In his Confessions, Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote to God, "Allow me to speak: for I am addressing your Mercy, not a man who would laugh at me." Although the Confessions have been read by countless readers, Augustine wrote not to them but to God about a myriad of real-life topics -- his childhood, his gratitude to his mother, his friends, his triumphs and tragedies, and his hope for eternal life.

Like Augustine, we can pray in a similar way, writing to God and sharing our innermost thoughts, feelings, dreams, despairs, and hopes. This guided prayer journal is meant to help you recognize God's care for you in daily events and to foster a deeper, more personal prayer life. You'll find reflections from Scripture and the writings of saints and sages as prompts for your letters to God and what you imagine God would write back to you.

Putting pen to paper aids us in organizing our thoughts and wards off distractions, helping us to slow down and calm our restless minds. Praying Like Saint Augustine can help you engage in real, meaningful communication with God and to reflect on God's will for your life.