18. Connecting with God through Prayer Journaling with Cay Cox
“My witness is that it's so worth it, those clunky first steps. It's so worth it to grow that relationship. And it's real.” - Cay Cox
Have you ever prayed faithfully but still wondered why you don't feel more connected to God? Maybe prayer feels routine or one-sided, or when thoughts come, you wonder, Is this really God, or is this just me?
In this episode, Emily talks with Cay Cox about moving from routine spiritual practices to a deeply personal dialogue with God through prayer journaling. Cay shares how writing helped her slow down, connect her heart and mind, listen, and develop greater confidence recognizing personal revelation.
Together, they explore a practical process for prayer journaling, integrating scripture with personal revelation, preserving meaningful impressions in Gospel Library, and developing a holy rhythm with God rather than treating spiritual practices like a checklist.
Expect this episode to help you:
- Deepen your connection with God when prayer feels routine or one-sided.
- Learn a practical process for prayer journaling that includes speaking, listening, and receiving.
- Recognize thoughts and impressions that come as you become still and listen.
- Build confidence when you wonder, “Is this God, or is this just me?”
- Integrate scripture and personal revelation in meaningful ways.
- Record spiritual impressions so you can recognize God's guidance over time.
- Replace perfectionistic spiritual checklists with a holy rhythm of communion with God.
- Trust that recognizing God's voice is a skill that can grow through practice.
More invitations to grow
If you're walking through the messy middle of personal growth, you don't have to do it alone. Grow In the Light Growth Groups provide Christ-centered community, practical tools, and supportive coaching to help you continue becoming who God created you to be.
Learn more at www.GrowInTheLight.com.
About the guest
Cay Cox is a grandmother of 19 who lives in a small ranching community in northeastern Utah. She describes herself simply as a “Jesus girl” with a love for people throughout the world. After years when prayer and scripture study sometimes felt routine or disconnected, Cay began developing a practice of prayer journaling that has become a meaningful part of her relationship with God. In this conversation, she shares what she has learned through years of practicing, listening, recording, and growing in personal revelation.
Scriptures and references
“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” President Russell M. Nelson, April 2018 General Conference
“Overcome the World and Find Rest,” President Russell M. Nelson, October 2022 General Conference
“Know Who You Really Are,” Elder Brik V. Eyre, October 2025 General Conference
Timestamps
00:00 Connecting with God through prayer journaling
01:15 When prayer and scripture study feel rote or routine
03:08 Exploring different approaches to prayer
07:51 How to begin prayer journaling
11:39 Listening after you pour out your heart
13:30 “Is this God, or is this just me?”
16:00 Growing in confidence through repeated practice
18:12 President Nelson's pattern for personal revelation
20:00 Prayer as dialogue instead of monologue
23:25 Developing a relationship rather than completing a checklist
27:24 Recording and preserving personal revelation
31:30 Developing a holy rhythm with God
35:49 Learning your personal language of the Spirit
40:09 Repeated exposure and recognizing God's voice
42:25 President Nelson's invitation to record what you receive
44:28 Cay's witness: the awkward first steps are worth it
