Have you ever gone to a store for one thing and came out with five extra things you didn’t expect to find? Me too. This book is one of those unexpected finds for me, and I’m so thankful it found me back.
I went into Mardel, a local Christian and school supply store, earlier this summer to pick up a birthday present for a friend. I passed by the book section, and the $5 book sign caught my attention right away. I casually glanced through the books, looking for nothing in particular, when my eyes landed on this little blue book with an unusual name.
The God Box
The God Box by Mary Lou Quinlan is a story of a daughter remembering her mother’s faithfulness through her commitment to prayer. After Mary Lou’s mother passed away, she found a box filled with hundreds of prayers that belonged to her mother. She later found nine other boxes filled to the top with prayers requests to God that her mother wrote too. Her mother, Mary, would use any scrap of paper nearby to write prayer requests for her family, friends, or even complete strangers.
“Finding the God boxes was like reading Mom’s heart” -Mary Lou Quinlan
I absolutely loved this sweet story of a woman who took every worry and gratitude to God with a humble heart. Mary showed her children true faithfulness and compassion through this simple act of letting go to God. By giving the problem to God, Mary felt a peace of mind because she knew she was giving her problem to stronger hands.
The release was more important than the resolution, and Mom was grateful no matter the outcome.” -Mary Lou Quinlan
After reading this book, I created my own God Box at home. Each night before my prayer, I remember the people I interacted with that day. I try to think of something to pray over for them, write it on a sticky note or receipt, and gently place it in my God Box. It’s also really cool to go back and read old prayer requests and see how God worked through those situations or answered prayers.
I encourage you to pick up a copy of the God Box and make one of your own!
DIY: The God Box
There’s not a step by step process for this one, just grab The God Box book, a box, and whatever you’d like to write your prayer requests on. I got my box at Hobby Lobby, but you can use any box or basket that you like! I’d recommend keeping your God Box somewhere safe too (so away from water or pets).
Fill it with prayers as they come. You can put more than one prayer a day; it’s up to you! This is a great exercise in letting go of your worries to God and resting in the fact that it is in His hands.
If you create your own God Box, please take a picture and post it in the comments below!
**Also, I am looking for Podcasts to add to my Online Resources tab, so if you listen to a podcast related to faith/ friendships/ relationships please comment that below too!
Petit à Petit,
Lauren
The Honest Pursuit 
It made me cry. I have made a prayer list and up date it about once a week. I have all the lists from day one. About 20 years worth. I make notes about every request, and read them from time to time and I know this. GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!!!!. I am going to find a box to keep the lists in.
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That’s so wonderful that you have kept your lists over such a long time. I hope to keep filling my God Box for many years too.
Yes, God is so good!! Thanks for sharing!
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After years of writing prayer requests on post-its or pieces of paper kept in various places, I bought a journal notebook with a magnetic closing lid for this purpose. I agree, it is amazing to go back and check off with a date when God answered the prayers! I also reserved a page(s) in the journal to jot down a scripture verse received from God in Bible reading to pass on to someone who may need encouragement. How great that Mary Lou Quinlan actually put her ideas in a book, The God Box! I knew a lady who purchased a small tool box to keep her prayer requests in along with a small Bible, paper & writing tools. When her family would go to sleep at night, she would sit in her recliner, open her tool box, and spend her quiet time there with the Lord.
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