If you’re going to journal… you might as well enjoy it!
Here are some of my favorite journals (and writing essentials) to help you slow down and look forward to this time with God!
I started journaling when I was twelve years old; that’s over twenty years ago. I would love to someday find what I wrote as a twelve-year-old… if only to have a good laugh. But in that time, I have come to really appreciate cozying up for some quality time with God, with a prayer journal that makes me actually excited to write and a pen that can keep up!
Whether you journal all the time or you’ve been meaning to start, I wanted to share some of my favorites with you.
Quality Journals!
The one that feels like it has a story before you even write in it
I JUST got this journal, because I love the worn look. It makes me wonder if one day—when I am gone—maybe my grandchildren or great-grandchildren would want to read it… wondering “how old it this thing?” At the moment, I am rushing to finish my current journal pages, so I can start writing in this one. <3
The one that keeps up with your brain (even at 2am)
I first got the Rocketbook Smart notebook for Christmas three years ago. I use it for any and all notes I don’t want to forget, talk outlines when I have events, to do lists, and I have even drawn a design plan for a retreat center (maybe one day!)…
The best feature of this possible journal option is that you can upload what you wrote to the correlating app and have a digital copy forever! God rarely lets me fall asleep when he has placed an idea on my heart, so I pull out this notebook, jot down a few notes, and later upload it to my phone. It’s perfect for someone who always operates with 27 mental tabs open, or who runs through notebooks like crazy! You will never run out of pages, because once the entry is uploaded and saved, you can erase it with the provided cloth and reuse.
The FriXion pens that go with this journal option even have erasers. Yes please! (These are a must to be able to clean off the writing).
The one that’ just works!
I’m a practical person! Sometimes it’s a gift… and sometimes God invites me to have patience and let him do his thing his way. :) But, for anyone looking for a practical journal option, I recommend this one. It has a number of color options and you can select the kind of pages you want such as: lined or blank pages. Best of all, a good journal has a ribbon to keep your page and BONUS… it has a loop to hold your pen (or pencil… do people journal with pencils?...).
The one that helps you know what to write
Admittedly, I do not have this one. But when I came across it, it seemed great for those wanting a little more guidance. Whether you’re just starting out with a prayer journal or you want to be more intentional, this hardcover option provides daily prompts and scripture cards.
Note: If you like blank pages for that constant stream of thought, this one might not be your go to.
If the journal matters… the pen matters too!
Nothing can deter writing more than when the pen (or pencil… if that’s your thing…) stops working, smudges, or is uncomfortable to hold. These are just a few quality options for smooth writing.
The ones I always come back to
These are by far my favorite! I use them the most. They are smooth black ink gel pens… and they look and feel cool, too. They will become your go-to grab!
The ones people defend with their life (apparently)…
My husband’s favorite pens are the Sharpie S-Gel (seriously… he’s oddly passionate that these are the best). If you’re just looking for a smooth reliable pen, and nothing fancy, these are great.
The ones if an eraser is a MUST…
We all make mistakes and could use an eraser. Whether or not you journal with pencils, they are always great to have on hand. I don’t journal with them, but I do take notes and write in my calendar with these Mr. Pen pencils. These mechanical pencils come in a helpful case with many different sizes. (For pens with erasers, refer to the “rocketbook” recommendation.)
Journaling is for everyone!
Whether it’s a few lines, a brain dump, or a full conversation with God… it’s a great way to reflect or recall how God is moving in your life.
I hope you find the journal that gets you excited to write!
I’ll be praying for you.
<3 Kara
Bonus: The one that makes you never want to leave your couch
I like to be cozy as I write. If you do, too, I recommend this plush sherpa throw. (It’s basically a hug but from your couch.) Enjoy!
These are Amazon affiliate links of my favorite things, which just means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting what we’re building here.
