Many years ago I heard my father-in-law, Ed Harris, preach a sermon about prayer. In the message he made the suggestion that everyone should keep a "prayer journal." The idea was to write down the specific things for which you were praying and then go back to review them periodically to see how they had been answered.
I was skeptical at first but on New Year's Day in 1983 I took a small stenographer's tablet and a pen and began to write. It was awkward at first but there was much going on in my life at that time. I was in my early twenties preparing to graduate from college. Tami and I would soon be expecting our first child. We were wondering just how and where the Lord would use us. I filled up page after page as I wrote my requests down each day. As time passed the pages became filled not only with requests but also with words of praise and thanksgiving as I sensed God working in my life and I saw answers to the requests that were being made. Before I knew it the front and back of each page in that little tablet were full. I moved on to another tablet and then started buying thick legal sized record books at bookstores. In the past twenty-six years I have now completed over twenty-four different journals - many of them have over 300 pages. I realize that this may not work for everyone but here's why it works for me.
First, it causes me to take the time to slow down. I often pray in a hurry while I'm driving to an appointment or scurrying along from one spot to another. Journaling forces me to sit down and be still. It requires me to concentrate on the words I am writing and to have clarity of thought and purpose. In the process of journaling not only have I disciplined my mind I have also been able to improve my writing skills and even my handwriting.
Another blessing of Journaling is that it enables me to look back over my life and see how God has worked. Sometimes he has answered my requests as I had hoped for. Other times, (thankfully), He has answered in ways that were not what I anticipated. At times I would be frustrated and wonder why God would not grant my request. However, as the pages of the jounal are turned without fail I come to see that the end result was much better than anything I could have anticipated on my own. Journaling has added structure and discipline to my days.
I try to write s little something every day. Sometimes it is only a brief paragraph or two. At other times my thoughts will stretch on for two, three or even four pages. It helps me remember that even Jesus would often go off to a lonely place to pray and be alone with His Heavenly Father - Mark 1:35ff. If you're looking for a way to truly draw near to God may I suggest that you give this practice a try. You may surprise yourself.
That's The Way I See It.
