Journaling

Check Your “Ask/Worship” Ratio

11/23/2023
During the Thanksgiving season we often emphasize the need to be thankful, grateful people. But how is our ask/worship ratio most days of the week? In other words, do we recognize God’s hand in our everyday life and thank and worship Him?  Or, are we guilty of barely acknowledging God’s many blessings and only saying an occasional, “Thank you” over a meal?  In other words, from God’s perspective, are we grateful or ungrateful? Second Samuel 22:14 records how David cried out to God. God’s response?  “The Lord thundered from heaven, and the MOST HIGH uttered His voice.” David’s response? He worshipped God. His words of praise are found in 2 Samuel 22. Among the many ways David acknowledged God, one was as “the Most High” God. David’s example of worship should prompt us to examine our prayer life. Are we full of asks but short on worship? If so, consider journaling. Recording your prayer requests and then words of praise to God as He answers them will increase your “worship/ask” ratio.  Follow David’s example, a man after God’s own heart.

Lord, Most High God, forgive us for asking but not worshipping You with thanksgiving. Holy Spirit, prompt us to be grateful, thankful believers who worship more than we ask. 

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I Shudder to Think…

06/26/2023

Following the Israelites exodus from Egypt, Moses recounted their conquests and urged the people to obey God’s Law. In his discourse, he spoke the poignant words in Deuteronomy 4:7. Ponder them with me.

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD OUR GOD whenever we call on Him?”

Have you ever thought about his words in relation to our nation? The LORD OUR GOD is OUR God and whenever we call on Him, He’s NEAR? Now you may be thinking that God hasn’t heard our prayers for our nation and hasn’t answered them. But oh, dear friend, we have absolutely no idea the outpouring of evil that might have occurred had God’s hand not been on satan’s neck. God hears our prayers. The Holy Spirit is acting and moving in response to them. If not for our prayers and God answering, I shudder to think how depraved our nation would be. So keep praying! Keep calling on God to raise godly leaders, to protect all who are standing for truth, righteousness, and freedom. What we see on earth is a reflection of the unseen spiritual warfare being played out in the heavenliness so pray like never before. There is power in prayer and your voice counts. In the meantime, it is important to have a grateful heart to God for the daily victories He is accomplishing. Is there any good in your life? Is there a victory in a leader speaking up rather than being silent? Is a family member standing strong under pressure from friends to compromise their beliefs? Are you mindfully thanking God? If not, begin! It’s important that our thanks reach God’s ears. Don’t delay. Order your copy of Prayers of My Heart journal and in the monthly calendar section, jot down 3 ways you see God work each day. Why? Because if you pause over the day with the intention of thanking Him, you’ll bring forward in your mind how God did show up big. It will bring Him pleasure to see you recognize His handiwork. It will alter your mood so that you are a more joyful Christian. 

Heavenly Father, I shudder to think what it would be like if Your holy restraining hand was ever lifted. I shudder to think the extent to which evil would prevail were Your Holy Spirit not restraining it. Yes, You are near, hear our prayers, and are working magnificently. We give You praise and glory. Hallelujah, praise You, Lord. Continue on. Show off big. And, may your saints be cheering You on with their daily, mindful, intentional praise.

Journal Your Praise 

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I Shudder to Think…

07/10/2021

Following the Israelites exodus from Egypt, Moses recounted their conquests and urged the people to obey God’s Law. In his discourse, he spoke the poignant words in Deuteronomy 4:7. Ponder them with me.

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD OUR GOD whenever we call on Him?”

Have you ever thought about his words in relation to our nation? The LORD OUR GOD is OUR God and whenever we call on Him, He’s NEAR? Now you may be thinking that God hasn’t heard our prayers for our nation and hasn’t answered them. But oh, dear friend, we have absolutely no idea the outpouring of evil that might have occurred had God’s hand not been on satan’s neck. God hears our prayers. The Holy Spirit is acting and moving in response to them. If not for our prayers and God answering, I shudder to think how depraved our nation would be. So keep praying! Keep calling on God to raise godly leaders, to protect all who are standing for truth, righteousness, and freedom. What we see on earth is a reflection of the unseen spiritual warfare being played out in the heavenliness so pray like never before. There is power in prayer and your voice counts. In the meantime, it is important to have a grateful heart to God for the daily victories He is accomplishing. Is there any good in your life? Is there a victory in a leader speaking up rather than being silent? Is a family member standing strong under pressure from friends to compromise their beliefs? Are you mindfully thanking God? If not, begin! It’s important that our thanks reach God’s ears. Don’t delay. Order your copy of Prayers of My Heart journal and in the monthly calendar section, jot down 3 ways you see God work each day. Why? Because if you pause over the day with the intention of thanking Him, you’ll bring forward in your mind how God did show up big. It will bring Him pleasure to see you recognize His handiwork. It will alter your mood so that you are a more joyful Christian. 

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD OUR GOD whenever we call on Him?.”  Deuteronomy 4:7

Heavenly Father, I shudder to think what it would be like if Your holy restraining hand were ever lifted. I shudder to think the extent to which evil would prevail were Your Holy Spirit not restraining it. Yes, You are near, hear our prayers, and are working magnificently. We give You praise and glory. Hallelujah, praise You, Lord. Continue on. Show off big. And, may your saints be cheering You on with their daily, mindful, intentional praise.

Journal Your Praise 

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The Touch of a Stroke

01/15/2020

Do you comb your hair in the morning before you head out for the day? Why do we comb our hair? As the brush strokes through our hair it altars it. What may have been discheveld is now smooth. What may have been tangled is now untangled. We look better. The same is true for journaling our prayers. The stroke of a pen on paper has profound effects. It changes us. As we write out Bible verses it straightens our disheveled emotions. As we prayerfully apply the stroke of our pen to journal pages, it untangles our thoughts. Applying a brush to our hair changes our outer appearance. Applying verses and prayers to the pages of a journal changes our innermost self. (Psalm 51:6) Get a copy of Prayers of My Heart journal and begin seeing changes in your life from the inside out. 

Heavenly Father, You tell us in Psalm 51:6 that You desire truth in our innermost being. Change us from the inside out as we prayerfully meditate on Scripture and take it into our innermost being. 

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The Christmas Season and Jesus is the Reason

12/18/2019

Does it seem to you that Christmas arrives faster every year, but that it’s gone before we know it? Yes, voices echo through workplaces and homes, “I haven’t put up my Christmas tree.” “I haven’t done my shopping or holiday cooking.” “I’m so far behind!” But, why all the hoopla? Why such a fuss? Are we putting stress on ourselves that is contrary to the very will of Christ who said to not worry about anything, to tell Him our needs, and not forget to thank Him for His answers? (Philippians 4:6-7) Slowing down each day to mindfully rest in Christ’s presence and thank Him for His provisions is a blessing we are wise not to neglect. Writing out our prayers and thanksgiving to God is a proven way to slow us down and make us more mindfully grateful. Prayers of My Heart Journal – a gift to yourself and others.

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we get in such a twit about worldly things instead of focusing on the one thing you said really matters – sitting at your feet. Help us daily do just that – rest in Your presence and glory in Your nearness. We love You.

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When It Seems Like God Isn’t Answering Your Prayers

08/07/2018

“Mommy, why isn’t God answering my prayers,”

my daughter asked when she was in elementary school. I turned and looked deeply into my child’s sad eyes.  My daughter wasn’t being accusatory. Her soft voice revealed her hurt. She felt God was ignoring her. Do you ever feel like God isn't answering your prayers?
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Praise to the LORD Our God

07/16/2018

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD OUR GOD whenever we call on Him?.”

Deuteronomy 4:7

Following the Israelites exodus from Egypt, Moses recounted their conquests and urged the people to obey God’s Law. In his discourse, he spoke the poignant words in Deuteronomy 4:7. Ponder them with me.

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD OUR GOD whenever we call on Him?”

Have you ever thought about his words –  that the LORD OUR GOD is OUR God and whenever we call on Him, He’s NEAR? Do you feel hopeless? Are you at the end of your rope? Are you going through a mundane day? Or, is your schedule packed? Regardless of your circumstance, remember – our great God is NEAR whenever you call on Him. That should make our heart sing.

LORD OUR GOD, You are near when we call on You. We’re humbled and in awe of You.

The Bible is a JOURNAL of God’s work in people’s lives. Consider journaling His work in your life. It will bless you to be able to recount His dealings and give you all the more reason to praise Him.

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Decrease Your Stress, Increase Your Optimism

07/06/2018

If praying is Christ’s recommended stress buster, then why are Christians so stressed? Is it because we mindlessly pray the same prayers? Is it because God answers our prayers but we don’t focus on how He’s answering them and give Him praise?
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Getting Started

02/16/2009

Sisters,

I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re interested in journaling your prayers. When people ask me, “Why journal?” my heart immediately goes to the Bible. Do you realize all the prayers that are journaled in the Bible? Any conversations you read between God and Adam, God and Moses, God and anyone….are prayers He ordained be journaled. We learn from reading those prayers what is on God’s heart and mind. In addition, it gives us reason to praise Him when we read God’s Words to man, then we see His will accomplished.

Not only is the Bible a journal of God’s words to man, but also men and women’s words to God. Read Hannah’s words and learn about faith. Read Mary’s and Elizabeth’s songs of praise and better learn how to praise God.

Journaling is a way to quiet our hearts before God. Instead of dashing through our prayers, we slow down as we write key requests in the Week at A Glance section. At other times we pour out our hearts in the Meditations, Notes, and Prayer section. And, if you’ve not used it yet, the Month at A Glance is the place to record prayer requests that come to you for friend’s or family member’s doctor’s appointments, surgery dates, court summons, counseling sessions, job interviews, school tests, anything on the calendar. As a matter of fact, I have my prayer journal beside me now and am getting ready to update it with a friend’s ministry calendar so I can pray for her when she’s speaking at events.

THE HARD PART ABOUT JOURNALING : GETTING STARTED

If you’re like me, often the hardest part of a task is getting started. That’s why I want to encourage you today….right now….to get your journal and sit down with me. Let’s go through this together. If you do, you may wind up like our sister who wrote me a few days ago. Read what she emailed me.

Hey, Debbie! I got it!! I was jumping up and down at the mailbox–I know my neighbors thought I was crazy!! But, it’s here! I have never used a prayer journal for an entire year until this one! It is a wonderful tool that helps us to remember who and what to pray for and to follow up on those prayers–to see that God does listen and heal and speak to us–even today! Hugs! Susan

Yes, that could be YOU saying those words in a year. So, why not give it a try? One of the biggest blessings and opportunities, is having your prayers recorded so you don’t forget to thank God for all the ways He’s answering your prayers. We often can pray so many prayers that we forget the many ones He’s answered. I recall with startling vividness, when God convicted me of the need to go back and thank Him for prayers He had answered. It was when I was studying Luke 17:11-18. Go back and read that passage. Consider the difference it would make in your relationship with Jesus if you began recording your requests and thanking Him for each time He answers.

Blessings to you…..love,
Debbie

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