Yesterday, I began a series about “Fruit of Journaling.” I wrote about “Covenant Relationship – Authenticity.” Today, I share a second example of fruit from journaling, namely a Vibrant Prayer Life.

I have a vibrant prayer life and a radical faith. When the Lord asks me to do something I’m willing to do that, whatever the cost.

As I have journaled more and more over time, I’ve developed such an intimacy and love for Jesus. Being thankful for the little things in life helps me maintain my joy.

Nehemiah 8:10b, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Isaiah 29:19 The humble also shall increase their joy in the LORD, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.

There is a protocol for entering the presence of the King – thanksgiving and praise.

Ne 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Ps 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Ps 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

My favorite method for journaling is “Yesterday … Prayer Power.” At the start of each morning, I make a list of things I did and recall happening the day before. At first yesterday is a blur, but as I start to write down what I remember, I begin to notice all kinds of blessings that I might have missed or forgotten about otherwise. I understand how things are related and recognize how God is using me to change lives. I notice what works and what doesn’t. At the end of each item, I write “Thank You Jesus!” Based on personal experience, writing those 3 words makes a tremendous difference in developing an attitude of gratitude and giving glory to God.

After thanking Jesus for the blessings of yesterday, I ask Him what He wants to share with me that morning. Then I write down what comes to my mind spontaneously without judging it. Very quickly, there is a FLOW of thoughts and love. I keep writing until the flow stops. By writing down my conversation with the LORD, I can go back and review it.

As Mark Virkler teaches, “Hearing God’s voice is as easy as quieting your mind (STILLNESS), fixing your eyes on Jesus (VISION), tuning to SPONTANEITY, and writing (JOURNALING).” Mark is the author of “How To Hear God’s Voice.”

Here is what Virginia Morton, author of Marching Through Culpeper, wrote in her blog post on July 8, 2009,

“Two-way journaling with Jesus is powerful!

So you’re probably wondering what is two-way journaling. It’s actually not complicated. Write in your prayer journal on a regular basis, daily if possible. Ask Jesus specific questions about your problems, decisions, direction, etc. Picture Him sitting beside you. Then be still and listen for His answers. According to Jerry, when we’re quiet and waiting, we should write whatever comes into our minds. This is how we hear His voice. Don’t think about what you’re writing and don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense. Just write everything that comes.

The power is when you go back and read what He has said. Believe that it is His voice and act. I’ve found I’m the most inspired and know I’m on the right track when I go back and reread Jesus’ answers in my prayer journal. I like to highlight them in red.”

I don’t profess to always be right in hearing from God, but being right 80% of the time and acting on what I hear is far better than never or rarely trusting in what I hear and acting on it.

In John 10:27, Jesus says “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

My journal is full of incredible God stories and answered prayers. Answered prayers build faith as well as my prayer life.

Practicing the presence of God in my mornings has helped me develop the habit of practicing the presence of God throughout my days. I now stay in constant dialog with the LORD as I go about my days.

What is prayer? It’s communion with God. Prayer is the Christian’s lifeline to God, and with it lives are changed for eternity! E.M. Bounds knew the secrets of prayer and that God has established divine principles and promises for our every need. Since the time of the apostles, no man besides E.M. Bounds has left such a rich inheritance of biblical research into the life of prayer. Prayer was as natural to him as breathing the air. He made prayer first and foremost in his life because he knew it as the strongest link between man and God.

E.M. Bounds wrote, “The most important lesson we can learn is how to pray… God shapes the world by prayer.”

Mt 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Blessings to develop a vibrant prayer life!

R. Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations
Community Transformation Specialist
www.empower2000.com

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P.S.S. Spiritual Journaling will transform your life!

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