Prayer Journal Question?

[Kyle2253]

This might be a dumb question, but is it acceptable to write down my prayer intentions in a journal and mention “for all the prayers/intentions in my prayer journal” while I’m praying? I tend to have a LONG list of things that I pray for every day. It’s not that I don’t enjoy spending time in prayer. I just feel like I’m more preoccupied making sure I didn’t miss anything rather than being “present” and “in the moment” with God.
Similarly, could I list the saints whom I ask for their intercession? Or would I be better off continuing my prayer the way it is now?
Thank you and God bless!

 

[Jen7]

I always pray for “everyone I’ve promised to pray for.” God knows who the people are! I don’t see any problem with it. I’d be listing off James al day if I tried to mention all my intentions individually!

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Ditto @Jen7

Also, many shrines and places of public pilgrimage - or anywhere, really, that allows people to submit prayer intentions follow a similar formula.

“For all the intentions in our Book of Remembrances (or whatever they call it).”

I think it’s fine so long as you aren’t being lazy about things and really give those people at least a moment of your thoughts when entering them in your journal.

Evangelical Protestants that I’m familiar with often go back in their journals to update their entries with how prayers were “answered” per their interpretation.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Yes, it’s fine. I have done that but I use an Excel spreadsheet broken up by categories. Intentions for the World, for the USA, for the Church, for my personal family and friends, etc.