Prayer Journal

Grab an empty notebook for a quick and easy tutorial to help you with your prayers.

FYI: This is a religious post. 

This notebook is going to be your prayer journal. It is one of the best ways I have to found to have a conversation with God.

Take an empty journal - decorate but keep worldly things off of this one. 

Ideas: Cover it with the word prayer. Cover it with quotes about prayer and revlation.

Keep it simple and cover it with cute paper and then the word "prayer".

I put pictures of Christ inside the front cover. 

Let your personality shine through, but it will help if you keep it spiritual.

This thought came to me when I was talking to my friend about prayer and receiving answers. 
One of my friends would write the most inspiring emails when she was on her mission. 
She was constantly writing about her "conversations with God". I then asked her about it. I asked her how she was getting these "REAL" answers.
I thought something was completely wrong with me. I would pray every night, I would sit still to listen and I think I expected to hear a voice or see a vision. I wanted something REAL. I kept thinking, how come Heavenly Father is giving all of these spiritual moments and revelation to others and I don't feel that "powerful feeling" every time I pray. 

My friend gave me two tips of really good advice. But first she let me in on a secret. Nobody has those powerful revelations every time they pray. You have to work to figure out the answer on your own. You have to put in the work.


So this is a 3 step process:

1 - Pray and ask specific and direct questions - She first told me to ask questions. Pray like you will have a conversation to God and ask him questions you need answered in your life. You need to pray expecting to receive an answer. I was guilty of saying things like "help me know what is right" or "help me know what to do in my life". But I needed to be saying things like "Is this the right choice for me? or "Is Miss Murray a good thing to do with my life?" 

See the difference?

I needed to be asking more direct questions that could be answered.

2 - Write - Heavenly Father is most likely going to answer the question through YOU!

So after you are done praying, write down the questions you just asked in your prayers. Then make sure you are in a very quiet place and just write. Write whatever comes to your mind. Write what you think Heavenly Father would tell you. Write what you are feeling. Write everything you possibly can. Then read it. Study it. 

3- Compare - She directed me to a scripture: Moroni 7:12-13  - The key in this scripture is what you are asking has to be "GOOD" The answers you received have to match with this scripture.  Do you answers line up with what is good? Do you feel strongly that it is right?

If the answer is yes you feel it is right, the best thing you can do is pursue it, Heavenly Father will allow you to make mistakes, that is how you learn and grow strength. But he will also step in when he sees fit. He may direct you towards something and then change your course to test your faith.

ALSO: You could even be preparing for your prayers by thinking of questions that you want to ask Heavenly Father in your journal throughout the day and write them down so you won't forget them. 

Also write in your journal times when you know your prayers were answered. They may be small things but they are God's way of letting him know he loves you. It keeps your distance from him letting you know he is write there.

Side note: I feel it easier to feel the spirit and think clearer when my room is clean so the spirit can be present.

I really hope this tutorial and idea helps you to have a stronger connection and communication with Heavenly Father. This journal helps me to feel like I am having real conversations with God.