A little space to write
Start a prayer journal with a passage, a few honest notes, and a prayer in your own words.
A prayer journal does not need a plan for every page. Begin with what you read today and what you want to bring before God. A date, a Scripture reference, and a few lines are enough for a first entry. The purpose is to give your reading and prayer a little space on the page, whether you write often or only occasionally.
Make a first entry
Choose a short Scripture passage and read it before you write. If you are reading Alphabet Hymns, begin with one of the passages printed before a poem. Keep your Bible open so that you can return to the surrounding words rather than relying on a phrase from memory.
Then try these three lines in your own notebook:
- Read: the date and Scripture reference.
- Noticed: one phrase, question, or truth you want to remember.
- Prayed: a sentence of thanks, a request for understanding, or a concern in your own words.
What can a prayer journal entry look like?
After reading Philippians 4:4–7, an entry could look like this:
Read: July 24. Philippians 4:4–7.
Noticed: Prayer and thanksgiving appear together here. What am I bringing to God today, and what can I thank him for?
Prayed: Lord, I am concerned about a conversation ahead of me. Help me speak gently and listen carefully. Thank you that I can bring this concern to you.
Include the Scripture reference or hymn title beside any quotation you want to return to.
When you are unsure what to write
An unresolved question can become an entry of its own. Note the passage and what you want to consider further, perhaps in conversation with someone you read or worship with.
Different days may call for different kinds of writing:
- When you have little time: record the passage and a sentence of prayer.
- When several concerns crowd in: list them plainly, then choose one to bring before God in words. You need not find a lesson in each concern.
- When you want to give thanks: recall a particular kindness, provision, or answer to prayer.
- When a hymn stays with you: note its title, the line you want to revisit, and the Scripture passage beside it. Our guide to reading a hymn slowly gives a worked example.
If prayer comes more readily than notes, write it as you would speak it.
Return to an earlier entry
On another day, reread an earlier entry alongside the passage and add any new thoughts. Has your question become more precise? Is there something you still want to pray about? Have you noticed words in the passage that you passed over before?
Some questions and prayers remain with us across many entries. Returning to them can be part of the practice, whether days or months have passed.
Choose space that serves your reading
A blank lined notebook leaves the shape of each entry to you. A guided journal supplies a structure, such as printed questions. Read a sample to see whether its approach suits you. Neither format requires a long daily entry.
The Companion Journal for Alphabet Hymns is a blank, lined writing companion for personal reflection, prayer, notes on Scripture, and creative writing. Try this simple pattern in those pages or in a notebook you already have. Begin with the passage in front of you and the words you have today.