MOPS Prayer Journals and a Summer Challenge

I love this time of year in our MOPS semester. It seems that the tables of moms have finally gotten to know each other and we are really able to share and relate during discussion time. I love the encouragement I receive from these ladies twice a month.

As we put together Prayer Journals for our craft, it was incredible to see the excitement building for us moms to get in the Word and get focused on prayer. And cute "tools" are always helpful. I used to think "Is that wrong that I feel motivated to write out my prayers in a cute journal?" But I have come to the conclusion that my creative God made this world full of colors and details - it is merely a reflection of Him when we are drawn to beautiful things.

I had prepped the supplies ahead of time, cutting the papers and rounding the corners to help speed up the craft time. The cheapest place to get a large quantity of the composition notebooks was the Dollar Tree. Although I picked up a few of these at Ollies for 79 cents!

Each journal could be covered by picking up a small, medium and large piece of paper. I cut the paper the way because it was the best way to get the most out of a 12x12 sheet of scrapbook paper. For projects like this, I love to purchase one of the big 180-sheet pads of paper from Hobby Lobby ($10 during the 50% off sale) because its easier to match up the patterns and colors.

The small and medium pieces of paper would cover one side of the journal.

Large - 9 and 1/2 x 6 and 5/8"

Medium - 9 and 1/2 x 5 and 3/8"

Small - 9 and 1/2 x 2 and 3/8"

While the large piece would cover the other side.

Some chose to have the solid piece of paper on the front of the journals while other placed it on the back.

Using a punch similar to this one, I had pre-cut enough tabs for each mom to have three. These divided sections could be used for prayer requests, journaling and praises. Or one tab for each child. Or just for decorative purposes.

There were also four options of prayer quotes/verses that could embellish the front cover (I can email the pdf to you, if you comment below with your email address).

We are challenging each other to read through the New Testament together this summer. If we hope to raise our children to love the Lord, they've first got to see that this is important in our own lives.

I love this printable because it is broken up into 90 "bite -size" portions. If you missed yesterday's meeting, I would still love for you to join us in our reading challenge. I am excited to encourage each other as we read along.

By gluing an envelope inside one the covers, a place was even made available for prayer cards or notes.

I can't wait to hear what God does with these simple notebooks that we are planning to use as we get to know Him.