Prayer Journaling Through the Bible CAL

In this post, I quickly walk you through prayer journaling, what it is and a simple format on how to do it for Through the Bible CAL.

Prayer journaling is something that sounded great in theory but started to give me anxiety the more I thought about it. This was especially true when I started looking for ideas and came across all those wonderful, colourful, crafty ones on Pinterest.

So, as I was starting the 25-26 Through the Bible CAL and felt a strong need to pray (and record those prayers) specifically for my niece, I got a bit overwhelmed. My original intention was to have my journal and a separate one for my niece but the call was clear; 1 journal for my niece (and nephews).

Sharing is Caring!

So this time my focus is going to be on that. I have started a prayer journal for them with a simple format and I’m just letting the Spirit guide me on what to pray for them each day as I read through the Bible. What I’m also doing is marking out scripture that references generations because that also seems to be important. I’d like to invite all of you to do the same. For your children, nieces, nephews, family, community… even your neighbours and strangers! Let’s pray.

1. What is Prayer Journaling?

Prayer journaling is writing down the prayers of the heart in full-sentence form directly to the Lord.

2. Why should you have a prayer journal?

It’s a great way to keep track of prayer requests and praise reports. Additionally, it serves as a form of archive or personal history that you or those you prayed for can look back on.

3. When should you journal?

Anytime! Identify the season you are in and see what works best for you. Whether it is setting the exact time to do it each day or finding a particular pocket of time like baby’s nap-time, or before breakfast etc.

4. Where should I journal?

A book or something similar works best for me. Loose papers could get lost and sticky notes aren’t sticky for long.

5. Who should journal?

Anyone and everyone. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a Christian, we’ve all been called to prayer. It might be a rough start but start and keep going.

6. How do you start prayer journaling?

As I said at the beginning, all the wonderful crafty ideas are lovely but can cause you to procrastinate until you have the “perfect” tools. My current journal is a branded notebook my sister got at some conference and gave me. It works. Just get a book, a pen and your Bible. Pray before you start and go forth and journal!

Colour coding for Prayer Bibles and Journals

1. Pink: God and His Kingdom. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage? What is the Kingdom?
   • Names of God
   • Places where the text directly states the attributes or character of God or His character is revealed through His words and actions
   • The King and His realm. Eternity – past and future.
2. Orange: Salvation. How does the passage point to Jesus? Examine how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
3. Yellow: Meditation and reflection. What isn’t clear? Write down the question. Is the Spirit leading to think over particular verse(s)? When you come to a point in the Bible that isn’t clear or you don’t understand, write down the verse and the question you have beside it. You’re going to have a lot of questions but as you read through the Bible, you’ll be able to answer some and others can be answered by further research; using verified commentaries or your local church
4. Green: Protection against sin and its consequences. Spiritual warfare. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is? How do you fall short of God’s character? How the text reveals your sinful nature?
   • Protection against sin and sinful nature
   • Safety/ setting a guard or hedge over
   • Spiritual warfare.
5. Blue: Relationships. What the Holy Spirit equips and strengthens us for i.e. witnessing, discipleship and practical Christian living and what it says about your new identity in Christ. To be the salt, and light of the world- Christians in the marketplace.
6. Purple: Commands/ Wisdom. How should the truth of this passage change me? Think about how you might pray for God to change your heart. Also what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness. Prayer and promises of God. Things to do or direct commands from God i.e. faith and obedience.