• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Prayer Wine Chocolate

a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

  • Home
  • Wine and Chocolate
  • Faith
  • CSMI
  • Adoption
  • Life
  • Prayer Journaling
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Be Yourself!: A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Donate a Be Yourself Journal
  • Catholic Coloring Pages
  • Shop

Feb 15, 2017
Faith· Life· The Little Things

Why Prayer Journal?

When I was very young, I wrote in a diary.

Later, I found that book and read it. Memories that had long faded away were brought to the surface because I had written them down.  It was interesting to see what I had worried about, what I thought was most important, and what brought me happiness when I was 11 years old and writing in a puffy covered Cabbage Patch kid diary.

(This post contains affiliate links)

Why Prayer Journal-


As a twenty-something year old, I started a prayer journal.  One of my inspirations to do so was my boyfriend at the time.  He had suffered with depression in his past, and a suggestion his counselor/therapist gave him was to keep a journal. When he was telling me about his journaling, I couldn’t help but think, “I should do that”.

According to Psychology Today, the benefits of journaling:

First, you’ve just taken some time to look at yourself, which continues the flow of therapy and makes you more aware. Second, you’ve begun to organize what can seem like a bunch of disjointed material. Writing forces you to funnel disparate thoughts into one linear stream. Finally, you’re keeping a record of your progress. People who journal for a few months are amazed when they look back to see where they were. Sometimes they’re amazed at how far they’ve come. Other times they’re surprised to find they’re barking up the same tree.”

Ryan Howes PhD, ABPP

I was also inspired by my students and the journaling I had incorporated into my lesson plan.  At the time, I was a Catholic School teacher – and one of the subjects I taught was 7th and 8th grade Theology.  But we didn’t call it theology.  As a true product of Philadelphia’s parochial school system, I simply called it, “religion class”.

I wanted my writing to be a part of my prayer life.  On the first page of my notebook that I started to use as a journal, I pasted a picture of Jesus:

Screen Shot 2017-02-15 at 11.23.20 AM.png

On the next page, I wrote a letter to Jesus.  I told Him that this journal was being started with the hope that I would grow closer Him, that I hoped it would help me not only know myself better, but also know more clearly God’s will for my life.  I then thanked Our Lord for the people He had put in my life . . .

journalentry1.jpg

The reasons why I keep a prayer journal now, are the same as why I began – but more reasons have kept me going with it and keep my desire to continue this practice in the future.

Why I Prayer Journal:

I feel like writing my prayers down allow me to make a form of physical contact with God. Not long ago, I used to write letters to my friend who decided to move to Turkey to teach.  A little while before then, I was a college student who wrote letters to my boyfriend who lived “far away”.  And a few years before that, I kept in touch with a pen pal that lived in North Carolina.  Getting a letter in the mail was so fun!  I knew that the friends I wrote to also looked forward to getting letters in the mail.  It was a way to “stay in touch” before cell phones and social media.  I feel as though when I write a letter to the Lord, He enjoys hearing from me, reads every word, and responds in His own way.  Writing to Jesus allows me to feel “connected” to heaven.

It helps me pay attention.  I tend to daydream. I am very easily distracted.  Writing my thoughts and feelings keeps me focused.

It allows me to really get all my thoughts and feelings out. I am amazed of how much I “let out” when I write.

It provides a way for me to express creativity.

I love to color.  I love to glue prayer cards inside and simply copy a prayer.  I love a reason to use stickers.  I never really got into scrapbooking – I was intimidated by how incredible others’ work looked.  This allows me to do my best at what would be a not so great scrapbook.  Read more about how I prayer journal at: 8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal

journalcreativity1a.jpg



I find that it relieves stress and anxiety.

It reminds me that suffering is temporary. It’s amazing to go back and read what I wrote when I was suffering with crosses of loneliness, confusion and so.much.anxiety.  Seeing those entries and thinking about my present life allow me to see that difficult times do pass.

Prayer journaling gives me another opportunity to thank God for His many blessings. When I write in my journal, I find myself being aware of my blessings and thanking God directly for my family, my home and all the blessings in my life when I write in my journal.  I truly believe that gratitude is so important and should be included in prayer.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer journaling helps me share with the Lord

all that I worry about;

what I think is most important;

and what truly brings me happiness.

Wondering WHEN you could find time to prayer journal?  Read: When DO Real Women Find Time To Journal?

Start Prayer Journaling today with this awesome kit from DaySpring: Illustrated Faith Set

Share214
Tweet
Pin7
Share3
221 Shares
Previous Post: « Ten Books I Should Have Read By Now
Next Post: Pairing Wine with Chocolate! [Free Printable] »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. LaNeshe says

    February 15, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    Every time you post about it I think I need to incorporate prayer journaling into my journaling. I need to actually start doing it!

    • Amy says

      February 15, 2017 at 1:22 pm

      The Lord gets our attention in all kind of ways my friend lol!!

      • Rita says

        February 20, 2017 at 5:12 pm

        Sometimes it’s the nudge with the elbow, are a stubbed toe??????????? Sometimes as we age we need a stronger persuasion. ……

  2. Christine says

    February 15, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    Thank you for this inspiring post. I keep seeing things about keeping a prayer journal but I never really understood the how/why. Now I do. I am going to start one today! Thank you!

    • Amy says

      February 15, 2017 at 1:22 pm

      Awesome!!!

  3. Anni says

    February 15, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    This is great! I don’t journal – or, I am struggling to pick up the practice. But, I love to hear why and how you are motivated to prayer journal… it’s neat to have an insider’s look, especially when I know I *should* and I am struggling to make gay a spiritual priority.

    • Amy says

      February 15, 2017 at 3:43 pm

      It’s okay if you don’t! Finding time, for me, is the biggest challenge!

  4. Aleesa says

    February 15, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    I need to get a journal and start writing again. I was so fruitful to write things out and I love reading back through my thoughts, inspirations, and struggles.

    • Amy says

      February 15, 2017 at 3:44 pm

      I love how you describe journaling as being fruitful!

  5. Sara @ To Jesus Sincerely says

    February 15, 2017 at 6:29 pm

    I love EVERY one of these reasons! Writing while I pray has changed my life…

  6. Estelle e says

    February 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    I love the idea of journaling in general, and prayer journaling sounds truly inspired. Thank you.

    • Amy says

      February 16, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      Thank you Estelle!

  7. Karen says

    February 16, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    I have always had mixed feelings about keeping a journal. Not sure if you ever listen to Dr. Ray Guirendi {sp?}, but during the period of time when I was considering keeping a journal, I heard him talk about this on his radio program. He advised against a journal, or diary, because we tend to write about the things that are bothering us and each time we read that post {or any post in which we might be venting}, we end up reliving that situation and any bad or hurt feelings that came of that situation resurface. We end up not really letting go of an unpleasant experience in our lives. I totally understood that point and that was exactly what I didn’t want from a journal. However, what I DID want was a place for my thoughts on God and a place to keep formal prayers or scripture verses that spoke to my heart. I actually started a journal for this purpose. In addition, I write about life experiences that I’ve had in relation to God, all with the idea that one day my kids might read these passages and I want them to know how I felt about my faith. Even if someone picks it up now, I wouldn’t be uncomfortable with someone reading something I’ve written. Does that make sense? In any case, I’m glad I started it and I try to take it with me to Adoration. That’s when I tend to write the most these days! 🙂

    • Amy says

      February 16, 2017 at 1:36 pm

      Makes total sense! I often think “someone may read this someday” and I think that compels me to think of my blessings!

      • Karen says

        February 16, 2017 at 1:51 pm

        EXACTLY, Amy! 🙂

  8. Rose says

    February 16, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Such a good habit to start. I’ve never tried it but now I’m thinking about it.

  9. Allison Gingras says

    February 16, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    I write in my prayer journal daily. In many different ways when reading scripture, or jot notes when doing spirtual reading. I’ve even been known to write reflections during the Rosary. I do find the physical act of writing helps me process and remember.

  10. Lexie says

    August 25, 2017 at 10:02 am

    Yeses! I keep one as well 🙂

Primary Sidebar

       

Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

10 Free resources

10 Free resources

10 free resources for subscribers!

10 free resources for subscribers!

GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

A simple way to pray… invite a friend to join yo A simple way to pray… invite a friend to join you!
#prayerwinechocolate #Catholicfriends #Catholicfellowship #Catholicmom #Catholicwife #Catholicwoman
This bottle of wine was a Christmas gift and my hu This bottle of wine was a Christmas gift and my husband and I both really enjoyed it!
Have you tried it?
🍷 It’s a red 🍷
#redredwine #Catholicvineyard #Catholicwine #Catholicblogger #prayerwinechocolate
I’m trying to be more patient. #Catholicmom #Sai I’m trying to be more patient.
#Catholicmom #Saintquotes #Catholicreels #Catholicfamily #Catholicwife #Catholickids #Catholic
Need a reason to try out prayer journaling? I have Need a reason to try out prayer journaling?
I have about 7 for you….
#prayerjournal #biblejournal #Catholicprayers #Catholicgram #Catholicinstagram #CatholicChristian #Catholicreels #Catholicsonline #Catholicinfluencers #Catholicblog #Catholicmom #Catholicwoman #Catholicwife
You might need these!! Did you know subscribers to You might need these!!
Did you know subscribers to my email newsletter get 40 free prayer journal prompts for Lent?
If you have not gotten yours yet… go grab them!
✏️ 
If you have the freebies and crave more, I just wrote 40 new prompts and compiled them in an ebook!

You’re getting a sneak peak at one of the prompts in this post (yes, I color in my prayer journal sometimes!)

Catholic Prayer Journal Prompts help you slow down, spend time with God and grow closer to Jesus. These 40 prayer journal prompts are for you to use in any order you prefer. 
Go get yours!
Link in bio!
#prayerjournal #prayerjournalprompts #praymore #Catholicprayers #Jesusjournaljunkies #Catholicjournal #BibleJournaling #Catholicblog #Catholicauthor
Sometimes things that make us uncomfortable are ac Sometimes things that make us uncomfortable are actually good for us.
Exercise for the body, a good confession for the soul.
You deserve both good health and God’s grace.
You can do this! God bless you!
#Catholic #Repentandbelieve #Catholiccontent #Catholicinspiration #Catholicinfluencers #Catholicinstagram #Saintquotes #Catholicsigns #Catholicmemes #Catholicfriends #Christianinspiration
We've been watching THE CHOSEN . . . Why? Well b We've been watching THE CHOSEN . . .

Why?  Well because I could not watch yet another episode of America's Funniest Home Videos (now called AFV or as my 5 year old son calls it "epic fails").

I will be honest with you, I watched the first episode years ago and thought, "this is boring".

But I kept hearing about it and all I heard were positive things.

I watched Season 2 begin Live on Facebook, and I did like it - but I didn't watch any more than those two LIVE episodes that I can remember.

I have been wanting to watch it, but just couldn’t find the motivation- then I thought I would enjoy it more if my husband and I watched it together. 
Then thought, this is the perfect show to watch as a family!

When I was growing up, there were certain nights we all watched the same show:
The Dukes of Hazard
Family Ties, Growing Pains, and dare I say it - The Cosby Show?
My younger siblings would watch what was known as TGIF - Full House and Family Matters

Today, we have way to many choices.  Everyone wants a turn to pick a show.
This show, The Chosen, is bringing us together as a family.

My 5 year old asks, "Can we watch The Chosen tonight?"
My 10 year old says he doesn't like it . . .then he scoots up next to me and says he actually does like it.

My daughter falls asleep on my lap while we watch it.

And I'm happy to report, I've laughed out loud a few times!  I'm also looking forward to watching it again with my family (we sit down a couple times a week to watch an episode!)

Have you watched it?  Tell us in the comments!
#TheChosen #Catholic #Catholiccouple #Catholicfamily #Familyshow #Catholicchristian #Catholicmom #BingeJesus
Saint Therese’ is such an incredible Saint for y Saint Therese’ is such an incredible Saint for young girls to learn from and talk to in prayer!!!
#CatholicSaints #CatholicSaint #Jubileeyear #LittleFlower #SaintTherese #roseprayer #Novena #Novenaroseprayer #catholicparenting
Heading to the Post Office today and don’t have Heading to the Post Office today and don’t have many of these left!
Want one?!
Order today!
Link in bio!!
#Catholic #Catholickids #Catholichome #catholichomeschool #Confirmationprep #Confirmationgift #middleschoolbooks #Catholickids
My husband Matt will tell you… Catholic Coffee ( My husband Matt will tell you… Catholic Coffee (@catholiccoffee ) is delicious!
He also can’t wait to take his French Press camping on the next Troops of Saint George weekend trip.
If you want to give it a try, use coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE for 15% off!
#Catholic #Catholiccoffee #Catholics #Catholicmarriage #Catholicgift #Jesusandcoffee #CoffeeandJesus
So glad Matt likes his gift… and that he’s bee So glad Matt likes his gift… and that he’s been sharing it with me! The coffee is GOOD!
Catholic Coffee provided in exchange for an honest review… and honestly we BOTH LOVE IT!
If you make a purchase from @catholic.coffee use the coupon code PRAYERWINECHOCOLATE 
#Catholiccoffee #troopsofSaintGeorge #catholicgentleman #Catholicfamily #Catholicfaith #Catholicgift #giftideasformen
I gotta get better at examining my conscience… a I gotta get better at examining my conscience… any advice? #Catholic #Sacraments #Catholics #Catholicsonline #Catholicreels #InstaCatholic
Prayers that filled my head and heart when struggl Prayers that filled my head and heart when struggling with infertility:

🌹 lots of novenas to Saint Therese’
✏️ many letters to God in my journal… some addresses to Jesus, some to Our Loving Father… others, I can’t recall. Lots of pouring my heart out.
📝 Letters to Saints… I remember writing to Saint Nicholas… patron Saint of children and honestly, infertility is extra heavy around Christmas… so many dreams would feel out of reach. My heart believes in miracles and treasures memories of jolly old Saint Nick… it just made sense to me.
📿 many Rosaries with friends 
And one more thing that I can recall at this moment…
A written description of the children I envisioned being mine.
There were 3.
One loved science. One had a very special bond with my brother. I don’t recall being specific about boys v girls.
But I described them.
Maybe that was how I surrendered my prayer to God.
If you are struggling with infertility… never give up on prayer.

#infertility #nfp #Catholicfamily #adoptionisalovingoption #catholicprayers #prayerjournal
Link in bio!! #Catholic #Biblestudy #Scripture #Ca Link in bio!!
#Catholic #Biblestudy #Scripture #CatholicYouth #newevangelization #ccd #religiouseducation #catholicfaith #bibleinayear #Catechism #catechist #youthministry #Catholickids
It’s FINALLY HERE! From God’s Plan to Yours: It’s FINALLY HERE!

From God’s Plan to Yours: A Bible Study for Boys (ages 10 to 13)

7 Clear, relevant and FUN lesson plans for Catholic Boys!

Ideally to be used with Be Yourself: a Catholic Journal for Boys.

Have a question!? Ask me in the comments!
Link in bio (it’s on sale until Monday!)
#Catholicbible #Catholicbiblestudy #catholiceducation #BoysBiblestudy #Catholicyouth #middleschool #tweenagers #Bibleinayear
#journalprompts #Catholickids #catholiceducation # #journalprompts #Catholickids #catholiceducation #Catholicresources #Catholicbook #Catholicblog #Catholicidentity #Theologyofthebody #Catholicteacher #Catholicism
#prayingmomma #Catholicmom #goodchoices #sayyourpr #prayingmomma #Catholicmom #goodchoices #sayyourprayers #prayersmakemiracleshappen #believeinthepowerofprayer #Catholicfamily #prayerjournal #Catholicsonline
There’s a beautiful song you might have heard ti There’s a beautiful song you might have heard titled In Jesus Name (God of Possible)
This song was created from an entry in Katy Nichole's prayer journal!
It has gone on to impact millions of people worldwide, and that number continues to grow every day!

I highly recommend listening to this song… and maybe even writing part of the words - if not all- in your prayer journal.

I had to share this with you! Please give prayer journaling a try… God only know what beautiful words and melodies will be revealed to you!

I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name

I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name, in Jesus name

I speak the name of all authority
Declaring blessings, every promise
He is faithful to keep
I speak the name no grave could ever hold
He is greater, He is stronger
He's the God of possible

I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name

Come believe it
Come receive it
Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever yours
Come believe it
Come receive it
In the mighty name of Jesus, all things are possible
I pray for your healing
That circumstances will change
I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name
@katynicholemusic 
#HolyNameofJesus #InJesusName #Prayerjournal #HolyName #HolyNameSociety #Catholic #Journalprompts #prayerprompts #prayerjournalprompts #Catholiccontent
I dare you to smile at people… #MotherTeresa #Sa I dare you to smile at people…
#MotherTeresa #SaintQuotes #CatholicSaints #CatholicReels #RealCatholic #DaretobeaChristian #DatetobeCatholic #RomanCatholic
Be Yourself Journals make the faith relevant to yo Be Yourself Journals make the faith relevant to young girls and really highlight how beautiful God’s love is for each individual.
On sale today… link in bio!
#RomanCatholic #Spiritualwarfare #Catholicmom #Catholicbooks
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2023 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316