A Guide to Prayer Journals: 60 Prompts for Your First Month
A prayer journal is a personal space to write your thoughts and prayers to God, creating a lasting record of your faith.
Many struggle to start writing prayers.
We’re here to guide you through your first month of journaling with 60 prayer journal prompts that serve as helpful suggestions.
Your journal allows you to recognize answered prayers and builds faith, providing peace as you express worries on paper.
This practice makes your prayer time more meaningful, enabling reflection on your path to spirituality.
Writing prayers helps you focus and pray purposefully.
It’s like having a conversation with a close friend – natural, honest, and real. Your journal becomes a record of God’s faithfulness in your life.
First Month of Prayer Journal Prompts
Day 1-10: Gratitude, Reflection, and Praise
Day 1: Your family
- Write about three ways your family showed care for each other this week
- List specific prayers for each family member’s current needs
Day 2: Your neighborhood
- Name three neighbors you want to build better friendships with
- Write prayers for the safety and well-being of families on your street
Day 3: Your town/city
- List three local needs you see in your community
- Write prayers for local businesses and schools near you
Day 4: Government leaders
- Write specific prayers for decisions facing your local officials
- List three areas where leaders need wisdom right now
Day 5: Your church
- Write prayers for your pastor’s teaching and personal strength
- List three ministry areas that need support in your church
Day 6: Giving thanks
- List five small blessings you noticed today
- Write about a surprise gift or moment that made you smile
Day 7: Areas for growth
- Write honestly about something you need to make right
- List steps you can take to grow closer to God
Day 8: Finding peace
- Write about what makes you feel unsettled right now
- List three things that bring you true peace
Day 9: Marriage prayers
- Write specific prayers for your relationship’s growth
- List three ways to show more love to your partner
Day 10: Difficult relationships
- Write prayers for someone who has hurt you
- List three ways you can show kindness to this person
Day 11-20: Prayers for Healing, Growth, and Trust
Day 11: Friends who need healing
- Write prayers for your friend’s specific health needs
- List practical ways you can support them during recovery
Day 12: Important decisions
- Write about the options you’re considering and ask for clear direction
- List the wisdom you need for this choice
Day 13: Your mentor
- Write prayers for their work and personal life
- List three lessons you’ve learned from them that you’re thankful for
Day 14: Goals and plans
- Write about what you hope to do in the next six months
- List three steps you need God’s help with
Day 15: Friends seeking God
- Write specific prayers for friends who don’t know God yet
- List opportunities to share your faith with them
Day 16: Facing fears
- Write about what makes you feel scared or worried
- List Bible verses that give you strength when you’re afraid
Day 17: Military families
- Write prayers for those serving far from home
- List ways to support military families in your area
Day 18: Growing in faith
- Write about an area where you want to understand God better
- List questions you have about scripture
Day 19: People you guide
- Write prayers for those who look up to you
- List ways to be a better example to others
Day 20: Using your gifts
- Write about ways God has given you to help others
- List opportunities to use these gifts in your church
Day 21-30: Prayers for Relationships, Purpose, and God’s Will
Day 21: Priorities and choices
- Write about the most important things in your life right now
- List areas where you need God’s guidance most
Day 22: Growing in character
- Write about how you want to show God’s love better
- List ways to be more patient and kind to others
Day 23: God’s power
- Write about times you’ve seen God work in amazing ways
- List things that seem impossible but you’re asking God for
Day 24: Hard relationships
- Write prayers for people who are difficult to work with
- List ways to show grace to those who upset you
Day 25: Getting right with God
- Write about things weighing on your heart
- List steps to make things right where needed
Day 26: Mission work
- Write prayers for families serving in other countries
- List ways to support mission work from home
Day 27: Building trust
- Write about areas where it’s hard to trust God
- List times God has proven faithful in the past
Day 28: Children
- Write prayers for each child’s specific needs
- List ways to help your children grow in faith
Day 29: Past mistakes
- Write about things you want God to heal
- List truths about God’s forgiveness and love
Day 30: Life purpose
- Write about what gives your life meaning
- List ways God might want to use your story
Getting Started with Your Prayer Journal
Starting a prayer journal might feel a bit scary at first – and that’s okay!
Think of it as writing letters to your closest friend. Because really, that’s what it is – your personal chats with God.
Setting Up Your First Journal
You don’t need anything fancy to start. A simple notebook works great!
I started with a basic spiral notebook, and it worked perfectly.
Add your name, the date, and maybe a favorite Bible verse on the first page.
That’s all you need to begin.
Choosing the Right Time and Place
Find a quiet spot where you feel calm and comfortable.
Maybe it’s a corner of your couch with your morning coffee, or your bed before sleep.
I love writing at my kitchen table early in the morning when the house is quiet.
The best time is whenever you can focus without rushing. Even 10 minutes works great – it’s about quality, not quantity.
Creating a Daily Routine
Start small – maybe write for just 5 minutes each day. Try linking it to something you already do, like:
- Right after your morning coffee
- Before reading your Bible
- After the kids go to school
- Before bedtime
Don’t feel bad if you miss a day. Just pick up where you left off. God’s always ready to listen.
Remember, your prayer journal is a safe space between you and God.
There’s no pressure to make it perfect. Just open your heart and write what comes to mind.
The more you write, the more natural it will feel.
Tips for Maximizing Your Prayer Journal
Create an Index
At the start of your prayer journal, set aside the first few pages as your guide. Write down topics and page numbers as you fill your journal. This simple step helps you:
- Find specific prayers quickly when you need them
- See patterns in your prayer life
- Keep track of important dates and moments
- Look back on your spiritual growth over time
Track Answered Prayers
Make a special section in your journal to write down when God answers your prayers. This practice will:
- Build your faith as you see God working
- Give you hope during tough times
- Help you remember God’s faithfulness
- Encourage others when you share these stories
Consistency Is Key
Writing in your prayer journal each day strengthens your connection with God. Here’s how to make it a daily practice:
- Pick a specific time each day for writing
- Keep your journal in a spot you’ll see it daily
- Start with just 5-10 minutes if you’re new to journaling
- Don’t worry about perfect writing – just be honest and open
- Set a simple goal, like writing one page each day
Common Challenges and Solutions
Let’s talk about the bumps in the road that we all face with prayer journaling – and how to handle them with grace and kindness to ourselves.
What To Do When You Miss Days
Missing days happen to all of us – and that’s completely okay! Please don’t beat yourself up about it.
Just open your journal and start fresh.
I like to write, “Today I’m starting again,” and jump right back in.
No need to make up for lost time or feel guilty. God’s happy to hear from you anytime.
Handling Writer’s Block
Staring at a blank page can feel tough. When words don’t come easily, try these simple steps:
- Write about your day, just like talking to a friend
- Start with “Today I feel…” and let your thoughts flow
- List three things you’re grateful for
- Copy your favorite Bible verse and write how it speaks to you
Sometimes, I just write, “God, I’m not sure what to say today, but I’m here.” That’s a perfect prayer, too.
Making Time When Busy
Life gets crazy busy – I get it! Here’s what helps me squeeze in prayer time:
- Keep your journal by your coffee maker or bedside table
- Write during your lunch break
- Use waiting time (like at doctor’s offices)
- Set a 5-minute timer and write until it beeps
Remember: a short, honest prayer beats a missed day at any time.
Staying Motivated
We all have days when we don’t feel like writing. Here’s what keeps me going:
- Look back at old entries and see how far you’ve come
- Share your journey with a friend
- Keep your journal where you can see it
- Celebrate small wins – even a few sentences count!
The best motivation? Seeing how God works in your life over time. Each entry is like a little mark on your faith journey map.
Just take it one day at a time. Your prayer journal is a friend waiting to listen, not a task to check off. Be patient with yourself as you build this beautiful habit.
Conclusion
Your prayer journal is more than paper and ink – it’s a true friend on your walk of faith.
When you write your prayers, you create something special between you and God.
Each time you open your journal, you’re taking a step closer to Him.
Don’t worry about getting it perfect.
Start small, write what’s in your heart, and let the prompts guide you. Your words matter to God, whether they’re simple thank-yous or deep feelings you can’t explain.
As you keep writing, you’ll see God’s hand in your life more clearly.
Your journal will remind you of His love and care through good times and hard days.
So grab your pen – start today. Your story with God is worth writing down.
