Prayer Baskets

As 2009 comes to an end I find myself reflecting upon this year and planning for next. One area of my life that I'd like to improve is my daily devotions and prayer time with the Lord. To improve my time I plan on creating a prayer basket. A prayer basket can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Essentially though the basket is used to hold all the essential items you need during your time of prayer and devotion. Not only are these baskets functional they can also be decorative.

Prayer baskets should include the following items:

• Study Bible
• Pens, pencils, and highlighters
• Personal journal
• Daily Devotional
• Box of tissues
• Note cards

Optional personal items may include:

• Your favorite coffee/tea and a coffee mug
• Scented candle and a lighter
• Vase with fresh flowers
• Throw blanket

The key is to make the basket your own, adding your favorite things to it so that your time in prayer is peaceful, productive, and comfortable.

As an aside, prayer journals can be something as simple as a spiral notebook or as complex as a decorative hardbound book. Again, the key is to make it your own. Whatever you are most comfortable with and can afford will function just fine. In your prayer journal you might want to include sections for prayer requests, answered prayers, and praises. Also, be sure and leave space for your thoughts, devotions, and scripture references. Some journals also include prayer partner lists and contact information.

Do you already use a prayer basket? Please let me know what is in your basket.

Blessings for the New Year!!