Creative Ways to Use Your Prayer Journal and Stay Connected to God Every Day
Learn how to turn your quiet time into a deep encounter with God using the prayer journals in a fun and creative way you've never thought of before!
Have you been feeling like your prayer life is stuck in a loop?
I’ve sat at my kitchen table, tea in hand, staring at a Bible passage I’ve read a dozen times, wondering why it wasn’t sinking in. It felt like I was skimming the surface of an ocean, knowing there was treasure deep down but not knowing how to dive. And that ache for something more—something real—is what led me to change how I approach my quiet time.
Today, I want to invite you into my personal process.
I want to show you exactly how I’ve been using the Praying the Promises of the Cross journal to move from reading words on a page to hearing the Father’s voice. This isn’t just about pretty stationery; it is about posturing our hearts to receive.
Here is the step-by-step rhythm that has transformed my walk with Jesus.
Step 1: Set the Table for a Feast
The first thing I do is prepare the physical space.
I clear off the kitchen table and set out all the tools I’ll need: washi tape, coloured paper, glue tape, and my favourite pens and highlighters.* I also bring out my Greek/Hebrew Key Study Bible, though there are wonderful online tools if you don’t have one. There is something holy about preparation; it tells your spirit that something important is about to happen.
When we prepare our space, we are telling God, “I am ready for You.”
Step 2: Posture Your Heart
Before I write a single word, I pray a simple, honest prayer asking God to silence the noise in my head. I ask Him to show me specifically what areas of my heart this scripture applies to today. We often rush into studying without inviting the Teacher to sit with us. This moment of surrender sets the tone for everything that follows.
Step 3: Write the Word to Slow Down
Next, I open my Beautiful Word Journaling Bible* and find the passage listed in the journal’s reading plan.
I highlight it in my Bible, then write it out by hand in the journal’s designated space. The act of writing forces us to slow down. It allows us to chew on every word, noticing phrases we might otherwise skim over.
Step 4: Dig for Buried Treasure
This is where the magic happens.
As I look at what I’ve written, I circle, highlight, or underline whatever leaps off the page at me. If a word stands out—such as “justification” or “abide”—I look it up in Greek or Hebrew to understand its nuanced meaning. Often, the original language holds a depth of colour that English can’t capture.
I will write that deeper definition in the blank spaces, or sometimes I’ll write it on a scrap of pretty paper and attach it with washi tape.* It feels like uncovering a secret message God left just for me.
Step 5: Study and Listen
I don’t stop at the definition.
I continue to study the passage using online resources, commentaries, or another study Bible to grasp the context. Once I’ve soaked it all in, I fill in the reflection area with a summary of what I’ve learned. But this isn’t a book report; it’s a letter to myself and to God about what this truth means for my life right now.
Step 6: Cultivate Gratitude and Faith
After the heavy lifting of study, I shift my focus to gratitude.
I fill in the area for what I’m thankful for, listing the small and big mercies I’ve seen. Then, I write in the answered prayer section. This is crucial because our memories are short. Writing down how God has moved in the past builds our faith for what we are facing today.
It is a tangible reminder that He sees us and He acts.
Step 7: Add Beauty as Worship
Finally, I let myself play.
If I have extra thoughts or prayers that didn’t fit, I’ll add pieces of lined paper or pretty decorative paper to the page. I use stickers* or tip-ins to make it look beautiful. This isn’t about being an artist; it’s about worshipping the Creator with creativity. It makes the journal feel personal, like a keepsake of my journey with Him.
As you can see, I usually have a bit of a mess to clean up afterward. Depending on how deep the word studies go, a typical session can take two hours. This is, of course, if I can spare the time; however, these longer sessions are the ones I enjoy most and leave me feeling the Holy Spirit’s beautiful presence.
I hope this post inspires you to try a new way to journal and study the Bible. Pinterest has loads of ideas for both prayer journaling and Bible journaling. Follow my account to see new inspirational Pins on prayer journaling.
If you have any questions, leave a comment or send me a direct message.
Love as always,
Crystal
*Links take you to Amazon. If you order the journaling tools, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.