Join the Prayers of My Heart Movement

I’m excited to introduce you to our guest writer, Debbie Taylor Williams. Her new journal, Prayers of My Heart, is awesome.

The way I note monthly prayer prompts and daily/weekly journaling of prayer requests reminds me of what to pray. And Debbie’s words in this post are a powerful reminder about prayers and what they accomplish.

Welcome, Debbie.

Are you stressed over the state of our nation? If so, you’re not alone. Last fall, the American Psychological Association found that almost two-thirds of Americans listed ‘the state of the nation’ as their primary source of stress. They ranked it above both money and work.”^[1]

As Christians, we’re to be Christ’s light in the world. But often, we’re among the stressed and anxious.

How can we rise above our worries and stress?

Jesus answers that question. He tells us to ask our Heavenly Father for our needs. (Matthew 6:33-34, 7:7) Jesus told the disciples to pray at all times and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)

If praying is Christ’s recommended stress buster, then why are Christians so stressed? @debbietwilliams #prayer Share on X

Is it because we mindlessly pray the same prayers? Is it because God answers our prayers but we don’t think about His answers and thank Him for them?

What if picking up a pen and spending a few minutes jotting down your prayers and thankfulness to God each day could decrease your stress and increase your optimism?  Would you do it?

Discover the benefits of jotting down prayer needs and thankfulness to God in this new prayer journal. @debbietwilliams #pray Share on X

7 Benefits to Journaling the Prayers of Your Heart

1.  Journaling increases your intimacy with God.

Short prayers sent heavenward throughout the day are good.

However, if my husband and I only visited for brief moments or when multi-tasking, we wouldn’t have the intimate relationship we enjoy.

1 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

When we make time to be alone with God with our journal and pen in hand, He notices.

2.  Journaling increases your focus and concentration which makes your prayer time more productive and effective.

Instead of wasting time because of a wandering mind, journaling gives you profitable time in focused prayer.

3.  Journaling renews your mind. 

Research shows that “when we write something down, as far as our brain is concerned, it’s as if we were doing that thing. Writing seems to act as a kind of mini-rehearsal for doing.” When we prayerful write our prayer, “Fill me with your love and patience,” it signals to our brain, “this is important.” When we journal Scripture, it renews our mind and helps hide God’s Word in our heart.

4.  Journaling helps build your memory, mindfulness, and faith.

When we write, it’s as if we’re writing the words in our memory. If you aren’t receiving my free subscription to “365 Days of Praise,” please feel free to sign up HERE. I’ll send you a name/ title of God every day on which you can focus. When you write His character trait in your journal, it increases your knowledge of God, builds memories of His faithfulness, and makes you more peacefully mindful of Him.

5.  Journaling increases your overall well being.

Reports show that people who keep a gratitude journal are more optimistic than those who don’t. Optimism improves our physical and mental fitness. Jot down something for which you’re thankful every day in the Month at a Glance section.

6.  Journaling tunes your ears to God’s voice.

In Isaiah 55:3, the Lord says, “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live.” When we kneel or sit before God with journal and pen in hand, we are, in effect, lifting up our soul for Him to speak to us. This is one of the biggest blessings of journaling.

What’s the seventh benefit?

You’ll find it and tips for journaling in Prayers of My Heart.

Am I passionate about journaling? Yes, for the above reasons and more.

Prayers of My Heart

Prayers of My Heart prayer journal is a tool to help you pray and celebrate God’s answers; a tool that can decrease your stress and increase your peace.

Get started journaling today and join the:

#PrayersOfMyHeart

#AttitudeOfGratitude movement

I’d love to hear from you! How has prayer journaling blessed you?

Have you journaled for years or are you thinking about starting for the first time?

Let’s keep in touch!

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^[1] https://www.denisonforum.org/columns/daily-article/protester-climbed-base-statue-liberty-2/

Debbie Taylor Williams is passionate about Jesus and helping others know Him. A sought after national Bible teacher and conference speaker, Debbie is known for her ability to communicate Biblical truth with joy; giving audiences spiritual “take-aways.” Her P.R.A.Y. with Passion Across the Nation Conference, based on her books Pray with Purpose and Prayers of My Heart, has been held in over 35 states, and her 365 DAYS of PRAISE blog leads thousands each day in praise of God. She has authored nine books, is a newspaper columnist, and blog contributor to MomLife Today and A Wife Like Me.  When Debbie isn’t writing, speaking, or playing with grandkids, you’ll find her at a kickboxing class or enjoying time with her hubby cooking, hiking, golfing, or fishing. Debbie and her college sweetheart, Keith, who she married in 1975, have two married children and five adorable grandchildren.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:

Jaime Wiebel/#SittingAmongFriends, Crystal Twadell/Fresh Market Friday, Kelly Balarie/Purposeful Faith, Patricia Holbrook/Soaring With Him, Meghan Weyerbacher/TeaandtheWord, Lyli Dunbar/#FaithOnFire & Crystal Storms/Heart Encouragement.

© 2018 by Debbie Taylor Williams, All rights reserved