A Letter to God

A letter to God is a prayer you write down. You choose the words, the pace and the mood. Some letters are full of thanks. Some are full of questions, or grief, or a hope you have not said out loud yet. Some are a quiet confession. All of these belong on the page.

Many people find that writing slows their prayer down. Your thoughts stay in one place long enough for you to notice them. You can look back later and see what you were carrying on an ordinary Tuesday in March.

This letter never has to be sent, shared or read by anyone else. You can keep it in your journal, tuck it in your Bible or fold it away. You do not need special language or perfect spelling. Write the way you would talk to someone who is listening.

How to write it

Find a quiet few minutes and something to write on, whether that is a notebook, a loose sheet or the back of an envelope.

Begin with a greeting that feels natural to you, such as "Dear God" or simply the name you use when you pray.

Write what is on your mind right now, even if it is small, tired or confused.

Keep your pen moving for at least five minutes without fixing or crossing out.

If you get stuck, pick one prompt below and let it carry you to the next sentence.

Close the letter in your own way, then sit for a moment before you put it away.

Prompts and sentence starters

Dear God, today I am feeling...
What are you most thankful for this week, down to the small things?
I have been wanting to tell you...
What question have you been carrying that you have not yet put into words?
The hardest part of this season for me is...
Who do you want to hold up in prayer right now, and what do you hope for them?
I am sorry for...
What are you afraid to ask for, and why?
When I think about the person I am becoming, I hope...
What loss or change are you still grieving?
Right now I need help with...
What do you want to remember about today when you read this letter again?