Bible Reading & Prayer Journal
A quiet time is 20-30 minutes set aside for conversation with God through Bible reading and prayer. The Reading & Prayer Journal Guide provides a basic plan to help you get started and stay faithful. Use steps 1-5 below to guide your daily reading and step 6 for your prayers.
For a printable version of the Reading & Prayer Journal click here (PDF).
You will need:
- An easy to read Bible without a lot of notes or distractions.
- A reading plan.
- Paper and a pen.
Instructions
Scripture Passage: |
Date: |
1. Relax |
Get quiet in God’s presence. |
Spend time quieting your heart in God’s presence, enjoying his company and thinking about his blessings. |
2. Request |
Ask God to meet with you. |
Invite God to spend time with you, to guide your thinking and your prayers. |
3. Read |
Listen to God’s Words. |
Read scripture. It is nourishment for your soul. |
4. Reflect |
Consider what God’s Words mean. |
Write in your Reading Journal. Make short notes that help you think through what God is saying. That time: What did it mean when it was first spoken? All time: What does it mean for all time? My time: What does it mean for me now? |
5. Remember |
Write down 1-2 things you want to remember or do. |
Write in your Reading Journal. Make short notes about what you want to remember or do as a result of your reading. |
6. Request
|
Talk to God in prayer. |
Write in your Prayer Journal. Praise Repent Ask Yield |
Adapted from Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods and The Starving Baker by Tim Elmore.
Sample
| Scripture Passage: Matthew 7: 7-11 | Date: October 2, 2006 |
1. Relax in God’s presence 2. Request God’s guidance 3. Read God’s word |
|
4. Reflect What does this scripture mean?
|
vs. 7 believers should ask – seek – knock vs. 8 all who ask receive he who seeks finds the one keeps knocking gets doors opened vs. 9-11 if we, being evil, give good things to our kids when they ask, how can we expect our heavenly father to respond when we ask? Keep praying because God can be trusted to do what’s right and good with our requests – like a wise father. |
5. Remember What’s the “take away” from this scripture for you? To remember? To do? |
I will keep praying about __________, even though it seems like God hasn’t been listening.
I’ll remember that God is not hard-hearted or an unhearing father. |
6. Request |
Dear Father, You are a good father to me. Thank you for reminding me of what you’re really like. Forgive me for thinking badly of you because my prayer hasn’t been answered when or how I thought it would be. I bring this request to you again: This seems like a good request to me & I really want it, but I trust you to answer it according to your wisdom. Amen |
