Do you ever feel a desire to connect with God, but when you try to pray, the words feel stuck?

You want a deeper relationship with Him, but the path feels unclear, and the silence can be overwhelming. If your heart longs for more but your mind feels blank, please know you are not alone.

Starting a prayer journaling practice can feel like a big step. You might worry you won't have anything profound to say, that your handwriting is too messy, or that you'll do it wrong.

These fears can keep us from discovering one of the most beautiful ways to connect with God.

Prayer journaling is not about writing perfectly; it is about showing up with an open heart. It is a simple, powerful way to have a conversation with God on paper. If you are ready to quiet the noise and meet with Him in a new way, this guide will show you how to start.

1. Let Go of Perfection and Just Begin

Often, the hardest part of starting something new is the pressure we put on ourselves. We wait for the ideal moment, the perfect notebook, or a long stretch of uninterrupted quiet. But God does not ask for perfect conditions; He simply invites you to come as you are.

Your first step is to simply show up. Grab any notebook you have and a pen that feels comfortable. Find just five minutes in your day. The goal is not to write a masterpiece but to create a small, intentional space to turn your attention toward God.

How to Start:

Your first entry can be simple. You are just opening the door for conversation. Try writing one of these phrases:

• “God, I am here to meet with you.” 
• “Jesus, thank you for this quiet moment.” 
• “Holy Spirit, please guide my thoughts.”

This simple act is a step of faith. It declares your intention to be present with Him, and that is all He asks for.

2. Write with Honesty, Not for an Audience

A common hurdle in prayer journaling is feeling like you need to sound "spiritual." We often filter our thoughts, only presenting God with the feelings we think He wants to hear.

But a true relationship is built on honesty. God already knows every corner of your heart—your fears, your frustrations, and your doubts. He is not waiting for a polished performance; He is waiting for the real you.

Your journal is a safe space to be completely and unapologetically honest. If you are angry, write it down. If you feel anxious, let those worries spill onto the page. If you feel distant from God, tell Him that. He can handle your rawest emotions. In fact, He welcomes them. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” Your honest words are an act of confident trust in His love.

How to Start:

Before you write, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to be real. You might start your entry with:

• “God, honestly, I am feeling…”
• “The biggest thing on my heart today is…”
• “I am struggling to understand…”

Pour out your heart without editing yourself. This vulnerability is where deep connection begins.

3. Use Gentle Questions to Guide Your Writing

What happens on the days when you truly have nothing to say? A blank page can feel intimidating. On these days, asking questions can be a wonderful way to begin a conversation with God. It shifts the focus from you having to produce words to you inviting Him to speak.

These questions do not need to be deep or theological. Think of them as conversation starters. They create space for you to listen, which is just as important as speaking.

How to Start:

Here are a few gentle questions you can write in your journal to get started:

• “God, where did I see your goodness today?”
• "What is one truth you want me to hold onto right now?”
• “How can I better feel your presence in my life?”

After you write a question, pause. Be still for a moment and listen. God’s response may not be a loud voice. It might be a sense of peace, a scripture that comes to mind, or a new perspective on a situation. Write down whatever you notice. This is how journaling becomes a true dialogue.

4. Find Freedom in Having No Rules

There is no single right way to prayer journal. This practice is for you and God, and it can look different every day. Releasing yourself from rigid rules will make the practice a joy instead of a chore.

Some days, you may fill several pages. Other days, you might only write a single sentence or a word like “Help” or “Thank you.” Both are meaningful offerings. Your journal can be a place for long-form letters to God, lists of things you are grateful for, or reflections on a Bible verse. You can even draw or doodle your prayers. The method is not what matters.

The goal is connection. Your prayer journal is not another item on your to-do list. It is sacred ground where you can be present with your Creator. Allow it to be messy, inconsistent, and beautifully imperfect—just like your faith journey.

Your desire for a deeper connection with God is a gift. Prayer journaling is a simple tool to help you cultivate that relationship. It provides a space to process your thoughts, surrender your worries, and listen for His voice. I pray you find the courage to open a blank page today. God is already there, ready to meet you with a love that is more patient and gracious than you can imagine.

If you feel intimidated by a blank journal for whatever reason, I invite you to check out the many guided prayer journals that I have in the store. Just click on the journals tab or go here: Journals

And if you would like to learn even more about journaling, you can start with my Begin Here Starter Kit. It includes a beginner's guide, a 5-day prayer journal to practice with, and a daily habit tracker so that your prayer life can quickly become a daily practice. 

*Available in digital only.

 If you're looking for a place to connect, dive deeper into everyday struggles, and find Bible-focused solutions for real-life problems, I invite you to check out my Substack publication Rewritten by Grace. You'll find free Christ-centred content designed to encourage and guide you. 

Plus, as a new subscriber to Rewritten by Grace, you'll receive a special discount on any digital product in my store, delivered right in your welcome letter.