Prayer Reset by Bob SorgeSample

Day 10: JOURNAL

Reminder: Hear. That was yesterday’s big word. As you come to the word today, lean in and listen for the Spirit’s voice. Make careful listening a permanent part of your prayer life.

As you #PrayRead the Word, the Holy Spirit will sometimes open a Scripture to your understanding. Those insights are incredibly valuable, worth writing down. It’s called journaling. 

I maintain a journal of biblical insights because of a principle taught by Jesus. 

“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given.” (Luke 8:18)

Jesus said more will be given to those who retain what they previously have heard.

Personally, I have a lousy memory. If I don’t write down the insights God gives me, I forget them. So I write them down and review them later. Above all, I want to retain the things that God gives me. Why? Because I want more. 

I see in football an analogy of Jesus’ meaning. Suppose a wide receiver catches a football but then drops it. If the receiver keeps dropping balls, the quarterback won’t throw him any more balls. Here’s the principle: To be thrown the ball, a receiver must have a reliable track record of catching and keeping footballs. 

The same is true in the kingdom. If we want God to keep speaking to us from His word, we must retain what He gives. Do not drop the ball!

What’s a practical way to do this? When you read a verse that suddenly means something special to you, write down both the verse and the insight received. When convenient, enter those notes into your com­puter or journal. 

Then, develop a system for reviewing your entries—because retention requires review. Retention is a rigor­ous exercise, but we do it for one simple reason: We want more. And we know He gives more when we’ve made the effort to retain what we’ve already received. 

PRAY. 

• Ask for help to develop a way of retaining everything He gives you in His word. 
• Tell Him how eagerly you want more. 

Although it takes labor, journaling is a strategic building block that, when put in place, will help you develop a strong and consistent prayer life. You’re setting yourself up for more.  

To go deeper, go to Bob Sorge’s book, RESET: 20 Ways to a Consistent Prayer Life. Click here: prayerreset.com .