{"id":38519,"date":"2017-05-01T11:30:49","date_gmt":"2017-05-01T18:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/?p=38519"},"modified":"2021-04-15T09:20:00","modified_gmt":"2021-04-15T16:20:00","slug":"prayer-journaling-bible-app","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/prayer-journaling-bible-app\/","title":{"rendered":"Prayer Journal in the App"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you think of our app, you probably think “Bible study”. At least, that’s what we’re going for! But there are so many creative ways you can use our app, and prayer journaling is one of those ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we’ll first teach you about prayer journaling. Then we’ll share a video on how to organize your prayer journaling notes in the app. Lastly, we’ll give you some extra ideas to get you pumped for starting this prayer journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Prayer Journaling?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, what constitutes prayer journaling? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We like to keep things simple: journal your prayers. It’s okay if you aren’t a grammar wizard or have sloppy handwriting. It’s also okay if it has been a long time since you’ve last prayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JOURNALING TIPS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Writing down your thoughts (prayers or not) can improve your mental and even physical health<\/a>. It doesn’t really matter how you write out these thoughts, just that you do it. You could:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"prayer<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
  • Pull out a scratch piece of paper and write down what comes to mind<\/li>
  • Create a note in your phone that you add to continuously<\/li>
  • Buy a paper notebook and fill it out<\/li>
  • Write down one sentence on a sticky note<\/li>
  • Create or find a list of prompts<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    It’s okay if you don’t journal every day or in the same place. That isn’t the point. The benefit is getting your thoughts written down in a mostly cohesive way. Doing so helps your brain and body connect over the important moments of your days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    PRAYER TIPS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, we recommend you turn these thoughts into prayers. How comforting it is to know that God is listening! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The apostle Paul recommends this as well in his letter to the Philippians:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation<\/strong>, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  <\/sup>And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” \u2014 Philippians 4:6-7, NIV<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"prayer<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    It can seem overwhelming when Paul says we should pray in every situation. However, we invite you to think of this as freedom! In the same way that journaling isn’t something you have to do<\/em> every day to do it correctly, prayer is good for you always<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are a few prayer tips that are from personal experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Don’t get hung up on how long it’s been since you last prayed. That shouldn’t be a factor in keeping you from praying again.<\/li>
    2. It’s okay if you don’t know what to say. Sometimes saying “I don’t know what to say” is<\/em> the prayer.<\/li>
    3. If structure sounds useful to you, try using “ACTS”: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.<\/li>
    4. Look for inspiration. Christ is in all and through all. Stepping outside, talking to another soul, or reading Scripture can remind us of God’s role in our lives.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      JOURNALING + PRAYER<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Now that we’ve added some depth to our understanding of journaling and prayer, it’s time to put them together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In the same way that journaling can be either sporadic or structured, praying can be that way as well. In fact, a health mix of both is probably good for us! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      But there one MAJOR benefit that occurs when you combine journaling and prayer… <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When God answers your prayers, you are more likely to realize it.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you organize your journaled prayers well, you’ll be able to look back on different times of your spiritual walk. Imagine the richness of being able to see God’s faithfulness over the years in your own writing! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Organizing Your Prayer Journaling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      As we’ve already shared, there are SO many methods you can use for prayer journaling. But we really do recommend that you try to stay organized or else you miss out on some of the benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Our app lets you make notes in a few different ways, and organize them in a few different ways. It provides enough flexibility that you can make it your own but not so much that you’re left wondering where to start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      So, check out this video to learn all about that. We’ll also provide some of the same information below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n