How to start a prayer journal in 7 simple steps
To start a prayer journal, pick a notebook or app, choose a regular time, read a short Bible passage, then write a dated prayer to God with thanks, confession and requests. Leave space to record answers. That is all it takes. Below are seven simple steps, a sample first entry, and tips to keep the habit going.
How to start a prayer journal: the 7 steps
- Choose where you will writeA plain notebook, a pretty journal, a binder of printed pages, or a digital page like the one above. Pick what you will actually use, not what looks best on Pinterest.
- Pick a time and placeMorning coffee, lunch break, or right before bed. Choose one time and tie it to something you already do every day.
- Start with a short Bible readingRead a psalm, a few verses from a gospel, or a chapter of Proverbs. Write the reference at the top of the page.
- Write the date and a greetingDate every entry. Start with Dear Lord, Father, or Jesus, so the page becomes a prayer and not just notes.
- Follow a simple orderPraise God for who He is, thank Him for what He did, confess anything on your heart, then bring your requests for others and yourself.
- Be specific and honestUse names and real details. God already knows your heart, so plain words are perfect.
- Leave room for answersKeep a margin, a symbol, or a separate page for answered prayers. Come back and fill it in with the date.
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.Habakkuk 2:2 KJV
What you need to start
You need less than you think. Here is the short list:
- A Bible. Any translation you can understand. A Bible app is fine too.
- Something to write in. Notebook, journal, printed pages, or this site.
- A pen you like. Optional, but it helps.
- Five to fifteen minutes. That is enough for a meaningful entry.
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Paper notebook | Fewer distractions, a keepsake | Easy to leave at home |
| Printed template | Structure, filing in a binder | Needs a printer |
| This website | Free, private, works on any device | Saves on one device only, so print what you want to keep |
| An app | Reminders, prayer lists | Notifications can distract |
If you like boxes to fill in, start with the free prayer journal template. Women who want reminders and a guided weekly plan can try the Prayer Journal for Women Android app, coming soon on Google Play.
How to set up your prayer journal
You can keep it free form, or divide it into a few sections. A simple setup that works for most people:
- Front pages: daily entries. Your dated prayers, one after another.
- Middle: prayer list. Names and needs, maybe organized by day of the week.
- Back: answered prayers. A running list with the date you asked and the date God answered.
- Optional: verses page. Promises and verses you want to remember.
Do not spend a week decorating before you write your first prayer. Set up just enough to begin. You can find more layouts in our prayer journal ideas.
Choose a method
- ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. A balanced prayer. See the ACTS prayer journal.
- SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. Good if you want to start in the Bible.
- Letter to God: No structure. Just write.
- Three lines: Thank You for, I am sorry for, Please help with. Great for beginners.
Your first prayer journal entry
Here is a simple first entry using the ACTS order. Notice how short it is.
That is a complete prayer journal entry. Try writing yours in the page at the top. Want more samples? See these prayer journal examples.
What to write when you do not know what to say
Every praying person has days when the words do not come. Try one of these:
- Pray a psalm. Read it slowly and rewrite each line as your own prayer.
- List your worries. Then write next to each one: I give this to You.
- Write three thank yous. Gratitude often opens up the rest.
- Pray for one person. Write their name and what you think they need.
- Use a prompt. Our list of over 100 prayer journal prompts is sorted by theme.
- Just tell Him you are stuck. That is an honest prayer too.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Romans 8:26 KJV
Prayer journal tips to keep going
- Start small. Five minutes a day beats an hour once a month.
- Do not aim for perfect. Messy handwriting, crossed out lines and short entries are fine.
- Missed a day? Start today. No need to catch up or feel guilty.
- Keep it visible. Leave your journal next to your Bible or coffee maker.
- Review once a month. Read old entries, mark answers, and thank God.
- Pray with someone. A friend or spouse can keep you encouraged.
- Change the format if it gets stale. Try a new method for a month.
Your journal is between you and God. You do not need to show it to anyone, and there is no wrong way to pray honestly.
Prayer journals for different people
Your journal can focus on the people you love. Try a prayer journal for your husband, a prayer journal for your children, or a prayer journal for moms. There are also pages made for men, teens and kids. Not sure what a prayer journal is for? Read what is a prayer journal.
Questions people ask
How do I start a prayer journal for beginners?
Get a notebook or use the page above. Pick a time each day, read a short passage of the Bible, then write the date and a short prayer: thank God, confess anything on your heart, and ask for what you and others need. Leave space to write answers later. Start with five minutes.
What do you write in a prayer journal?
Write your prayers to God in your own words. Most entries include the date, a verse you read, praise and thanks, confession, prayers for others, your own requests, and later the answers. Some people also write what they sense God teaching them through Scripture.
How do you use a prayer journal?
Open it at the same time each day, read a little Scripture, and write your prayer. Keep a prayer list for people you pray for often, and an answered prayers page. Once a month, read back through old pages and thank God for what He has done.
Do I need a special journal to start?
No. Any notebook works, and so does a free page online. Some people like a nice journal because it feels set apart for God. What matters is that you use it often, so choose what is easy to grab.
How long should I spend on my prayer journal each day?
Five to fifteen minutes is plenty for most people. Some days you will write one line, and other days a full page. The goal is regular, honest time with God, not a word count.
What if I miss days in my prayer journal?
Just write today's date and start again. Missing days is normal. God is not keeping score, and your journal is not a test. Many people find their habit grows stronger after a few false starts.
Prayer Journal for Women
52 weeks of Bible verses, reflection and prayer. A prayer list, answered prayers and a page for every day.
