At the beginning of the month, Carol and I put out a challenge. We encouraged you to begin a prayer journal to record your prayers and the ways you see God answering them. What a challenge it was!
Even though it feels like I fill God's ears with a constant flow, I've never kept a prayer journal. In junior high school, I began writing down thoughts and feelings in a notebook because my teacher made me and the practice mostly stuck. I've continued journaling off and on since, and even when I don't have an actual book to write my thoughts, feelings, and wishes in, I'll use any scrap of paper I can find. A napkin, the back of a deposit slip, receipts. A lot of words, and none of them meant in focused prayer to the Almighty God who could change my situation if only I showed enough faith to ask.
This month's challenge gave me the direction and incentive I needed. There are four major ways keeping a prayer journal has enriched my prayer life:
1. It forces me to get specific with my prayers. As early as Genesis 24 (and probably before), we see the benefit of being specific in our prayers. When Abraham's servant prayed for a wife for Isaac, he asked God to show him the woman in a very clear manner. He knew when God answered him.
2. It makes me stop asking for the same thing over and over again, and instead turn my worries into prayers. Matthew 6:7 says not to use vain repetitions in our prayers. God knows our needs, so to continue asking after we've communicated with Him shows a lack of faith. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious, but instead to pray.
3. It builds my faith by showing me what God is doing. I didn't realize just how many of my prayers God is kind and generous enough to answer with a resounding 'yes!' until I began writing down my prayers and recording the answers I saw. Maybe I took it as coincidence or I overlooked it completely, but I didn't recognize the faithfulness of God. Keeping a prayer journal proves His word is true (2 Timothy 2:13).
4.It makes me consider my prayers carefully, knowing the power they have. The Bible says whatever we ask the Father in Jesus' name He will give to us. "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23, 24) I also know that if I ask, I'd be wise to keep myself available to His granting. How many times have I asked for a specific blessing, but not allowed or trusted Him to grant it? I don't follow through with the expectation that what I ask will be given, so the blessing is left by the wayside. "Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)
This year will be a challenging one for us at Elohim Prayer Beads. It is our intention to live our faith boldly and to help you grow in your prayer life. I've grown this month, and I hope you have too. Leave a comment and let us know how the challenge of keeping a prayer journal changed your faith and your life.
Praying many blessings on you (and believing He will bestow them!),
Shelley
I started my prayer journal today... I feel bad asking for specific things, even if I (think I) need them!
ReplyDeleteElyse
I love this idea, and even started one years ago but didn't stay with it long term. :O/ I think another great value to prayer journaling is in dating each request both when asked, and when answered! I am more of a prayer list gal, these days, but when I had more time, I used to light candles, the whole nine yards. Methinks I should maybe rethink some priorities, hm?
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of praying scriptures. This week, I've had some people praying Col. 4:2-6 for me, and wow, is God ever answering mightily!
Elyse, I dare say the Lord yearns to bless you. It's true that He knows your needs, but He craves that relationship with you. Ask in His name and receive, that your joy may be complete (John 16:24). I'm so glad you're on this journey with us!
ReplyDeleteMary, that is part of the challenge of doing a prayer journal. There is so much we spend our time on in this busy life, and journaling allows us to be a little more focused and deliberate about spending time with God. I love your thought about adding the dates. We'll add your name and prayers to our own. Thank you for sharing your need!