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Ready to strengthen your prayer life and deepen your connection with our God? A prayer journal is an essential tool for any believer’s toolkit. The transformative power of putting prayer to paper cannot be understated. Once you’ve built a habit of writing in your prayer journal, you begin to create a vulnerable and honest record of your relationship with the Lord. Over time, it becomes a testament to how He has shaped you through all of your challenges, triumphs, and average days.
For those who aren’t drawn to the idea of journaling or drawing in a Bible, a separate prayer journal provides unlimited freedom. Personally, I love this route — I wrote this guide because I’ve nearly run out of room in my current prayer journal and would like a nicer replacement than a cheap spiralbound notebook!
So, in this post, we’ll take a look at the best notebooks for prayer journals in a variety of styles. We’ll also cover how to choose the best one and go over some of my favorite tips for making the most of this precious time with Jesus.
Introduction to Prayer Journaling
Prayer journaling is a beautiful process of learning deeply about God and yourself through the power of prayer, reflective writing, and study of the Word. Journaling your private thoughts to the Saviour in the form of prayer can benefit your mental and spiritual health. In times of great need, writing your prayers gives a great emotional release as you lay your worries at the Father’s feet.
Another beautiful aspect of starting a prayer journal is that it becomes a living, breathing document of your journey with God. The more vulnerable and honest you find yourself within the pages, the greater your tangible record of faith becomes. Whether you’re a long-time prayer warrior or just dipping your toes in the water, a prayer journal becomes a fantastic way to focus your efforts.
How to Pick the Best Prayer Journal
A prayer journal is an investment in your faith – it’s more than just picking a pretty cover (even though that’s important, too!) There are plenty of factors to consider before purchasing a notebook for a prayer journal:
- Size: Compact journals are perfect for carrying around, but larger formats give you plenty of writing space. This guide focuses on larger notebooks that are perfect for your prayer war room.
- Paper Quality: Thick paper is perfect for working with pens or felt-tip marker pens (these are my favorite pens), while thin paper will give your journal a delicate feel.
- Binding: Hardcover books offer protection and style, whereas spiral-bound notebooks lay flat more easily and tend to be more affordable.
- Layout: Premium notebooks can be lined, dotted, or have blank pages. This guide focuses on lined notebooks that are perfect for beginners. However, if you plan on including art or organizational pages, consider a different layout.
- Additional Features: Many notebooks have additional features that can range from bookmark ribbons to pockets!
Overall, you want to consider the above while buying a prayer journal you can see yourself using consistently. Find the right fit for your style and prayer goals. Remember, you can always take what you’ve learned to choose a second prayer journal after you’ve filled this one!
Our Favorite 8 Prayer Journal Notebooks
1. LEUCHTTURM1917 A5 Medium, Ruled
- Size: 5.8 x 8.3 inches (A5)
- Pages: 251
- Special features: Page numbers and blank table of contents for easy organization
This classic, durable hardcover LEUCHTTURM1917 notebook is an online favorite in journaling spaces for so many reasons. The acid-free paper is premium, and these notebooks are available in a wide variety of bold color choices. Additionally, you can select from traditional ruled paper, dotted, and blank for the ultimate level of personalization. I own an A5 myself in bright yellow, and it has withstood the test of time – including three moves and too many thoughts to count!
2. Faux Leather Lined Journal
- Size: 5.9 x 8.4 inches
- Pages: 200
- Special feature: Durable faux leather cover with elastic closure
The Faux Leather Lined Journal combines durability and the timeless style leather journals. The archival quality acid-free paper means you can worry less about your choice in pens. Soft and comfortable to the touch, it comes with a metal buckle to stay safe and secure during travel. With no shortage of colors to choose from, this classic style journal is an excellent choice for a dedicated Bible journal.
3. Moleskine Classic Notebook, Large, Ruled
- Size: 5 x 8.25 inches
- Pages: 240
- Special feature: Expandable inner pocket for storing loose notes
The Moleskine Classic Notebook brings a more modern, minimalist design to the table. It comes in both ruled and blank so you have options depending on how you want to use it. The sleek style and elastic closure band make it great to slide into any bag or purse for travel. It even has an inner pocket that is perfect for keeping additional notes, favorite verses, or even stickers!
4. Spiral Faux Leather Notebook, College Ruled
- Size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
- Pages: 280
- Special feature: Spiral binding for easy lay-flat writing
If you’re looking for a more luxurious look for your Bible journal, the Spiral Faux Leather Notebook is right up your alley. The textured faux leather comes embossed with a stylish vintage floral design, and the golden corner protectors offer both durability and aesthetics. The spiral binding lets it lie flat, making this the ideal journal for those who prefer Bible journaling at their desk or table.
5. Thick Faux Leather Lined Journal
- Size: 5.75 x 8.38 inches
- Pages: 365
- Special feature: Thick 100gsm paper to prevent bleed-through
The Thick Faux Leather Lined Journal is a nice hybrid of travel and desk journal. The vegan leather hard cover is durable and water resistant, and the binding has a lay flat design for easier writing and note taking. There’s also an expandable inner pocket for some added storage, all kept safe and secure by an elastic band. It boasts thicker pages, so you don’t have to worry as much about using every pen in your arsenal!
6. Classic Faux Leather Jeremiah 29:11 Ruled Notebook
- Size: 6.3 x 8.9 inches
- Pages: 336
- Special feature: Inspirational Jeremiah 29:11 scripture on the cover
Bring the inspiration of God’s word to your Bible journal with the Classic Faux Leather Jeremiah 29:11 Ruled Notebook. This notebook features Scripture from cover to cover, so you’ll have a Scripture verse on each page. It features a beautifully embossed cover and a zipper to keep the pages safe. What I love most about this style of journal is that it always has you covered if you need a verse to write about!
7. Navy Faux Leather Journal Proverbs 3:5 Ruled Notebook
- Size: 6.1 x 8.6 inches
- Pages: 336
- Special feature: Encouraging Proverbs 3:5 verse embossed on the cover
Much like the Jeremiah 29:11 notebook, the Navy Faux Leather Journal Proverbs 3:5 Ruled Notebook comes with a Scripture verse on the cover as well as on each page. The two-paneled, heat-embossed cover features a beautiful floral pattern and white and gold foiled text.
8. Classic Journal Matthew 19:26 Ruled Notebook
- Size: 6.4 x 9 inches
- Pages: 336
- Special feature: Uplifting Matthew 19:26 scripture on the cover and a zipper closure
The Classic Journal Matthew 19:26 Ruled Notebook is another verse-filled Bible journal. The white and gold tones give this journal holy look that befits a book dedicated to coming closer to God! The teal back cover has a double row of stitching for improved durability. Additionally, there’s a zipper that will protect your pages from the elements.
How to Use a Prayer Journal Effectively
Once you’ve settled on your favorite prayer journal, take some time to find a routine that works for you. Each of us will have a different personal story to tell in our prayer practice. There’s no right or wrong way to write in your prayer journal! Here are a few of our favorite tips that anyone can use to get more out of the time spent on the pages of their prayer journal:
- Set Aside Dedicated Time: If you can, a regular time each day for journaling is an excellent way to build your habit. However, whatever quiet time you can set aside to communicate with God is special and should be treasured.
- Create a Prayer Space: As best you can, find a spot in your home where you love the serenity, peace, and quiet. If you need to make that space or make do with what you have, that’s also completely fine!
- Lead With Gratitude: A wonderful way to begin each entry in your prayer journal is with an exclamation of gratitude and love for Jesus Christ.
- Aim For Honesty: It may take time to get into the practice, but your journal should become a love letter where you pour out your heart to God without fear or reservation.
- Incorporate Scripture: Copying powerful verses into your prayer journal has many benefits, including helping you study the Word and bringing focus to your prayers.
- Keep Track of Answered Prayers: Your prayer journal is a wonderful place to keep track of prayers God has answered for you.
- Use Prompts to Help: Prompts help us see our prayer practice in a new light, sparking growth and interesting avenues of self-reflection that we might not otherwise pursue.
- Reflect and Reread: The beautiful record of faith that a prayer journal becomes over time is also a powerful reflection and personal growth tool. Rereading old entries is a great way to refresh your mind with the goodness of God and see how He has used prayer in your life.
The Power of A Prayer Journal
The journey of prayer journaling can be transformative; this way of walking with God offers the chance for you to bring a fresh perspective each time you put pen to paper. Whether you choose a simple notebook or one with Scripture weaved thorough, the most important part is that you start. By taking time to connect with Him, you put His Word at the forefront of your mind, heart, and soul. Remember that you’re not seeking perfection – only His connection!
As you fill your heart with a prayer practice, we pray that your chosen journal becomes a treasured space to spend time with God. Happy journaling!
