Ever open your prayer journal and just… stare at the blank page?
I know that feeling. Sometimes talking to God feels repetitive or I just don’t know what to say. For years my prayer life felt shallow. It was a list of things I wanted or problems I needed solved. It wasn't until I started getting serious about overcoming my own struggles—like binge eating and a gaming addiction that stole years of my life—that I realized prayer had to be more than a wish list. It had to be a real conversation.
A prayer journal isn’t a diary you’re writing for God to read later. He already knows your heart. Instead it’s a tool for you. It helps you focus your thoughts untangle your feelings and build a genuine relationship with Him. It’s a place to be honest raw and real.
If you’re not sure where to start I’ve put together 30 prompts to help guide your conversations with God. You don’t have to do them in order. Just pick one that speaks to you today and begin.
Getting Started The Basics
These prompts are perfect for warming up and centering your heart on God. They help shift your focus from the chaos of the world to His peace and presence.
- Write a letter to God as if you’re writing to a trusted friend.
- What is one specific thing weighing on your mind right now? Write it down and consciously give it to God.
- Describe your day to God. Where did you see His hand at work?
- What name for God (like Father Healer or Shepherd) means the most to you today? Why?
- Write down one question you have for God. It’s okay to have questions.
Gratitude and Praise
Practicing gratitude changed my life. When I was starting my journey to lose over 110 pounds I learned to celebrate small wins. A day without binge eating was a victory. Choosing a walk instead of the couch was a win. Focusing on gratitude in prayer does the same thing. It trains your heart to see the good.
- List five small blessings from your day you might have otherwise overlooked.
- Who is one person you are deeply thankful for? Write a prayer for them.
- Thank God for a specific answered prayer from your past.
- Praise God for His creation. What is something beautiful you saw today? A sunset a flower a smiling face?
- Thank God for a character trait of His that you appreciate. His patience His faithfulness His love.
Confession and Surrender
This is a tough one but it’s so important. When I was stuck in my bad habits I had to get honest with God about them. Writing down my struggles with laziness or overeating wasn't about shaming myself. It was about bringing them into the light. It felt like I was physically handing them over to Him and it broke their power over me.
- What is one habit or sin you are struggling with? Be honest and ask for strength.
- Where did you fall short today? Ask for forgiveness and grace to do better tomorrow.
- What fear is holding you back from fully trusting God?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive? Write down their name and ask God to help you let go of bitterness.
- What area of your life are you trying to control? Write it down and pray for the strength to surrender it.
Praying for Others
Prayer isn’t just about us. It’s a powerful way to love and serve the people around us. Shifting our focus outward builds compassion and reminds us that we’re all part of a larger family.
- Pray for a family member by name and for their specific needs.
- Pray for your church. Pray for your pastor and the other leaders.
- Lift up a friend who is going through a hard time.
- Pray for your community or nation. Ask for peace and wisdom for its leaders.
- Pray for someone you find difficult to love. Ask God to soften your heart toward them.
Seeking Guidance and Wisdom
Life is full of decisions big and small. Seeking God’s guidance isn’t about getting a magic answer. It’s about aligning your heart with His will and trusting Him to lead you one step at a time. This was key for me in building a new life. I didn’t know the whole path forward but I could ask for wisdom for the next right step.
- What is one big decision you are facing? Ask for clarity and wisdom.
- Ask God to show you how you can use your gifts to serve someone this week.
- Where do you need God’s direction in your life right now?
- Pray for a heart that desires God’s will more than your own.
- Ask God to reveal your purpose for this specific season of your life.
Reflecting on Scripture
The Bible is God’s living word to us. Letting it soak into our hearts through prayer is one of the best ways to grow in faith. It’s not just about reading it. It's about letting it read you.
- Write down a Bible verse that stood out to you recently. Why did it catch your attention?
- Read a Psalm (like Psalm 23 or 51) and rewrite it as a personal prayer.
- How can you apply a recent sermon or Bible teaching to your life this week?
- What does a specific passage of scripture teach you about God’s character?
- Ask God to give you a greater love and understanding of His Word.
Your prayer journal doesn’t have to be perfect. It can be messy. Mine is filled with scratched-out words quick notes and honest pleas. It’s not a performance. It’s a conversation. It’s a lifeline.
So find a quiet moment and a simple notebook. Don’t overthink it. Just start.
Pick one prompt from this list and write. What is the one thing your heart needs to say to God today?
