Are you ever just overwhelmed with concerns? Maybe you can’t sleep as your thoughts rattle around like the mop head in the dryer. Should I buy that supplement? How can I help that person who’s struggling? What will I make for dinner if those mushrooms went bad? Did I ever cancel that subscription? Oh, I forgot to research how much water dahlias need! How did I come across in that conversation? Is that guy spraying poisonous bug spray in the street? *Cough*

Honestly, I wasn’t even sure where my prayer notebook was when my mom shared how she was re-committing to a journaling idea for the summer.

Since I was feeling a little overwhelmed, I decided to join her.

It hasn’t been long, but this daily practice already helped shake me out of spiritual drowsiness and increased my desire for intimacy with God. I look forward to this time each day! I’ve found myself opening my Bible more throughout the day, when before I would have reached for my phone.

God invites us to, “Pour out your heart before Him” (Psalm 62:8).

Six Things

First, open your journal and write down three things you’re thankful to God for. This causes me to reflect and acknowledge the worth of the King. It’s worshipful. What gifts of grace did He shower on me? Often, my “three things” are prompted by a Scripture text I just read and hope to keep dwelling on.

Maybe, if it’s at the end of the day, you can write three ways you saw God’s goodness bestowed anew. As it becomes a habit, you’ll search and expect to see God’s character displayed in your ordinary routine.

“O children of God, seek after a vital experience of the Lord’s lovingkindness, and when you have it, speak positively of it; sing gratefully; shout triumphantly.”
— Charles Spurgeon

The second part of the journaling challenge is simply to write down three things that are on your mind. What’s troubling you? What’s keep you from sleeping, or causing you to fret? Talk to God about them.

“Are you weary, are you heavyhearted?
Tell it to Jesus,
Tell it to Jesus;
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.” –Jeremiah Eames Rankin

The Lord has listened patiently over the last few weeks to all that’s been on my mind. All of it. He doesn’t mind when it gets repetitive, as one heartcry keeps surfacing to the top. He’s there for the prayers about supplements, about financial decisions, about the dinners. He is intimately acquainted with all our ways, and works in all the details of our days — big or small.

“Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” –I Peter 5:7

Writing six little prayers like this (or any other format) will help us “seek God earnestly” in a dry and weary land where there isn’t any water! My soul is satisfied when I cast all the cares and complaints on Him. Then I can truly just rest in Him and enjoy giving Him praise.