.
God will not give us anything we can't handle. The dark times are designed to teach, strengthen, and promote us to new levels of our destiny. In addition, it builds our faith and our relationship with God.
I pray you grow closer to God and gain the wisdom you need to become everything he has called you to be. Don't wait; use your prayer journal today, elevate your faith and watch where God takes you.