How to prayer journal during difficult times

Everyone’s lifestyle and activities are different. We are not guaranteed to live a smooth and easy life. Difficult times will come to test our faith, strength, and endurance. We do not always have enough time to spend quantity time, but quality does matter.

The instinct of men during challenging times is normally to retreat and return to their comfort zone. Plainly said, to quit! The Israelites even lashed out at Moses for bringing them into the discomfort of the desert where they had to trust God for their every need. Prayer journaling is especially for those who see prayer as a lifeline, intercessors, prophetic people and it is all about prayer and interpersonal relationship with God.

How biblical characters reacted during difficult times

The woman with the issue of blood.

⁴⁸And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Luke 8

According to Jewish law, such a woman is unclean and everything she touches becomes unclean. But desperation made her step out in faith after a 12-year health struggle, forcing through the crowds from behind to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.

The young David

The courageous young boy stood before a giant, a grown man, and it was not even his fight. Why? Did he pity his brothers? No! It was all because the giant mocked their God.

The Shunammite woman

When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite. ²⁶Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.”
2 Kings 4:25-26

Even though her son was dead, her response was positive. She did not give up on the word and promise that she received from Elijah, the prophet.

The importance of an established and strong relationship with God

The relational strength that is built during two people, will endure any threat.

Strong muscles do not come from lying around and being passive. It takes quite some effort and time working out, training, and eating healthy. So does an established and strong relationship with God takes time to develop through spending quality time in prayer, studying, and reading the word.

A strong relationship with God will:

Enable us to hold onto His word

To act and reply in faith even though the situation might seem impossible.

Keep us sustained and gripped during difficulties

Keep us in His love and purpose

Urge us to walk in faith

Ideas to journal during difficult times

Difficult times bring out several different experiences and emotions. It is important that we discern the sources and not act on our emotions.

1.Remember the basics

When challenges arrive, we are left with the basics of holding on to the Word of God which must be engraved in our hearts to secure our position in Christ. The basics are those core elements that make up the framework of our faith in our prayer life. Challenging times tend to make people lose heart and try to leak out their faith. Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) standing on His word and declaring it. Just standing in faith is sometimes enough!

2.Write out scripture

I found that writing out scripture in my journal enhances my memory of the Word and gives me a string of hope to hold on to during difficult times. Sometimes these verses or passages became my warfare weapons!

3.Scripture doodling

Scripture doodling is refreshing and powerful. It is bits of scripture with hidden messages that sustain us and give direction. Remember that the world of God is alive and active (Hebrew 4:12). I found the most wonderful insights in my doodle scripture studies.