3 Things I've Learned By Journaling

I started journalling several years ago, and it changed my devotional time! I went from sitting for a couple minutes, getting distracted, and then moving on to something else, to relaxing, focusing, and establishing a rhythm of devotion and prayer.

When I journal, it's not simply putting my thoughts down as I vent and process my life, but I journal my prayers. I have journals filled with prayers of simple requests, big heartfelt wishes, and just discussions with God about what's on my heart.

Here are three things I've learned while journaling:

1. Journaling helps me stay focused. For me, sitting and praying is really hard. I have a hard time shoving my To Do List out of my mind, not pulling out my phone, or just thinking about other things. When I write my prayers down, I can sit for a lot longer and keep my thoughts focused on God as I talk with Him about anything and everything.
2. It doesn't matter what time of day that you journal and pray. I've tried to wake up early and pray, and I've tried to journal and pray before bed. During both of these options, it's hard for me to stay awake, let alone stay focused. I encourage you to look at your schedule, and decide when is the best time for you to journal and pray. When I was a teacher, I would come home after school everyday and sit in my comfy chair and journal. Lately, I've been going into church, working a few hours, and then sit and journal for a bit before continuing with my day. Remember that the main goal is spending time with the Lord!
3. Look back and see how God has answered prayer. One of the most beautiful things about journalling is being able to look back and see how God has answered your prayers! If you write everything down, you can easily flip back, and see how far that God has brought you. Maybe He has answered some of your prayers or maybe He has just grown you in the waiting process. Overall, it's encouraging to see growth from days to months to years.

I encourage you to consider journaling your prayers, especially if you have trouble focusing, and see how it impacts your prayer life. And, you're the only one reading your journals, so you don't have to worry about penmanship!

Looking for a new journal? Check out My Waiting and Praying Journal on Amazon.