Do you keep a prayer journal? Even if you are not much of a writer, this is a good time to start. Jotting down a key scripture, a persistent thought, and an answered prayer from day to day are excellent means to remember how the Lord has faithfully guided your steps and led you to pray His transformative promises into being.

Looking back over this year’s prayer journal, I underlined or noted in the margin with red pen all the answered prayers that the Lord has delivered just in the last twelve months. Keep in mind, these tend to be “big ticket” items that I recorded: national events, international headlines, reversals of doctors’ prognoses, and mercy with a variance for a building that otherwise would have cost tens of thousands of dollars. There were names I’d written down from early in the year but meanwhile had forgotten – loved ones of friends and such – and realized the Lord had come through for each of these individuals in seismic ways.

There were seven initiatives that the Holy Spirit prompted me to take that drew me well out of my comfort zone. Each involved a different level of “sticking out my neck;” and in every one, He gave grace. Each stretched me, and I was glad that I listened to Him. 

Even notated in the journal were several situations in which we needed the weather to cooperate so that an event wasn’t ruined or canceled. Despite ominous forecasts right up until the last minute, there were three separate occasions in which we witnessed the elements held at bay while we proceeded with plans.

Of course, the journal doesn’t reflect all the daily kindnesses the Lord has showered on us in terms of safety in travels, abundant material provision, rich relationships, and access to dynamic bible teaching and testimonies that spur on our faith.  It doesn’t record the names of people that corporately, we’ve seen set free of all kinds of bondage over the last year.

I haven’t written the names of new believers He’s brought into my life this year that have blessed and sharpened me – but I should.  Just as I need to note the wonderful books and biographies that have provoked my faith and stirred my thoughts heavenward this year.

And then there are the daily joys of routine: homeschooling my children, watching them play sports, travailing with them and my husband in prayer for desperate people and situations, and caring for animals and plants and trees in our care. The ability to grow and help sustain life is a marvel!

Of course, there have been plenty of unique challenges this year. While we are still waiting for the Lord’s full manifestation of power in certain situations, He has spoken to us concerning them. We are standing on those promises.

^“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:31, KJV). When I pause to reflect on all that He has done, it lights me up with thanksgiving and launches me right back into faith for more!

Do you keep a journal of God’s prayer promptings? What have you witnessed Him do this year?