What should I write in a prayer journal?

Write anything you would say to God in prayer: praise, thanksgiving, confession, requests for yourself and others, questions you're wrestling with, responses to Scripture, and reflections on what God is doing in your life. There's no wrong content. The Psalms model incredible range — from ecstatic praise to angry lament — so don't limit yourself.

Is prayer journaling the same as a gratitude journal?

A gratitude journal focuses specifically on recording things you're thankful for. Prayer journaling is broader — it includes thanksgiving but also confession, requests, praise, lament, and response to Scripture. Think of a gratitude journal as one aspect of a full prayer journal.

How often should I prayer journal?

There's no required frequency. Many people prayer journal daily as part of their morning devotions, while others do it weekly or whenever they feel especially moved during Bible reading. The key is consistency over perfection. Even 2-3 times per week creates a meaningful record over time.

Prayer Journaling

What Is Prayer Journaling?

Prayer journaling is the practice of writing your prayers alongside Scripture, creating a tangible record of your conversations with God. Instead of praying silently or aloud, you put pen to paper (or stylus to screen) and write out your thoughts, confessions, thanksgiving, requests, and responses to what you've read in the Bible.

This method has deep historical roots. Many of the Psalms are essentially prayer journals — honest, raw, written prayers that move between praise, lament, petition, and trust. Saints throughout church history, from Augustine to C.S. Lewis, kept written records of their prayers. There's something uniquely powerful about writing a prayer: it forces you to be specific, it keeps your mind from wandering, and it creates a record you can look back on to see how God has answered.

Prayer journaling works beautifully alongside Bible reading because it creates a natural response loop. You read Scripture, and then you write a prayer in response — thanking God for what you've learned, asking for help with what convicts you, or praising Him for what inspires you. Over time, your prayer journal becomes a deeply personal spiritual autobiography.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Read a Passage of Scripture

Begin by reading a chapter or passage from the Bible. Read slowly and attentively, looking for verses that stir something in your heart — gratitude, conviction, hope, wonder, or even confusion. Mark or highlight these verses as anchor points for your prayer.

Step 2: Write Your Prayer in Response

Using the verses that stood out to you, begin writing a prayer directly on the page or in the space near the text. Address God directly: 'Father, this verse reminds me...' or 'Lord, I'm struggling with...' Don't worry about eloquent language — write honestly, as if you're writing a letter to someone who knows you completely.

Step 3: Include Specific Requests and Thanksgivings

As part of your prayer, write specific requests (for yourself and others) and specific thanksgivings. Vague prayers lead to vague faith. Instead of 'bless my family,' write 'Lord, give my sister peace about her job decision this week.' Specificity makes your prayers more meaningful and easier to track for answers.

Step 4: Date and Review

Always date your prayer entries. Periodically go back and read previous prayers. You'll be amazed at how many have been answered, how your concerns have shifted, and how God has been faithful over time. This review process builds faith and deepens your prayer life in ways that undated, unrecorded prayers simply cannot.

How Digible Helps

Use Apple Pencil to handwrite prayers directly alongside Scripture text — your prayers live right next to the verses that inspired them
Use the line break feature to add dedicated prayer space below each verse or at the end of a chapter
Highlight the verses that prompted your prayer in one colour, creating a visual trail of your prayer triggers throughout the Bible
Use the library to quickly navigate to chapters with previous prayer entries, making review and reflection effortless

Tips for Success

Don't censor yourself. Prayer journaling is between you and God. Write honestly about your doubts, frustrations, and fears alongside your gratitude and praise.
Try the ACTS framework within your prayer journal: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. It gives structure without being rigid.
Write prayers for other people by name. Intercessory prayer becomes more focused and intentional when you write it out.
Keep your prayer journal private. Knowing no one else will read it frees you to be completely honest with God.

Best Passages to Start With

Psalm 139

A deeply personal psalm about God's intimate knowledge of you. Every verse naturally inspires a prayer response — from wonder at God's omniscience to honesty about being 'searched and known.'

Matthew 6:5-15

Contains the Lord's Prayer, which serves as a perfect template for prayer journaling. Each line of the prayer can be expanded into personal, specific prayers for your own life.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

A rapid-fire list of commands about prayer, thankfulness, and the Spirit. Each short verse becomes a launching point for a specific prayer about your daily life and spiritual growth.

Related Study Methods

SOAP Bible Study Method — Learn the SOAP Bible Study method — Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer — a simple four-step framework for meaningful daily devotions.
Lectio Divina — Learn Lectio Divina — the ancient contemplative Bible reading practice of Read, Meditate, Pray, and Contemplate for spiritual depth and intimacy with God.
Scripture Lettering & Hand Lettering — Learn Scripture lettering — the creative practice of hand lettering Bible verses. Combine art and faith to memorize and meditate on God's Word.

Explore Related Bible Books

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I write in a prayer journal?: Write anything you would say to God in prayer: praise, thanksgiving, confession, requests for yourself and others, questions you're wrestling with, responses to Scripture, and reflections on what God is doing in your life. There's no wrong content. The Psalms model incredible range — from ecstatic praise to angry lament — so don't limit yourself.
Is prayer journaling the same as a gratitude journal?: A gratitude journal focuses specifically on recording things you're thankful for. Prayer journaling is broader — it includes thanksgiving but also confession, requests, praise, lament, and response to Scripture. Think of a gratitude journal as one aspect of a full prayer journal.
How often should I prayer journal?: There's no required frequency. Many people prayer journal daily as part of their morning devotions, while others do it weekly or whenever they feel especially moved during Bible reading. The key is consistency over perfection. Even 2-3 times per week creates a meaningful record over time.

Try Prayer Journaling in Digible

Download the free Bible journaling app for iPad with Apple Pencil support and start studying Scripture today.

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