Prayer is one of the most essential aspects of the Christian faith.
It is our direct communication with God, a time to bring our thoughts, concerns, and praises before Him.
While many Christians are familiar with spoken prayers, there is another form of prayer that is often overlooked—writing down prayers.
But what does the Bible say about writing down prayers?
Is this practice something that can enrich our spiritual lives, or is it simply a modern trend?
In this article, we will explore the concept of writing down prayers from a biblical perspective.
We’ll look at examples from Scripture, why this practice can be meaningful, and how it can help deepen your relationship with God.
The Written Word: A Biblical Tradition
Before we dive into the practice of writing prayers, it’s important to acknowledge that the Bible itself is full of written prayers.
Many of the prayers we find in Scripture were written down, either by the person praying or by someone else recording their words.
This shows that written prayers are not a new idea but something that has been part of the biblical tradition for centuries.
The book of Psalms is perhaps the most well-known collection of written prayers.
David and other authors penned their prayers, praises, and laments, which have been preserved in Scripture.
Psalm 3:1-2 is an example of a written prayer: “Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’”
This is a deeply personal prayer, yet it was written down and later became a source of comfort and inspiration for countless people.
Throughout the Bible, we see prayers recorded in written form.
In Exodus 15, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Moses and Miriam led the people in a song of praise, which was written down and preserved in Scripture.
This song is both a prayer and a declaration of God’s faithfulness.
The act of writing down this prayer allowed future generations to read, remember, and be encouraged by God’s deliverance.
The fact that so many prayers in the Bible were written down shows that this practice is not only acceptable but also valuable.
By writing down our prayers, we are following in the footsteps of biblical figures who used writing as a way to communicate with God and preserve their prayers for future reflection.
Writing as a Way to Focus on Prayer
One of the benefits of writing down prayers is that it helps us focus.
In our busy, fast-paced lives, it can be easy for our minds to wander when we pray.
We might start talking to God but quickly find ourselves distracted by other thoughts or worries.
Writing down prayers can be a way to slow down, gather our thoughts, and be more intentional about what we’re saying to God.
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus teaches us about the importance of focused prayer: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.
Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
While this verse is often understood as encouraging private prayer, it also highlights the need for focus and intentionality in our communication with God.
Writing down our prayers can be one way to create that focused space for prayer, even in the midst of a busy day.
When we write, we have to slow down and think about our words more carefully.
This helps us become more aware of what we are praying and ensures that our prayers are thoughtful and genuine.
Writing allows us to reflect on our thoughts and express them clearly, making it easier to communicate our deepest desires and concerns to God.
The Practice of Journaling Prayers
One way many Christians write down their prayers is through journaling.
Prayer journals have become a popular way to document personal conversations with God, track spiritual growth, and reflect on answered prayers.
But is journaling prayers supported by Scripture?
While the Bible does not specifically mention keeping a prayer journal, the practice of writing down thoughts, prayers, and reflections is consistent with biblical principles.
In Habakkuk 2:2, the Lord says to the prophet, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.”
Here, God directly instructs Habakkuk to write down what He has revealed.
While this passage refers to recording a vision rather than a personal prayer, the concept of writing down what God shows us applies to prayer journaling as well.
In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, God commands the Israelites to keep His words close to their hearts: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
While this passage speaks specifically about God’s commandments, the principle of writing as a way to keep God’s words and promises in front of us is clear.
Keeping a prayer journal allows us to document our spiritual journey, record what we are learning in our walk with God, and capture the prayers we are lifting up to Him.
It can also help us see patterns in our prayers, such as recurring struggles or areas where we need to grow.
Over time, we can look back and see how God has answered our prayers, offering us encouragement and strengthening our faith.
Writing Prayers as a Form of Worship
Writing down prayers can also be seen as an act of worship.
Just as we sing songs, read Scripture, or speak prayers aloud, writing can be a way to express our love, gratitude, and devotion to God.
When we take the time to write out our prayers, we are offering God a part of ourselves—our thoughts, emotions, and reflections.
In Colossians 3:17, Paul writes, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
This verse reminds us that all of our actions, including writing down prayers, can be done as an offering to God.
Whether we are journaling, composing a written prayer, or even creating poetry or songs as part of our prayers, these acts can be expressions of worship and gratitude.
The Psalms are a great example of how written prayers can serve as both personal reflections and acts of worship.
Many of the Psalms begin as personal cries to God but then transition into praise and worship.
For instance, in Psalm 13, David starts by expressing his frustration: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”
But by the end of the Psalm, David shifts to worship: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.”
Writing prayers in this way can lead us from expressing our concerns to praising God for His faithfulness.
Remembering God’s Faithfulness
One of the most beautiful aspects of writing down prayers is that it allows us to remember God’s faithfulness.
As we write our prayers and later reflect on them, we can see how God has worked in our lives and answered our prayers, sometimes in ways we didn’t expect.
In the Old Testament, we see examples of people setting up physical reminders of God’s faithfulness.
In Joshua 4:6-7, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to set up twelve stones as a memorial: “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.
These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”
While we may not set up physical stones today, writing down our prayers can serve a similar purpose.
It allows us to look back and remember the times when God was faithful, answered our prayers, or provided comfort in difficult moments.
When we feel discouraged or wonder if God is hearing us, looking back on our written prayers can remind us of His goodness and His perfect timing.
Strengthening Your Faith Through Written Prayers
Writing down prayers can also help strengthen our faith.
When we write our prayers, we can be more specific about what we are asking God for and what we are trusting Him to do.
By keeping a record of these prayers, we can later look back and see how God has answered them.
This can boost our faith, especially when we realize that God has been faithful in ways we might not have noticed if we hadn’t written our prayers down.
In Hebrews 11:1, it says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Writing down our prayers can serve as a reminder that we are placing our hope in God, even when we don’t immediately see the answers.
It’s a way of documenting our trust in Him, knowing that He is working behind the scenes even when the results are not yet visible.
Seeing answered prayers written out can also encourage us to keep trusting God with the future.
As we record how He has provided for us in the past, we are reminded that He will continue to be faithful in the days to come.
Writing Prayers for Future Generations
Another unique aspect of writing down prayers is that it creates a legacy for future generations.
When we write our prayers, we are creating a record of our spiritual journey that can be passed down to our children, grandchildren, or others who come after us.
In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul speaks about Timothy’s faith being passed down from his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice.
This verse reminds us that faith is often passed down through families.
Writing down our prayers allows us to leave a spiritual legacy, offering insight into our relationship with God and how He has been faithful throughout our lives.
Our written prayers can become a source of encouragement and inspiration for those who read them.
Imagine a future generation finding your prayer journal and seeing how God worked in your life.
It can be a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness and a source of strength for those who are seeking to grow in their own faith.
Final Thoughts
Writing down prayers is a practice that has deep roots in the Bible and can be a meaningful way to enhance your prayer life.
From the Psalms to the prayers of biblical figures like Moses and David, we see that written prayers are a powerful tool for communicating with God.
Whether you are journaling your prayers, writing them out as acts of worship, or documenting God’s faithfulness, this practice can help you focus, reflect, and grow in your relationship with God.
It also serves as a lasting record of your spiritual journey, offering encouragement to both you and future generations.
Ultimately, writing down your prayers is a personal choice.
It may not be for everyone, but for those who find it helpful, it can be a beautiful way to connect with God and strengthen your faith.
As you write, you may find that your prayers become more intentional, your relationship with God deepens, and your faith in His goodness continues to grow.