Prayer Jar

Prayer Jar

What is the purpose of a prayer jar? Using a prayer jar can be designed in a personal way. It can be a recording of prayer requests, answered prayers or blessings. Several years ago, when I began to study God’s word, I created my own prayer jar. As I would be reading my bible early in the morning, a verse would jump out and touch my heart. I wanted to remember the verse and how it spoke to me. So I would find a slip of paper and write down the verse. It occurred to me the other side of the paper would be a perfect place to write a short message, affirmation or response to God.

As I collected the slips of paper, I stuffed them into an old glass jar and tightened the lid. After several months of studying day in and day out, there were days when I could not get motivated to read my bible. It wasn’t because I was not interested in spending time with God. I thought that maybe I was trying too hard. On those occasions, I would empty the contents of my prayer jar on my table. And, I would start reading them.

Then there were times when a difficult event would start to unravel during the middle of the day. Something unexpected. You know the kind of thing like a phone call from a friend who is hurting, a conversation with someone that caused confusion or hurt, another encounter with your child or an unexpected notice in the mail. Well, on those occasions, I turned to my prayer jar and emptied the contents. I read those slips of paper in search of a few that would redirect my thoughts.

My prayer jar sat on a table and any time I needed a reminder from my source of peace, I didn’t have to go far to find a meaningful verse. I already had many of them at my fingertips. As I looked over the verses and prayers on the slips of paper, I felt a sense of comforting calmness. The words on those slips of paper lifted me up where I was and into God’s presence. Believe me there was more than one occasion when I would be energetically emptying the jar, finding my way back with a passion to seek God. It always worked, and I am so thankful for that!

This section is a place I would like to share my prayer jar verses and responses with you. Please use them freely and print them.. I also encourage you to start your own prayer jar. It can be a simple glass jar like the one I used or you can create something that reflects your spirit. What is important is that you add your own discoveries to the Prayer Jar. And if you cannot find verses or prayers to write on your own, you can borrow these ones I am sharing.

In time God will show you what He would like you to discover in your study time with him. As you grow closer to him and his word, it will happen. Because wherever his word is, you will find rest.