In part 1 we talked about the logistics involved to keep a scripture journal, which is simple enough, but if you took the initiative to do those things, you know there is still something missing: actually journaling.
In this post I will tell you the sections or the elements that I have used in my own scripture journal for years and how it all works together for my quiet.
For most of you, this is just a jumping off point. Experiment with it and change it around to fit your own prayer and reading life. I assure you, this is not how mine started, and I am sure it will change some more as time goes on.
Date
Start of by writing the date… simple enough. When you go back to re-read your journal, this will tell you when that log was entered. It will also act as a divider between what you write today and yesterday.
Scripture
Next to the date, write out the portion of scripture that you are reading for the day. It would look something like this:
“July 13, 2019 — Read Genesis 1-2”
Underneath this heading, you will begin the actual journaling of what God is showing you in your reading. Write out the portion of scripture which the Lord highlighted during your reading. This may be a long passage or a small section of a verse, but be specific about the passage. If it is only a small part of what you read that day, you may even write the portion out.
You should then write out at least a paragraph explaining what you feel like God is teaching you through this. It may be big, or small; something personal to you or a new knowledge of Him. It could be something that challenges your understanding, or it may be a clarification to something you have been struggling with for a while. Whatever it is, write it down. For example:
“In Genesis 1:26, God says “let us make man in our image.” It is interesting to me that God speaks of Himself in the plural, which I believe to be a reference to the Trinity. God exists in a personal, intimate community. Then again in Genesis 2:18, God says, “it is not good that the man should be alone.” So He created the woman. This first family was also the start of Christian community. There is something about being created in the image of God which requires humans to live together and work for one another’s good…”
Continue to write until you have put into words exactly what God is showing you. If you have read my post on the “R.E.A.P. Method,” this is the E: Examine.
Application
Next you will move on to the A of R.E.A.P.: Apply. Write out another paragraph to yourself exploring the personal application of this new truth, as the Holy Spirit leads. If God is the one speaking this to you, then how do you respond? What do you need to do TODAY with this truth? What does it look like in the next few days or weeks? This is where it gets introspective, leading to discipline and a plan for personal sanctification.
Praises
After your Bible time, you should begin to turn your focus to a time of prayer. For me a journal is not only a record of my time in the Word, but it is also a tool for my prayer time for that day.
Begin by thinking back over the previous day and writing down all the things that you are thankful for. If your prayer time is in the morning, this would be a reflection on the day before. If your prayer time is in the evening, then go over the day you are just finishing. Since we know that all good things come from God, this will guide you in your praise of Him. Be sure to write out specific praises here; not just generalities.
Struggles
This is where you have to be honest with yourself and confront sin. Again, this is looking over the previous day, but instead of looking at what good things God did, you will look at how you have messed up. How have you not walked closely with Him when you should have, or where have you given into temptations.
Now, just for reference, this isn’t always ‘big’ sins. Most of the time this is where I have to confront my pride, selfishness, anger or anxiety issues. A brief overview of my journal would reveal that usually this section is dealing with my failures in relationship with others, rather than with God. Whatever the Holy Spirit reveals, this is the place to get them out and deal with them in repentance. Remember, “His mercies are new every morning.”
Requests
This section is where you will list personal needs to bring to God. For me, it is where I write out my requests for grace on my own life for the new day. It may be events or projects I will be facing over the next few weeks and how I need God’s mercy to pull it off. It may be that I am getting sick, or stressed, or depressed and requests in that direction as well. Simply tell Him what you need from Him at this point. He wants to take care of you.
People
Finally, you will list any requests on behalf of other people. It may be that people have asked you to pray for them. Maybe you simply know someone is sick or having trouble at work, or even that there is sin in their lives pulling them away from God. This list is a place to remind yourself that you are part of the body of Christ and it is not all about you. I usually ask the Holy Spirit, “who do you want me praying for, today?” as well.
Placemarker
Technically, this is not a section in your prayer journal, but it is just as important. It is related to the Requests and People sections, but it is a standard list you pray for every day, that doesn’t really change on a daily or weekly basis. You won’t re-write this very often.
Take a half sheet of normal paper and form it into a kind of bookmark. On this sheet, write out the requests and people you pray for every day. You should write them out by name, in the following categories:
- Family/Friends: List your spouse, kids, extended family members you pray for regularly, and any friends God lays on your heart for a season.
- Intercessory Assignments: List out the people God has called you to intercede for regularly. For me, I have a small group of ministry friends around the world that I have an assignment to pray for regularly.
- Church: Pastoral staff and families, long-term church goals and spiritual growth, community group, etc.
- Work: bosses, co-workers, customers/clients, etc.
- Lost People: Who are you asking God to save? Write them out here.
- Projects/Events: Do you have any major things going on that need regular prayer? Maybe you are writing a book or working to fundraise for a mission trip next year. List the things that will be in your prayer journal for some time in this section.
Because this is a separate sheet of paper, it acts as my placemarker in the journal. Just move it from page to page as you go through.
Putting It All To Use
Once you have spent time in the Word, looked at how it applies to you, and have listed all of your prayer items, then take time walking through your list with God. This may take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour or more, depending on your personal prayer life.
I know it might sound like the process of writing everything out first might make it seem pretty impersonal. I have not found that to be the case. Instead, having it all there in front of you as you pray will help you to keep focused on prayer, and not get distracted with the other things around you.
Even though it sounds like a lot of writing, this usually only takes up about half a page in my journal. And again, you may not use all of these sections, or you may have more. The idea, though, is that this is a tool which will help you draw closer to God and to have a record of how far He has brought you. It is great to be able to look back in my journal from years ago, and remember what the Lord has done in me.
So what do you think? Is your prayer journal different than what you have done before? What would you change? More importantly, do you think you might try it? Let me know. The comment section is for you.
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(This post was originally published January 28, 2010. It has been revised and edited for reposting.)
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
