It's simple: I absolutely love to pray. I love prayer in general. If it wasn't for prayer, I can only imagine how bottled up I would feel — ultimately captive of my thoughts and worries. Prayer can get you through the best of times, and the worst.
This week, I decided to start writing down everything and everyone I wanted to pray for, which brought me to the realization that a prayer list is an absolute essential. No two prayer lists have to or should be the same, or even similar, because we are all very different individuals, but here's an example of how I typically outline my prayer journal...
I begin by writing down things that are on my own mind- particular thoughts and prayers that I've been pondering over for that day. I might add:
"Tomorrow's math test- give me strength to study and help me prepare mentally for the knowledge that I have to accumulate and remember", for example,
or
"Guide me through an issue I'm going through in this friendship or relationship."
Writing is a wonderfully healthy way to analyze and express your thoughts, and help you "vent" out any particularly difficult actions you proclaimed or thoughts that might have popped into your head during the day.
I then add prayers for my family — both immediate and extended. Anyone who is suffering from an illness, going through a tough time emotionally or perhaps financially, anyone who is in the waiting process, and more. If I haven't heard about any particular life obstacle haunting my family that week, I just pray for everyone in general and for general safety for everyone I love.
I continue down the list by adding my friends and church small-group members. I absolutely LOVE my "Connection Group," and the fact that I get to pray so intentionally for everyone in that group is such a joy for me. Usually, on Tuesdays at small group, we open up to each other with any prayer requests, so I like to take those prayers from that night and continue to reflect on them throughout the week. Similarly, I began a new trend last week- asking my friends (outside of my small group) what they wanted me to pray for that week, whether it's an upcoming exam or something going on with their family, or just strength to get through another stressful week of college.
Finally, I broaden my focus by opening up the list to the world — I pray for any current events or tragedies, for society and politics and leaders and people in general, for economic issues or natural disasters, and in general, just for more love in the world. Love is what's important.
Having a prayer list has really kept my time of prayer intentional. It's a great way to prevent yourself from forgetting something you really want to meditate over and focus one, and also an amazing resource to look back on in the future.
No two people have to do it the same way, so make it your own.
