Writing and Journaling Challenge - 2026

May 2026 Writing and Journaling Challenge

Write a prayer for your child/children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or some other children you love.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Philippians 1:3-4 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

In some church groups written prayers have been a part of their church life for generations. Although for some there is an element of hierarchy about it, there really isn't any biblical reason that we can't write out our own prayers if we so choose. This is not something that I have done much, if ever. My family and church tradition has been to mostly pray extemporaneously - impromptu or on the spur of the moment. While there have been a few prayers that we sang or prayed in unison, they were usually few and seldom.

Some people are superstitious about certain types of written prayers. They treat them like magic charms, believing that by saying a specific set of words or praying some specific prayer, they are somehow going to get what they want or even defeat the powers of darkness. This is not what I'm suggesting in any way, shape or form. If you are prone to superstitious attitudes towards praying special prayers, I suggest you skip this challenge.

But, writing out a prayer for children that you love can be a blessing to them whenever it is shared with them. I can imagine that finding a written prayer for one in the journal of one's mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. could be a real blessing after they have gone to be with the Lord, or if they choose to share it now.

Remember to write it as something that someone besides you will someday read. So, don't make it a complaining, judgmental type of prayer. Certainly it can be beseeching where that is needful, but think about what you would ask for on their behalf from God if you were praying out loud with them present.

Free May journaling card. Click the download icon on the upper left (as of this publishing).

background and graphics by Mary Stephens
vintage graphics: unknown source