Prayer journal examples: 10 sample entries to learn from
A prayer journal entry is usually a short, dated prayer written to God. Most include a Bible verse, thanks, a few requests and space for answers. Below are 10 prayer journal entry examples in different styles, so you can see what each one looks like and pick the one that fits you.
What a prayer journal entry looks like
There is no one right way. A good entry is honest, specific and dated. It can be three lines or three pages. Most entries have some of these parts:
- The date, so you can look back later.
- A verse or passage you read before praying.
- Praise and thanks, naming who God is and what He has done.
- Confession, if something is between you and God.
- Requests for yourself and others, with names and real needs.
- Answers, added later when God responds.
The examples below use made up details, but the style of each is real. Copy any style you like. If you want boxes to fill in, use the prayer journal template.
Prayer journal entry examples by method
1. ACTS prayer journal example
ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. It keeps your prayer balanced. Learn more on the ACTS prayer journal page.
2. SOAP prayer journal example
SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. It starts in the Bible and ends in prayer.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.Matthew 6:34 KJV
3. Three line prayer example
For busy days. Thank You, sorry, please.
Examples of written prayers for different seasons
4. A letter to God on a hard day
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.Psalm 34:18 KJV
5. A thankful heart entry
6. A prayer for guidance
Prayer list and answered prayer examples
7. A prayer list by day of the week
| Day | Who I pray for | Example request |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | My family | Peace at home, Dad's back pain |
| Tuesday | My church | Pastor Tim, the youth group |
| Wednesday | Friends | Kate's marriage, Ben's job search |
| Thursday | Work or school | My team, a hard project |
| Friday | The world | Missionaries, a country in the news |
| Weekend | My own heart | Patience, rest, time in the Word |
8. A request and answer page
Notice the dates. They turn a list into a record of God's faithfulness. Read more prayer journal ideas for other ways to track answers.
Prayer journal examples for other people
9. A prayer for your husband
See the full prayer journal for your husband for prompts by area of life.
10. A prayer for a child
For more, see the prayer journal for your children.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing only requests. Lists of needs are fine, but add praise and thanks so prayer is not just a wish list.
- Being too vague. Bless my family is a good start. Help my son make one good friend at school is easier to pray and to see answered.
- Skipping the date. Without dates you cannot see how long you waited or how God answered over time.
- Trying to sound holy. God wants your real voice. Plain words are better than words you would never say out loud.
- Giving up after a missed week. Just start again with today's date. No catch up needed.
How to write your own entry
- Pick a styleChoose one of the examples above. ACTS or the three line prayer are easy to start with.
- Read a short passageA psalm or a few verses. Write the reference at the top.
- Write to God in your own wordsShort sentences are fine. Use names and real details.
- Date itSo you can see later when you prayed and when He answered.
- Come back and add answersMark answered prayers in the margin or on an answered prayers page.
Stuck on what to say? Our prayer journal prompts give you over 100 starting points. Prefer a guided format on your phone? The Prayer Journal for Women Android app, coming soon on Google Play, walks you through a verse, reflection and prayer every week.
Questions people ask
What is an example of a prayer journal entry?
A simple example: the date, a verse such as Psalm 46:1, a line of thanks, a line of confession, and a request for someone by name. For instance, thank You for a good night's sleep, forgive me for being impatient, and please give my mom strength for her treatment this week. Later you add how God answered.
How long should a prayer journal entry be?
As long as you need. Many entries are three to ten lines. On hard days you may write a full page, and on busy days a single sentence. Short and regular is usually better than long and rare.
Should I write my prayers to God directly?
Many people find it helps. Writing to God, starting with Dear Lord or Father, turns your journal into real prayer instead of notes about prayer. It also keeps your words honest because you are speaking to Someone who already knows your heart.
What is the difference between a prayer journal and a Bible journal?
A prayer journal focuses on talking to God: praise, confession, thanks and requests. A Bible journal focuses on what you learn from Scripture. Many people combine them by reading first, then praying about what they read. See our Bible journal page for more.
Can I share my prayer journal entries?
You can, but you do not have to. Prayer journals are usually private so you can be completely honest. Some parents later share prayer pages with grown children as a gift. Entries you write on this site stay on your device unless you print them.
Prayer Journal for Women
52 weeks of Bible verses, reflection and prayer. A prayer list, answered prayers and a page for every day.
