Prayer and Bible study can certainly bring positive changes to your life…it surely has been a positive influence on mine! Spending time with God and His word brings you closer to enhances your relationship with the Heavenly Father.
Every day that I take the time to sit and talk with God, I feel my relationship with Him grow. And every verse of scripture I read reveals just how awesome our God is. It is amazing how prayer and studying God’s word can calm your spirit and soothe your soul. Over the years, for me, prayer has increased my faith and decreased my worry. Something amazing happens when you truly let go and let God.
I am a planner by nature and by planner I mean that I keep a bullet journal and have for a long time. In my BUJO I keep everything related to my life. My daily to-do list, important information, notes and ideas…everything I need is always at my fingertips. I used to keep my prayer journal and bible study in my bullet journal as well, but recently moved these items to a specific Prayer and Bible Study Journal and it is proving to be a great decision.
Today I want to show you my Prayer and Bible Study Journal. Perhaps you will find that it's something you want to try in order to keep track of your Bible studies and specific prayers; but more importantly to grow your relationship with God.
My bullet journal is an actual journal, but for my prayer and Bible study journal I wanted a loose leaf binder so that I could take the paper out and add to it whenever I wanted.
I found an actual miniature 3 ring binder and the same size loose leaf paper and dividers at Target all for under $10.00. I am happy with my choice to set the journal up this way. You can use any system you want to use, but I like having the ability to separate certain topics and add to the different sections easily.
The binder that I bought is a small basic white binder and has a plastic insert to add a cover page. So the first thing I did was create my cover. It’s simple, but colorful. Then I made a tassel with charms and a pom-pom to give it some decoration and a personal touch.
I then added five sections in my binder. My sections are: Daily Scriptures, My Daily Prayers, Declarations, Prayers and Notes. You can make your dividers anything that you want, these five happen to work for me.
THE BINDER SECTIONS
Daily Scripture
This is where I write down a specific verse(s) of scripture each day and then look at the verse and make notes. This picture is when I wrote down 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (but ended up adding verse 16 as well).
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for You.”
As you can see, I read the verse(s), write them down and then re-read them. I circle words or groups of words that I want to look up or think more about and then do so at the bottom of the page. Here I have circled the word “always” to remind myself just exactly what always means. I also looked up “ceasing”. Even though I know what these words mean, I wanted a reminder on the page for emphasis.
I also made additional notes on groups of words below the definitions, which prompts me to think deeper into the meaning of what the word of God is saying. To me, the verse is simple on the surface, but looking into it this way makes me reflect even more on what God is saying. I also take the time to write down ways that I can use this verse of scripture more in my life.
My Daily Prayers
This section is for recording my daily gratitude and praise as well as specific prayer requests that I have made. I leave a spot next to each prayer request to record the date and the answer that I receive from God. I can always go back and write this down when it happens. Remember, your prayers are answered in God’s timing, not your own!!
(The first picture is how I set up the page and the second picture is an actual daily entry.)
Declarations
In this section of my journal I keep the declarations that I have written down and speak over my life. Speaking declarations is scripturally based and the Bible talks frequently about the power of your words. For example:
In Mark 11:23-24 Jesus says "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
In addition, Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
And finally, Job 22:28 says “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.”
Prayers
This is a section of pre-written topical prayers that I have recorded; each focuses on certain aspects of life. For example, I have a prayer to increase faith, a prayer for my children, a prayer for health, etc. I like having specific powerful prayers at my fingertips to use when something comes up and I need a quick reference.
Notes
This is a basic notes section. I always have a notes section in every journal I create. This particular notes section is a place where I write down my thoughts, research, ideas, quotes, and specific scripture verses that I want to look into further.
That's all there is to it! Simple, right?!? I hope you will consider using a journal like this. I promise it has changed my life for the better. I wish you all the best as you start this amazing journey of learning and growing closer to Father God. May you be blessed in this awesome journey!
Blessings,
Amy