Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7

Prayer is one of the most powerful things we can do in our walk with Christ, but I

have found it to also be one of the most intimidating. I’ve listened to others pray with such

eloquence, that I’ve wondered what God thought of my meager little attempts to

communicate with Him!

I know I have things I want to say, but I don’t know how to say them. What if it

sounds stupid? What if God wants me to say it another way? How can I remember every-

thing I need to pray about? What if I forget to thank God for all He’s done for me?

That’s why I love the Bible so much! It teaches us everything we need to know! (Red

letters-Jesus’s words. Purple letters--my interpretation/application).

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches his disciples (us) how we should go to the Father in

prayer. V6-7. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Fa-

ther, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done is secret will reward you.

And when you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard be-

cause of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need be-

fore you ask him.”

Find a quiet spot to pray. This is one reason why I get up earlier than my family. It’s hard

to concentrate and give focus to God with distractions. I also don’t say my in-depth

prayers in bed at night. I’m ashamed to say that if it’s quiet, and I’m still, I fall asleep

while talking to God.

In Biblical times, people believed the bigger the words and the longer the prayer, the

more likely God would listen. That is the exact opposite of what He wants. God

already knows our hearts, so he wants honesty and sincerity. We don’t have to use the

“right” words--we just need to speak what we really feel.

Jesus also provides us a model of prayer. It’s an example of what our prayers should

contain. Does it mean every prayer should follow this pattern? I don’t think so. Sometimes a

quick prayer during the day doesn’t follow the model. Sometimes my prayers contain only

thanksgiving for the many blessings in my life. Sometimes I cry in desperation to God. But

generally, I pray following these guidelines:

Matthew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray:

‘Our Father in heaven, Address God with the reverance

hallowed by your name. and honor He deserves.

Your kingdom come. Pray that God’s will be done-

Your will be done, Not my will, but HIS!

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread Ask God for what I need.

And forgive our debts, as we Forgive me of my sins.

also forgive our debtors. I must forgive others.

Lead us not into temptation, Please help me to avoid sin, and

but deliver us from evil. keep me safe from attacks by satan.

For yours is the kingdom All glory be to God for His love and

and the power and the glory strength. You are my King!

forever. Amen.’”

I remember when I started getting serious about my prayer life, my prayers sounded

like they came from a little kid. They were short, to the point, and did not contain much

depth. As I have spent more time with God in prayer, and in His word, I feel like my prayers

have matured.

It is my desire to for my relationship with God to continue to grow, and I feel like that

will happen if I continue to work on my prayer life. I developed this prayer journal as a way of

keeping myself accountable, and to stretch myself through prayer.

There is a two-page spread for each week of the year. On the left is four open-ended

questions to answer at any point through the week.

I’m Dreaming… What do I dream for my life or for the lives of my family? What are my

heart’s deepest desires?

I’m Thankful… How has God answered my prayers? What is He doing in my life?

I’m Listening… Do I feel God nudging me, speaking to me, or pressing in on me?

My Heart is Heavy… What burdens do I need to lay down at His feet?

The right side of each week contains a verse, as well as an organization chart for prayer.

Each day, focus part of your prayers on the specific topic. Write what you are praying about

in that area, as well as what you want to praise God for! I developed the topics as a way to

give specific attention to different areas in my life. Sunday’s topic is your choice!!

I’m so glad you are with me on this journey! I’m praying for you, and I hope you pray for

me too!

Jill

January 4-10th

I’m Dreaming...

I’m Thankful...

I’m Listening...

My Heart is Heavy...

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Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Praying Rejoicing

Monday

Country and Leaders

Tuesday

Spouse

Wednesday

Children

Thursday

Family

Friday

Friends/Coworkers

Saturday

Church

Sunday ________________________________________________________

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January 11-17th

I’m Dreaming...

I’m Thankful...

I’m Listening...

My Heart is Heavy...

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Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Praying Rejoicing

Monday

Country and Leaders

Tuesday

Spouse

Wednesday

Children

Thursday

Family

Friday

Friends/Coworkers

Saturday

Church

Sunday ________________________________________________________

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January 18-24th

I’m Dreaming...

I’m Thankful...

I’m Listening...

My Heart is Heavy...

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Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Praying Rejoicing

Monday

Country and Leaders

Tuesday

Spouse

Wednesday

Children

Thursday

Family

Friday

Friends/Coworkers

Saturday

Church

Sunday ________________________________________________________

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January 25-31st

I’m Dreaming...

I’m Thankful...

I’m Listening...

My Heart is Heavy...

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Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Praying Rejoicing

Monday

Country and Leaders

Tuesday

Spouse

Wednesday

Children

Thursday

Family

Friday

Friends/Coworkers

Saturday

Church

Sunday ________________________________________________________

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