Hi friends! I want to invite you to my kitchen table—the real place where my faith and my messiness meet. Today I’m sharing, step by step, how I've been using one of the prayer journals I created for you.

I will be using the Praying the Promises of the Cross 40-Day Devotional Journal to show you how to meet with God in a way that’s honest, creative, and anchored in truth.

Whether you’re brand-new to journaling or just looking for fresh ideas, I pray these practical thoughts give you new hope for your quiet time.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

I always start by spreading everything out on the kitchen table. I’ve found having my supplies ready helps me actually sit down and spend intentional time with God—no searching for pens or sticky notes when I’m already in that prayerful headspace.

These are my favourites:

• Washi tape for making things pretty.
• Scrapbooking paper for jotting down extra reflections.
• Glue tape for quickly adding in tip-ins.
• Bible journaling pens that won't ruin the pages. 
• Bible highlighters that don't bleed through. 
• Fun stickers with Christian quotes and scripture.*

* Links take you to Amazon. If you order the journaling tools, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.

There’s something about adding creative touches that turns my journal into a personal love letter to God—a record of His faithfulness and the work He’s doing in me.

And because I love language and digging deep, I bring out my Greek/Hebrew Key Study Bible. If you don’t have one, there are some amazing websites that let you explore the original meaning of words. All of these tools help me slow down and truly savour what God wants to show me.

Step 2: Start with Prayer

Before I open my Bible or journal, I simply pause and pray. It doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy—just honest. Sometimes my prayer sounds like: “Lord, I’m here. I’m distracted and tired, but I want to meet with You. Show me what I’m missing. Soften my heart and help me see Your promises for me in this passage.”

Starting with prayer helps me move from striving to a posture of receiving, letting God gently guide my time rather than trying to control it myself. I’ve learned again and again that the Holy Spirit will show you exactly what you need if you ask and listen.

Step 3: Highlight the Scripture

Next, I open my Beautiful Word Journaling Bible * and find the day’s passage from the scripture reading plan. I highlight the verse right there in my Bible, not just for today but so I can find it and revisit it down the road. 

Writing the passage in my prayer journal—by hand—helps me slow down and notice what I might otherwise rush past. Something sacred happens in the act of writing scripture by hand, as if the truth sinks just a little deeper into my spirit.

Step 4: Dig Deeper into the Text

As I read and write, I’ll circle or underline any words or phrases that catch my attention. Sometimes a word just jumps out, and I can’t move on until I know more. That’s when I look it up in the Greek or Hebrew, usually using my Key Study Bible or an online resource.

For example, the first time I looked up the word “grace,” I found that it can mean “to make lovely and deserving of love.” That truth stunned me—it made God’s love feel personal, not just something I read about but something that actually belongs to me.

When those standout words hit my heart, I’ll copy them into the margins of my journal or write them on a little scrap of pretty paper. I’ll use washi tape* or glue to attach it, making the moment memorable. It’s my way of saying, “Lord, this is what You’re speaking to me today.” It’s beautiful how a single word, studied and savoured, can open new doors in your faith journey.

Step 5: Study and Reflect

Once I’ve gone through the passage, I deepen my study with online commentaries or another study Bible. God often uses others' insights to shine a light on areas I might overlook. For example, when I worked through Romans 4:20-25, I suddenly realized I’d been thinking of justification as just a “someday” promise, not something I could live out right now. That moment reframed how I see God’s promises and helped me walk through a tough week with fresh confidence.

I usually fill in the reflection area afterward, summarizing what God has been showing me—not just facts, but the impact on my heart. Over time, these reflection entries become spiritual milestones, a written testimony that reminds me God really is at work, even when I can’t see it in the moment.

Step 6: Gratitude and Answered Prayers

Next comes the “What I’m Thankful For” section. I try to write down at least one small thing God did recently—a word spoken by a friend, a sweet moment with my grandkids, or even a breath of peace on a hard day. Focusing on gratitude, even when life feels heavy, softens my heart and often reveals God’s kindness in unexpected places.

The “Answered Prayers” section brings everything full circle. I’ll jot down times I’ve seen God move—sometimes in big ways, more often in small nudges, quiet whispers, or unexpected doors that open. Re-reading these entries lifts my faith, especially in seasons when God seems quiet. It’s a way of reminding myself: if He was faithful then, He’ll be faithful today.

Step 7: Add Creative Touches

If I have too many thoughts for the space, I add in pieces of pretty or lined paper—gluing or taping them right onto the page. Decorating these extra notes is far more than just being “crafty.” For me, it’s an act of worship, a way to mark that God met me in this ordinary moment, right at my kitchen table. Looking back on these pages, I see not just prayers, but a relationship unfolding—a record of God’s presence and my growth.

Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration for creative prayer journaling. You can follow my account to get notified when I add a new Pin. 

And that’s my process. As you can see, there's always a bit of a mess to clean up afterward. But that's okay; it’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up with your whole self and letting God do what only He can. Creative prayer journaling this way helps me see His hand in places I’d otherwise miss.

If you’re longing for real connection and deeper faith, I invite you to try it for yourself. The Praying the Promises of the Cross journal is ready and waiting for you in the Journals by Crystal store.

Let’s take that next step together, one prayerful page at a time.

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.