Bible Journaling

What is Bible journaling?

Bible journaling is the practice of combining Scripture reading with written reflection, notes, and often creative expression. People engage with God’s Word by writing in the margins of specially designed “journaling Bibles,” keeping separate notebooks, or adding artistic elements like hand lettering and illustrations to highlight meaningful passages. Rather than passively reading, Bible journaling encourages active engagement with Scripture through recording insights, prayers, questions, and personal applications. This approach helps deepen understanding, aids memory, and creates a personal record of your spiritual journey. Bible journaling makes interacting with the Bible a more intentional and memorable experience. It can include:

• Writing thoughts or prayers in the margins
• Highlighting or underlining meaningful verses
• Adding hand lettering, doodles, or illustrations
• Using color, stickers, washi tape, or printables
• Using a seperate notebook to highlight meaningful passages

At its heart, Bible journaling is about engaging with Scripture more intentionally. The creativity isn’t the goal — the connection is.

Many people find that journaling helps them slow down, meditate on God’s Word, and remember what they read long after their quiet time ends.

If you’ve ever wanted to start Bible journaling but felt unsure where to begin, this guide will walk you through what Bible journaling is, how to start, the supplies you need, and ideas to inspire you, no artistic talent required.

Why Bible Journaling Is So Powerful

Bible journaling combines faith, reflection, and creativity, which makes Scripture feel more personal and accessible. Some of the biggest benefits include:

• Deeper understanding of Bible passages
• Better memory and retention of Scripture
• A meaningful record of prayers and spiritual growth
• A joyful, calming devotional practice
• Freedom to express faith without “doing it perfectly”

Bible journaling turns Bible reading from something you rush through into something you experience.

Beautiful Bibles aren’t just decorative — they can make your daily Bible time feel inviting and special.

See the benefits of journaling

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Bible Journaling Supplies (What You Actually Need)

You don’t need a full art studio to Bible journal. Start simple and add as you go. Read more about which bible journaling supplies you really need and which ones you don’t.

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How to Start Bible Journaling (Step by Step)

Starting Bible journaling doesn’t require expensive supplies or artistic skill. You can begin with what you already have.

1. Choose a Bible or Journal

You can journal in:

• A journaling Bible with wide margins
• A regular Bible (writing lightly in the margins)
• A separate blank notebook or use our free printable Bible study journal

If you plan to add artwork, a Bible with thicker paper or wide margins can be helpful — but it’s not required.

2. Read and Reflect

Start by reading a short passage or verse. Ask yourself:

• What stands out to me?
• What is God teaching here?
• How does this apply to my life right now?

3. Write First

There’s no right or wrong way — simple is often best.

Bible journaling has no rules about how to use it-it’s a personal process, which has no right or wrong. In fact, you don’t have to be artistic to keep a Bible journal. You can simply use the free printable Bible study journal. You can keep the document in the journal that you read every time you open that inspirational book.

Here are simple ways of Bible journaling:

• Write the scripture word-for-word or paraphrase it in your words
• Add a different Bible version
• Do verse mapping of the scripture you’re reading
• Make a list of the key attributes, places, people, or things in the verse you’re studying
• Write a prayer about it
• Use Bible journal prompts with a blank notebook

Our free printable bible study journal template includes Bible journal prompts.

4. Add Creative Elements (Optional)

Before adding any art, write your thoughts, prayers, or observations. Many people find that words come before creativity. See bible art journaling ideas

You can:

• Highlight key words
• Use simple shapes or borders
• Add hand lettering or small illustrations
• Decorate with stickers or washi tape

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Bible Journaling Ideas

We offer many practical and creative Bible journaling ideas to help you reflect on Scripture, deepen your faith, and connect God’s Word to daily life.

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Free Bible Study Journal

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Creative Bible journaling

We offer many creative journaling ideas for those interested in Bible art journaling.

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Bible Journal Prompts

We offer many Bible journal prompts for those who prefer to journal with prompts.

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Bible journaling tips

1. Protect Your Pages (The “Bleed-Through” Battle)

I personally prefer to use a blank journal notebook and not write or draw in a Bible. Bible paper is notoriously thin (often called “onion skin”). If you prefer to write in your Bible then these tips will prevent ink from ruining the next page:

• Use a Page Prep: If you want to use acrylics, watercolors, or heavy markers, coat the page first with Clear Gesso. It creates a transparent barrier that strengthens the paper and stops bleed-through.
• The “Mat” Trick: Always place a piece of cardstock or a plastic mat under the page you are working on to protect the pages beneath it from indentations or accidental ink transfer.
• Test First: Use the obscure pages in the back of your Bible (like the maps or the Concordance) to test new pens or paints before applying them to a favorite verse.

2. You Don’t Have to Draw Freehand

If you aren’t confident in your drawing skills, you can still create beautiful layouts.

• Trace It: Print out a design or font you like, place it under the Bible page, and trace it. The pages are thin enough that the design will show through clearly.
• Use Printables & Stickers: Many people use printable margin strips or transparent stickers. This allows you to create a polished look without drawing directly on the page.
• Washi Tape: Use washi tape to attach photos, prayer cards, or notes. It’s low-tack, so it usually won’t tear the paper if you need to move it.

3. Focus on the Process, Not the Product

A common hurdle is the fear of “ruining” the Bible. The easiest way around this is to use a blank notebook.

• Date Your Entries: Always write the date next to your entry. It turns your Bible into a timeline of your spiritual growth.
• Embrace “Oops”: If you make a mistake, don’t tear the page out. Paste a piece of paper over it, turn the mistake into a design element, or simply leave it as a reminder that grace covers imperfections.
• Read First, Create Second: Read the chapter before you start the art. It ensures your mind is focused on the meaning of the scripture rather than just the colors.

4. Create an Index

As you fill your Bible journal, it can be hard to find past entries.

• The Blank Page Index: Use one of the blank pages at the front or back of your Bible journal to create an index.
• Color Coding: Use colored tabs on the edge of the pages to categorize entries (e.g., Blue tabs for prayers, Red tabs for attributes of God).

5. Start Simple

Don’t feel pressured to do a full-page painting right away.

• Start by simply emphasizing words in the text with colored pencils (which never bleed).
• Use a ruler to underline key phrases and write a short thought in the margin.
• Build up to paints and markers as you get comfortable with how the paper reacts.

The experience shouldn’t become a chore that you do to simply check off a list. It should be something you enjoy and personal praise and worship practice.

If you would like us to add more Christian journals then please leave a comment below.

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