Keep a Prayer Journal

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." 1 John 3:22

Before you Begin:

If you want to have a successful prayer journal, then you must please the Lord by putting Him first. Ask yourself these questions. Do I seek the Lord daily? Am I reading my Bible consistently? Is God my priority? God will draw nigh unto is, if we first draw nigh unto him. 

What is a Prayer Journal?

It is sharing your heart with God. It's something you do consistently, even daily. It's writing out prayer requests and petitions, pleads and concerns. You are even sharing your deepest desires and dreams. But you must believe that He can answer them. You must trust Him to make them come true.

What to Write?

Here is an example of a entry:

February 18th, 2014
* Get my laundry and ironing done today.
* To own a piano and violin.
* Stay consistent in my Bible reading.

Explain:

First, date your entries. It is amazing to watch God answer your prayers and to see when they get answered. Some prayers may be answered immediately, some over a long period of time, and others are answered in different way. But if you don't date them, you'll never know. I have prayers writing down from 2002... that are now being answered! :D God never stops working on your prayers.

Second, be personal. Write prayers first for yourself. What do you want? It could be marriage, passing a course in college, writing a book, or learning something new? What's your passions? Write these down in your prayer journal. Ask God to help you succeed. Give your heart's desire to Him and trust him to fulfill it. Second write down prayers for those you love: parents, spouse, children, and friends. Third, you could pray for leaders in your church, leaders in your business, and leaders of our government.

Third, be very specific. General prayers are not going to be visible seen as answered. General prayers are not helpful. I need my laundry done and to see God do something beyond me... I would like it to be done today. (That would be a miracle.) Specific prayers strengthens our faith and show us what God can do.

Fourth, be honest with yourself and GOD. Do you really need a million dollars? Are you faithful with the income you have now? Do you really want to own a house and carry the responsibility for it? Are you being a good steward with the small place you live in right now? Sometime we ask for things that we know we can't handle right now. Maybe later... as our faith grows, God will give you more. So be honest.

Fifth, thank GOD for every answered prayer. Give God the glory for what He has done for you. Share with others the goodness He has shown you. Praise him for His care for you, your needs, and your dreams. :D

Why Should You do It?

I can tell you from my personal experience of doing this from 2002 til now. I have seen God do miracles. Small.. like providing for a double stroller. BIG... like allowing a family a five with a small income to travel via airplane on a trip last year. Yes, that happened. :D

My faith has grown so much...  that now I wonder how BIG I can dream my prayer requests to be! God can do the same thing with you and your prayers, so begin a journal today! :D

Your sister in Christ,
Yuliya Lee