I never dreamed many years ago that prayer journaling would open up a whole new world of insight for me like I’d never experienced before in my prayer life. I must preface that by saying God opened up new insights as I combined my prayer journaling with my Bible studies and readings.

[Tweet “We should always use prayer in tandem with Scripture in order to truly hear the Lord. #Truth”]

One key way that prayer journaling continuously convicts me is through this powerful combination. So I’ll read Scripture and then begin to pray and process out in writing what I’ve just learned and want to apply from my reading.

Very often I compare my life and current struggles with the Bible character’s struggles as I prayer journal. And if there’s not a person to relate to, then there’s always a principle that’s being taught. So when that’s the case, I evaluate my current actions and attitudes in relation to that principle.

God uses this prayer processing to convict me in ways that almost always positively impacts my marriage. And this is the KEY way it improves and impacts my marriage—by revealing how I’ve hurt or sinned against my husband. #eyeopening #heartrevealing #heartsoftening

Like every other human being . . .

[Tweet “I can so easily overlook or ignore the ways I’ve offended my spouse. #prayerjournalinmarriage”]

Quite frankly, I don’t know how couples stay together—finding growth, health and healing in their marriages—without the refining power of God’s word and prayer being a part of the mix.

Today I’m offering several decorative prayer journaling pages that you can print out and use (whether you’re married or not). Design One, Two, Three, Four, Five (See below for examples of the designs). This is my Christmas gift and thank you to my lovely Messy Marriage readers! Remember, these journaling pages are intended to be used in tandem with your daily Bible studies or readings—that is, if you want to get the most from this sacred practice.

Since I’m feeling the heat of the holidays (well, actually not “heat” as in temperature—since it’s only 17 degrees at the moment and has gotten down in the single digits as of late here in the Midwest! Brrr!), I’m going to keep this post short and sweet like my gingerbread men. 😉

I will be continuing this prayer journaling series after I return from a two-week blog and holiday break. Because of that, this will be the last “From Messes to Messages” Linkup until January 10th and 11th.

As one more way to celebrate our Savior’s birth, I’d like to give away the lovely Vera Bradley journal that’s pictured below to one randomly chosen person (resident of U.S.) who comments on this post by noon on Saturday, Dec. 24th. Sorry to any men who want a more masculine-looking prize!  Just consider giving it to your wife or girlfriend as a belated Christmas or New Years gift! And check back here to see who won, because I’ll be adding a note in this post after that winner is determined.

I’m excited to announce that Susan from the blog Hope, Heart Home is our winner of this great journal! Congrats to Susan and Merry Christmas to all of you!

[Tweet “Christian Bloggers, ‘From Messes to Messages’ linkup is live! #MessyMarriage “]

Merry Christmas from the Steffaniak Family!

(Bottom left pic – Graham (23), Jordan (26), Braden (20), top right pic – Sarah and Jordan, bottom right pic – Gary and yours truly)

What is something—good or bad—that the Lord has revealed to you through your prayers recently?

What is something you hope to do over the holidays with your family?

Here are some great linkups I join – Christian Blogger Community, Mondays @ Soul Survival, Testimony Tuesday, Coffee and Conversation, Coffee for Your Heart, Sitting Among Friends, Moments of Hope, Literary Musing Mondays, Fresh Market Friday, and DanceWithJesusFriday

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