I felt like I had lost my map.
For weeks, my prayers felt dry, strained. I couldn’t even whisper “amen” without tears. Doubts crowded my mind: Why isn’t He listening? What did I do wrong?
If you’ve ever felt the heavy hush of heaven . I see you. I was you.
Feeling Distant When Prayer Becomes a Chore
Maybe you know what this is like: You kneel down to pray because you know you should. You close your eyes. But your mind wanders. Your mind fills with doubts and clear reminders of failure. Your heart isn’t in it anymore, leaving you more hopeless than before.
According to this article, spiritual diaries shows that writing can allow us to become more aware of God’s presence rather than feeling lost. (PMC)
So I decided to start a spiritual prayer journal to help foster the connection I once had with God.
I Wrote to God Instead of Trying to Pray
One morning, I picked up my journal and simply wrote:
Heavenly Father, I don’t know what to do anymore.
It didn’t feel polished or spiritual. It just felt real.
I kept going.
I can’t even speak out loud to talk to you. I feel alone and as if I have nothing to look forward to. I feel that I am a failure. What am I going to do?
I need to talk to you.
Then I paused. I left a blank space. I whispered in my heart: “I’m ready to listen.”
Minutes passed. Then words came. Not loud. But soft thoughts, nudges of peace. Notes of hope.
I wrote them. I kept writing.
Savanah, my darling daughter. I have prepared you. You have so much ahead of you. You just have to see. I know it has been hard for you to do all this. That the trials ahead seem like mountains. All you need is a mustard seed of faith. Take that seed and plant it in your heart.
Thus began the beginning of my prayer journal. This became our rhythm:
- Write: My thoughts, confusion, aches.
- Pause: I cleared my mind and asked, “What would You say to me today?”
- Listen & Write: Whatever came to mind (a phrase, a feeling, a memory).
- Read it back: I treated it like He was speaking. Because He was.
And as I did this alongside my Book of Mormon study, my faith began to grow. The bookmarks found their places. The sticky notes whispered reminders: God is here.
Although it didn’t happen all at once, I’ve seen a difference in my relationship with Christ and Heavenly Father through my prayer journal. I feel closer to Them. And I think more often of Them. I don’t feel so alone.
And most of all, I’ve felt my faith and desire to believe grow. Enough for me to share this experience, even. Which is more than I could have ever hoped for.
What I Used to Start My Prayer Journal
Here are the items that turned my study time from routine to ritual:
- Journal: This spiral notebook was the journal I used. It’s nothing fancy, but it was good enough for me at the time. I might upgrade to a better one later on.
- Pens: This pen is the one I used. But these pens are some of my favorites if I had them on-hand.
- Magnetic bookmarks: These bookmarks are the ones I like, because they help me keep track of where I am in my journal and in the scriptures. It’s makes it simple to flip to the marked page and begin writing.
- Post‑it notes: These mini sticky notes are so perfect for random thoughts or things you want to stand out to you when you re-read earlier passages. This has helped me on days when I need that quick note of reassurance.
These tools weren’t fancy. They were simply helpful. And they reminded me: I’m choosing to meet with God, not just fulfill a checklist.
Hey friend! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share things I personally use, love, and believe can help you grow closer to God.
My 5-Minute Prayer Journal Method
- Begin with a quiet prayer: “Heavenly Father, help me to know what to do today.”
- Open the scriptures (I love the Book of Mormon!) and read one passage slowly. This immediately invites the Spirit.
- In my journal, I write a short prayer: what I feel, what I don’t understand, what I hope for.
- I leave 1–2 lines blank and then write: “What is He saying to me?”
- I write all the words that come to mind and then read what I wrote as though He is speaking back.
- I highlight one insight in the scriptures, place a bookmark, and write a sticky note to myself: “Remember this.”
- I close my session with God with a prayer: “Thank you for the guidance you gave me today.”
Why A Prayer Journal Works
- Writing slows your mind, helps you focus, and captures what you feel. (Ed Cyzewski: Author // Contemplative+1)
- Journaling your scripture study builds memory and helps truth stick. (Well-Watered Women)
- This becomes an opportunity to be with God. Just you and Him. It’s sacred. And you will treasure it.
My Invitation
Finally, if you’re ready to move from passive reading to sacred conversation, try this for one week:
- Choose a regular time and place (5 minutes is fine).
- Gather your journal + pen + scripture + a tool you love (highlighter or bookmark).
- Write your heart. Pause. Listen. Write again.
- Choose one phrase to highlight.
- Close with gratitude.
Let’s meet God where He’s already waiting.
How to measure the impact of your prayer journal
- Track how many days you complete the ritual (goal: 5–7).
- Notice one shift: Did you feel closer? More peace? Did a scripture stick with you longer?
- Monitor your heart: Are you praying because you have to or because you get to?
- Comment below your thoughts and feelings.
