How to Bible Journaling: Creative Bible Study for Beginners & Beyond (2025)
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. You can read more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure on my Affiliate Disclosure Page
What Is Bible Journaling?
Wondering how to Bible journaling and bring your quiet time to life? Bible journaling is a creative and meaningful way to connect with Scripture through writing, reflection, and artistic expression. Whether you’re underlining key verses, sketching illustrations, or penning heartfelt prayers in the margins, this practice invites you to slow down and engage deeply with God’s Word on both a spiritual and personal level.
At its heart, it’s not about how artistic you are—it’s about connecting personally and spiritually with God’s Word.
Why Bible Journaling Can Transform Your Faith
So many people ask why Bible journaling has gained momentum among women and men alike. Here’s why: it helps you slow down, engage deeply, and make space for reflection. Bible journaling shifts your study from duty to delight.
Some key ways it impacts your spiritual life:
- It makes Scripture more memorable — pairing words with visuals helps lock verses in your heart.
- It builds consistent study habits — when you’re excited to journal, you return to your Bible more often.
- It turns your Bible into a testimony — over time, your journaled pages reflect your walk with the Lord.
- It gives clarity and insight — writing and drawing helps you notice things you might otherwise skip over.
- This isn’t just another hobby—it’s a heart-changing habit.
What Do You Need to Start Bible Journaling?
You don’t need a craft room or expensive markers to get started. Here are the basic Bible journaling supplies:
Bible Journaling Essentials:
- A Journaling Bible – Choose one with wide margins or interleaved pages (ESV and NASB versions are great options).
- Pens and Highlighters – Use archival, non-bleed pens like Micron (my go-to markers). If you prefer color, these Micron color pens are amazing.
- Colored Pencils or Markers – Watercolor pencils (Derwent Intense are high-quality, yet affordable), gelatos, or mildliners (double-tipped, great value) are popular choices.
- Washi Tape or Stickers – Add flair without bulk.
- Stamps or Stencils (Optional) – Great for those who prefer guided designs.
- Sticky Notes or Tabs – Mark favorite verses or track themes.
Don’t let a lack of supplies hold you back. A pen and Bible are enough to begin.
How to Bible Journaling in 7 Simple Steps
You might be wondering, “Okay, how do I actually start?” Here’s a beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide.
1. Pray Before You Begin
Ask God to speak through His Word and open your heart to receive it. A simple prayer like “Lord, show me what You want me to see today” sets the tone.
2. Choose a Passage
Start with a verse or section of Scripture that draws your attention. You might pick:
- A Psalm that matches your current emotions
- A Proverb for daily wisdom
- A Gospel story that moves you
- A Bible reading plan suggestion
3. Read Slowly and Thoughtfully
Read the passage more than once. Note any repeated words, emotions, or surprising phrases.
4. Reflect and Respond
Ask:
- What is God revealing about Himself?
- What does this say about my heart?
- How does this apply to my life today?
5. Write in the Margins
Use the space to:
- Summarize what stood out
- Write a prayer
- Ask questions
- Jot down what you sensed God saying
6. Add Visual Elements (If Desired)
- Draw symbols or images related to the verse
- Use color to highlight themes
- Add stickers, stamps, or washi tape
7. Close with Gratitude
Write a short prayer of thanks or worship. Bible journaling becomes an altar of remembrance when you end in gratitude.
Bible Journaling Tips and Tricks You’ll Love
Here are some practical Bible journaling tips and tricks to make your experience smooth and joyful:
- Start simple: Don’t aim for Pinterest-worthy pages right away.
- Keep supplies accessible: A small Bible journaling pouch or box keeps it stress-free.
- Use verse mapping: Break down verses by keywords, definitions, cross-references.
- Follow themes: Focus on topics like God’s promises, identity in Christ, or gratitude.
- Join a journaling community: Online groups or church-based groups provide encouragement.
- Mistakes are okay: Smudges, spelling errors, or imperfect drawings are part of the process.
- Bible journaling is not about perfection—it’s about pursuit.
Creative Bible Journaling Ideas to Inspire You
Need some fresh inspiration? Here are some creative Bible journaling ideas:
1. Word Studies
Pick a word (e.g., “peace”) and trace it through Scripture. Journal how it appears, what it teaches, and how you need it today.
2. Prayer Pages
Create a full-page layout based on a prayer—write it out, draw visual representations, and track how God answers.
3. Gratitude Prompts
Every day for a week, journal one verse and one thing you’re thankful for.
4. Monthly Themes
Choose a monthly focus like *joy*, *faithfulness*, or *hope*. Journal one verse each week that reflects that theme.
5. Character Studies
Focus on a Bible character—journal their story, struggles, and how God used them.
6. Illustrated Scriptures
Draw key elements of the verse: a mustard seed, a lamp, a lion, a dove, etc.
7. Song Reflections
Write lyrics from a worship song next to the Scripture it echoes. Then journal your response.
Journaling Bible for Women: What to Look For
Many women find that having the right journaling Bible makes a big difference. Here’s what to look for:
- Translation: Look for NASB or ESV for reliable study
- Margins: Extra-wide margins or interleaved pages (blank pages between each page of text)
- Paper Quality: Thick enough to handle ink and color without bleeding
- Design: Inspiring covers, floral motifs, or devotionals woven in
- Extras: Some Bibles come with reading plans, verse indexes, or coloring pages
A few highly rated options for women include:
- ESV Journaling Bible Interleaved Edition
- NASB Journal the Word Bible
- Inspire Bible (great for coloring lovers)
Spiritual Journaling vs. Bible Journaling: What’s the Difference?
Spiritual journaling and Bible journaling overlap, but they have unique flavors.
Bible Journaling:
Anchored directly in Scripture
- Often includes verse illustration and word study
- Focused on connecting creatively to God’s Word
Spiritual Journaling:
- May include dreams, prayers, or life reflections
- Less structured, more free-flowing
- Can document spiritual growth, struggles, and victories
Use both together to deepen your faith life and track your spiritual journey.
My Final Thoughts
If you’ve been curious about how to Bible journaling, my hope is that this post gave you more than just ideas—it gave you permission.
Permission to show up imperfectly.
Permission to create without comparison.
Permission to listen more deeply and linger longer in God’s Word.
Whether you’re just starting or looking for fresh ways to grow, Bible journaling can become a deeply personal act of worship. Don’t wait until you “feel” creative or “have more time.” Start small. Start now. Let the pages of your Bible become sacred ground where your heart meets His voice—one verse, one color, one moment at a time.
And remember: God isn’t grading your pages. He’s drawing you closer.
FAQs
-
What is Bible journaling
Bible journaling is a creative way to study the Bible by combining Scripture with notes, prayers, and artistic expression such as drawings, highlighting, or lettering in the margins of your Bible or a separate journal.
-
Do I need to be artistic to try Bible journaling?
No, Bible journaling is for everyone. You do not need to be artistic. Simple notes, underlining, or personal reflections are just as meaningful as elaborate artwork.
-
Can I use any Bible for journaling?
Yes, you can use any Bible, but journaling Bibles with wide margins or interleaved pages are especially helpful for writing and drawing without crowding the text.
-
What are the best Bible journaling supplies for beginners?
Basic supplies include a journaling Bible, pens that don’t bleed through, colored pencils or markers, washi tape, and stickers. Many people start with just a Bible and pen.
-
Is Bible journaling the same as Bible study?
Bible journaling often includes Bible study but adds a creative, reflective element. It helps you slow down and connect with Scripture in a more personal and engaging way.
-
Can I still Bible journal if I don’t want to write in my Bible?
Yes, you can use a separate notebook or journal to record your reflections, prayers, and artwork based on your Bible reading.
Come Be Part of the Conversation at She Opens Her Bible
Longing for a place where you can study the Word, fellowship with other women of faith, and grow spiritually in community?
Join us at She Opens Her Bible, our sister site and online forum built for women just like you. Whether you’re diving deeper into Scripture, sharing your testimony, or looking for encouragement on your fasting journey—you’ll find connection, purpose, and sisterhood here.
- Inside the forum, you can:
- Join Bible studies
- Ask questions and share insights
- Find prayer partners
- Join topical discussion threads
- Be part of a faith-filled, grace-centered sisterhood
Sign up at She Opens Her Bible and let’s seek Jesus—together.
Sue Nelson is a Christian author, Bible teacher, and conference speaker with a heart for helping women grow deeper in their walk with God. She has written several books on Christian marriage, Proverbs 31 living, verse mapping, and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Her Bible studies and devotional tools are used by women’s ministries across the United States.
With years of experience teaching Scripture and leading small groups, Sue has spoken at numerous women’s conferences and retreats nationwide. She actively serves in multiple ministries at her home church—including Hospitality, Welcome PSG Corp, and Leaders of the Pack—and is known for her willingness to serve wherever there’s a need.
A wife, mom, grandmother, and proud dog/cat mom, Sue lives a life centered on Christ. She supports a wide range of Christian causes, including Bible distribution, scholarships for faith-based retreats, homeless outreach, food pantries, and clothing ministries.
You can connect with her through her women’s Bible study community, She Opens Her Bible
NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation”