I love my diary. Always have, always will. In fact, I have diaries documenting my life from middle school onward. Some parts are fun to go back and read. Others, not so much. Still, it is fascinating for me to see how much I have grown and changed throughout my small 20-something years of life. Things that worried Miss 15-year-old Connie Ann seem ridiculous to me now. Other times, I marvel at what could only have been the Holy Spirit working in my life.
I record all kinds of things in my diary- things people said, places I visited, achievements, etc., but the most fascinating part for me to read now is the development of my relationship with God. There were times in my life where I was on fire with love for him, and other times when I was not. Things happened. Hard things. Looking back, I can see how God used them for his purpose.
My diaries have been great for tracking my faith journey, but now I think it is time for something more. Something deeper. Something more focused.
I’ve decided to start a prayer journal. I want to keep track of my relationship with God, and where he takes me, and where we’re going, so that someday I can look back and see all the places we have been together.
Some prayer journals list things prayed for, and the way they were answered. Some prayer journals list things to be grateful for each day. Mine may include these things, but really I’m most interested in paying attention to the way God speaks in this life. I hope this exercise helps me to see these things.
Has anyone here kept a prayer journal of some sort? Did you find it helpful? Was it difficult to keep up with? Any thoughts, tips, and suggestions are welcome!
Tales from the Valley 
In a prayer journal, I suggest writing down your experiences of God. Experiences can come in dreams, in whispers while at Adoration, during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, while walking alone, while praying the Rosary, and so on. Staying attuned to God and seeking His Will daily are important.
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Thank you, Francis! I took your suggestion this weekend when writing after Mass. A few months ago I really started to try and pay attention to these experiences, and I’m pretty amazed at everything. There’s a lot happening in my life right now and this is going to be so important.
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Of course! 😀
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I often think of the blog I write as a prayer journal of sorts. It’s amazing to look back at something and see God’s work so clearly evident!
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That’s a good point! I’ve put a lot of spiritual stuff on here that kind of serves that function. Actually it was my blog that made me decide to get a physical notebook. Looking on here, I’ve seen that ever since October 2014 something’s been happening.
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He is Awesome!
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