Welcome to our annual Prayer Series! No journal required to benefit from the practical tips you’ll find here, but if you’d like to check out our 2021 prayer journal collection that launched today, click here!
Hey y’all, Brandi, Social Manager, here! I remember the first time I sent out a text to a few friends and family members, asking how I could specifically pray for them that month. Prayer wasn’t something I frequently talked about with them and I was nervous that they might not respond. Or if they did respond, would I know what to say or how to encourage them? A few replies trickled in, and honestly, the first time, they were pretty simple requests. My sister has a big move coming up! Will you pray it goes smoothly? I have a big presentation at work. Pray that I don’t get nervous!
I added requests to my journal, and as the events in question came up in the month, I made sure to send out an encouraging text, cheering my friend on and letting them know I was thinking of them. Slowly, month after month, as I asked for prayer requests, the requests got deeper, more personal. Struggling marriages, infertility, a parent’s battle with an illness. A heavy burden, made lighter by sharing with a friend.
Back in 2013, Val shared her vision for the prayer journals. That they would not only help you to see God working in your life but that the journals would also inspire you to lift up those around you in prayer. You see, we don’t just need isolated prayer, we need prayer in community.
WHY WE NEED COMMUNITY
As the world shut down and moved online, we all spent more and more time on social media than at social events. We jumped into the comments and out of community. Between zoom meetings for work, online college courses, virtual schooling for kids, and the daily responsibilities of just being a human, it seems like there isn’t any time left for friendship and community. But, friend, we were created for community. Jesus was the perfect example. Though he preached to many, he spent the bulk of his time investing in 12 men. We need people to know our hearts and to know what is going on in our lives so that they can pray for us, encourage us, and help carry our burden.
But what does that look like in a year filled with change and social distancing?
COMMUNITY LOOKS LIKE
- Texting a friend and committing to pray for each other. Then checking in throughout the month and following up on prayer requests
- Sending audible prayers through text messaging or voice messaging apps like Voxer.
- Meeting in the park and praying together
- A group text to share prayer requests and how God is answering those prayers throughout the month
- A zoom call to share requests and pray together
- Sending snail mail with a written prayer that can be taped in a journal, tucked in a Bible, or hung on the wall.
WANT TO GET STARTED?
1. Grab a few of our Compose Prayer Journals and a few friends and pick a time to meet, in person, or online!
2. Have a prayer journal prep party! Meet with friends (in person or online!), turn on some music, and prep your journals for the month, together! Don’t forget to share your prayer requests with the group!
3. Meet once a week and pray together. Feel out of your comfort zone and not sure where to start? Try our course! You can work through the activities individually throughout the week, then meet to watch the videos and discuss the discussion questions.
What do you want to try from these tips? Tell us in the comments below!
COMING NEXT: A Glossary of Prayer Terms
CATCH UP ON:
Why Prayers Go Unanswered
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