035: The Power of Prayer Journaling in Making Life Decisions with Kari Bartkus

Show Notes

Can journaling really help you make better decisions — and hear from God more clearly? In this episode, spiritual director and journal coach Kari Bartkus shares how prayer journaling creates space to process emotions, clarify your values, and invite God into your decision-making. We talk about journaling methods beyond just pros and cons lists, how to overcome the fear of someone reading your journal, and what to do when you're staring at a blank page. I also share a powerful story of how God used the most random word in my journaling time to redirect my business — and it all started with simply writing my prayers.

Links From This Episode:

✨ Kari’s Website & Free Journaling Workshop: lovedoesthat.org
✨ Kari’s Podcast Episode Featuring Lauren: lovedoesthat.org/177
✨ Rocketbook Notebook: getrocketbook.com
✨ Daily Kairos Journal: dailykairos.com
✨ Val Marie Paper Prayer Journal: valmariepaper.com

Bible Verses Mentioned:

📖 Romans 8:26 – The Spirit intercedes for us
📖 James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God
📖 Matthew 7:7 – Ask, seek, knock
📖 Habakkuk 2:2 – Write the vision and make it plain

Key Points:

🔑 Journaling helps bring clarity by getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper
🔑 Prayer journaling isn’t just about writing a list — it’s about dialogue with God
🔑 You can use lists, imagination-based journaling, or art/doodles to explore decisions
🔑 Journaling reveals patterns, values, and God’s voice in surprising ways
🔑 You don’t have to keep every journal entry — write freely, then decide what to keep
🔑 There’s no “right” way to journal; the best method is the one you’ll actually use

Your Action Step for the Week:

🖊️ Pick up a journal and start writing. If you already journal regularly, try a new method — whether it’s list-making, imagination prayer, or doodling your thoughts. And if you're stuck, simply invite God in and write what’s on your heart.

Where to Connect with Kari:

Website & Podcast: lovedoesthat.org
Free Journal Prompts + Resources: lovedoesthat.org/resources
Instagram: @love_does_that
Best way to connect: Join Kari’s email list through her site

Connect with me on social media:
www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions
www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop