Grandmother’s Prayer Jar: A Simple Way to Pray Every Day

My intentions to pray are always so strong on Sunday.

• I’m going to pray every day at 9 am.
• I’m going to pray for my grandchildren’s safety.
• I’m going to pray for their spiritual life.
• I’m going to seek God’s will for myself and my family.

But by Thursday? Ugg. I get off schedule, I get busy, I forget.

That’s why I need a visual reminder—like my daughter’s dog, who quietly stands in your way when he wants something. He doesn’t bark or make a fuss. He matter-of-factly positions himself where you can’t miss him.

A prayer jar works the same way.

It’s a simple jar filled with prayer prompts that sits where you’ll see it every day. As you walk past it, it gently reminds you to stop for a few minutes and pray. Then, instead of wondering what to pray about, you just pull out one prayer slip and begin.

I love that it’s both beautiful and practical. It can sit on a bedside table, the kitchen counter, or your favorite reading chair—wherever you’re most likely to notice it. Best of all, it turns those good intentions from Sunday into a habit that lasts all week.

If you’ve never used a prayer jar before, here are a few simple ideas to help you create one that encourages you to pray faithfully for your grandchildren.

Step 1. How do you want to record your prayer topics?

You have 2 main ways to write down prayer requests: slips of paper or popsicle sticks. I think popsicle sticks look adorable nestled in a cute Mason jar. But slips of paper are quicker if you have a lot of changing needs. It’s completely up to you. Choose the type you are more likely to use.

In either case, you’ll want to store extra supplies and a pen either in the prayer jar or somewhere close where you can find them when you need them.

Popsicle sticks:

I painted popsicle sticks with acrylic paint and added Washi tape for decoration. I tried all kinds of pens, but they all bled into the wood, so you really do need a base.

You can make it easy on yourself and paste Washi tape onto a popsicle stick. Then write your prayer request on the tape like this:

Then all you have left to do is add the sticks to a Mason jar and decide where you want to keep your prayer jar.

This is a 16 ounce Ball jar from Walmart.

This pretty pink jar originally came with flowers in it.

Prayers on slips of paper.

Post-it notes are an easy and colorful way to record prayer requests for your prayer jar. You could assign each grandchild their own color if you like organization.

Step 2. Prayer Jars and beyond.

You can keep your prayer prompts in almost any small container. Mason jars are a classic choice, but you can also use a treasured piece of china or a decorative prayer box. Choose something that makes you smile every time you see it. The more visible it is, the more likely it will become part of your daily prayer routine.

Mason Jars.

In the examples above, I used plain glass Mason jars. If you want to be fancy, this post here has lots of inspiration for painting and decorating your prayer jar.

China or Silver.

If you’re over 65, there’s a good chance you have some “good dishes” tucked away—perhaps your own wedding china or pieces passed down from your mother or great-grandmother. Here’s a lovely way to bring some of it out of storage and put it to meaningful use.

A cream pitcher or sugar bowl can make a beautiful prayer jar. It’s pretty enough to leave out where you’ll see it, and every time you use it, you’re giving a treasured family piece a new purpose. Like this:

These are part of a pewter serving set that belonged to my great-aunt.

Prayer Box.

Think inside the box, ha ha. This prayer box is for sale on Etsy, and you can have it personalized with your Grandma name.

Here is a link to the Esty store that sells this: RenewedCreationsbyCC

3. Keep those answered prayers.

I love keeping a record of answered prayers. Reading through them reminds me that God is always at work—even when I can’t see it in the moment. Looking back at His faithfulness gives me hope when I’m facing a new challenge.

As God answers your prayers, jot down a few notes and keep them somewhere safe. Before long, it will become more than a collection of prayer requests; it will become a reminder of God’s goodness.

One day, you may even share those answered prayers with your grandchildren. What a gift for them to see how faithfully you prayed for them—and how faithfully God answered.

Other Prayer Assists: