Prayer Journal

Have you ever taken the time to evaluate your journey with God? Are you growing in your love relationship with Him? You may be thinking, "Can you really know if you are growing spiritually?"

Yes, there are ways you can evaluate your spiritual growth. One way is to think through your prayer journey. Are you praying more? Because prayer is talking with God, ask yourself if your communication with Him is getting better.

I encourage you to take the time to think through your prayer journey. The following are some of the elements in my prayer journey that show me if I am growing spiritually:

Trust in His Promises
Am I trusting God and His promises more that I did twelve months ago?

"Up to this time, you have not asked a single thing in my name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full" (John 16:25).

Ask Specifically
Am I asking for specific things, or do I pray generally? You will recognize when your prayers are answered if you ask specifically.

"For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him. And then helping you do what He wants" (Philippians 2:13).

Intercession
Am I praying for others on a regular basis?

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone" (1Timothy 2:1).

Cultivate a Quiet Heart
Do I have a quiet heart? Panic and peace cannot occupy the same place.

"When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?" (Job 34:29).

Resting, Trusting, Leaning
Do I trust and rest in God, or do I let circumstances determined my feelings?

"But I have stilled and quieted my soul..." (Psalm 131:2).

Thankfulness, Praise and Worship

"A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most complete prayer." – Gotthold Lessing

Spiritual Warfare
Do you dress yourself with the armor of God each day?

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 5:12).

Pray Without Ceasing
Talk to God about everything.
"Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

"The real reason for prayer is intimacy with our Father." – Oswald Chambers

Father, we know You want to have a close, growing relationship with us. Lord, we also want to know You more. Deep within our souls we want to know You. Amen.