Journaling as prayer and worship

There are two things that anyone that knows me well can tell you.  I am an artistic person, and I can be a very quiet person (most of the time). 

I've always struggled a bit with getting my thoughts and feelings across orally.  I can hold a regular conversation okay, but when it comes to letting someone know how I really feel about something I struggle.  I have always done better with the written form of communication. 

I also feel the most comfortable when I am creating something with my hands, whether it is a drawing or some craft project. 

These two things have led me to working in a prayer journal. 

It is really more of a Smash Journal.  It is a conglomeration of things really.  This particular one has dividers with pockets that I have stuffed with song lyrics, photos, and inspiration from magazines. 

The pages themselves are a mish-mash of my thoughts and prayers.  I journal about my daily life, things happening in the world, and I write my prayers to God. 

There are things clipped from magazines, copied scripture, doodles, notes and more. 

I struggle with prayer.  Praying in my head doesn't always stay focused like it should.  My mind is a swirling mess of rabbit trails, and staying focused in quiet prayer is SO hard for me.  But if I am writing them, and working in the journal my focus is sharp.  I feel like I am really speaking with God. 

It felt a little silly at first.  But now I've realized, this IS my prayer and worship.  He gave me my mind, and my artistic gifts.  And He have them to me to worship Him with.  If it looks a little different than traditional prayer...so be it. 

Have you struggled with your prayer life like me?  Have you found something a little different that works for you? 

Singing isn't my gift, but art is... and this scripture speaks to me.  Art is my song.    

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation (Psalm 95:1)