For a long time, the Bible felt like a big, serious book, and not like a friend. In fact, it was a huge book that sat on my nightstand looking very important and I asked myself – how to journal the bible. Of course, I knew I should read it. I even tried to.
For instance, I would open it to Psalms, or I would start in Matthew. I would read a few verses, but then my mind would wander. While the words were nice, they felt far away. They certainly did not feel like they were for me, a normal person living a normal week. In short, there was no link between the Bible and my life. Consequently, it felt like a chore I was not very good at.
However, that changed one day at a coffee shop. There, I saw a woman with her Bible open. She also had a simple notebook next to it, and she was just writing. For example, she was not taking notes for a class; instead, she was drawing in the edges.
She also wrote down questions. In fact, her page was full of thoughts. It looked like she was having a talk, not a study time. Indeed, it was a big moment for me. I saw that the goal was not just to read. The goal, instead, was to think about the words, talk back to them, and then let them become part of me. That was the day I started to learn how to journal the bible. As a result, it really changed my faith. This guide, therefore, has what I have learned. I am not an expert. I am just someone who found a new connection to God with a notebook.
Understanding How to Journal the Bible and Its Life-Changing Benefits
Let’s be honest for a moment. The idea of Bible journaling can sound scary. Moreover, it can feel like one more thing you have to do. But it is not like that. At its heart, Bible journaling is just writing down your thoughts about what you read in the Bible. In short, that is all it is. It is like a talk between you and God. And His Word starts the talk.
Think of it this way: when you read the Bible, you listen. Then, when you journal, you answer back. It helps you think about what you heard. In turn, it makes the words part of your real life.
The good things that come from it are huge.
- You Remember More: First of all, do you ever read a chapter and forget it right away? I have, many times. When you write things down, however, you remember them a lot more.
- It Becomes Personal: Also, journaling makes you ask questions. For example, what does this mean for me? How does this help or push me today? Soon, old stories about kings have a lot to do with your own life, your job, and your family.
- It Creates a Faith Story: Finally, your journals are a story of your faith. My journals, for instance, are a story of my faith. I can look at my old notebooks and see the prayers God answered. In them, I also see the hard times He helped me with. Most importantly, I can see how I have grown. It is a real reminder that God is faithful. Learning how to journal the bible is not about making perfect art. Instead, it is about being honest with your heart.
Essential Supplies for How to Journal the Bible
You can go to a store and buy a lot of art supplies. And if you like that, feel free. But you do not need any of that to start. In other words, do not let a fancy picture on the web make you feel like you need to be a great artist.
How to Journal the Bible: Choosing Your First Journaling Bible or Notebook
You have two main choices. And both are good.
- A Journaling Bible: These Bibles have wide, empty space on the sides of the page. This is great because your notes and art are right next to the words. The bad part, however, is that it can be scary to write in a Bible. You also might run out of room.
- A Separate Notebook: This is how I started, so I suggest this a lot. Just get a simple notebook. It can be any kind. A blank page gives you a lot of freedom. Also, you have endless space. If you make a mistake, for example, you just turn the page. Plus, you can take your notebook with you anywhere. A cheap notebook from a store works just fine.
Finding the Best Pens for No-Bleed Bible Journaling
This is one area where you should be a little picky. For instance, Bible pages are thin. A normal pen can leave marks on the other side. Likewise, a cheap gel pen might leak through the page. This can ruin the words on the back.
Therefore, you want a pen with special ink that does not bleed. The best pen for this is the Pigma Micron pen. They come in many tip sizes, but I like the 01 or 03 size. They do not bleed on thin Bible pages. If you want color, Zebra Mildliner highlighters are also very popular. They are gentle on pages, though you should test them in the back of your Bible first. For a great selection, you can explore the beautiful Bible journaling supplies at DaySpring, which is full of inspiration.
A Beginner’s Guide on How to Journal the Bible
Okay, so you have your Bible and a notebook. What is next? A blank page can be scary. Therefore, the best way to start is with a simple plan. It gives you a map so you do not get lost. The most used plan for new people is the S.O.A.P. method.
How to Use the S.O.A.P. Method for Your First Entry
S.O.A.P. stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. In short, it is a very simple plan for your quiet time. This is how it works:
- S – Scripture: First, choose a verse or two. Do not try to do a whole chapter! Start small. Pick a verse that stands out to you. Then, write the verse in your journal. Writing it down helps you slow down. It also helps you see the words in a new way.
- O – Observation: Now, look at the verse you wrote. What does it say? Don’t think about your own life yet. Just look at the words. For example, ask questions like:
- Who wrote this? And who did they write it to?
- What are the main words? Also, are any words used more than once?
- What does this verse show me about God?
- What is the feeling of the verse? For instance, is it a rule, a promise, a warning? Then, write down what you see. For example, “I see that this verse uses the word ‘grace’ three times.” Or, “Paul wrote this from jail. Consequently, that makes his words about joy even stronger.”
- A – Application: This is where you make it for you. Based on what you saw, how does this fit in your life right now? This is the key step in any guide on how to journal the bible. For instance, ask questions like:
- Is there a rule I should follow?
- Is there a wrong thing I need to stop doing?
- How should my thoughts or acts change today because of this? Be clear. For example, do not just say, “I need to be more loving.” Instead, write, “I can be loving to my coworker today. Specifically, I can offer to help her with her work.”
- P – Prayer: Last, make what you wrote into a prayer. Write a short prayer to God. For instance, ask for His help. Thank Him for His promise. It can be simple, like, “God, thank you for this verse on grace. Please help me show that same grace to my family today. Amen.” That’s it. So, you just did your first Bible journal entry. It may take you ten minutes, but it is a very good use of ten minutes.
Explore Different Bible Journaling Methods and Styles
When you feel good with this, you will see that knowing how to journal the bible can be done in many ways. The S.O.A.P. plan is a great start. However, there are many other ways to connect with the Bible on paper. Here are a few more ways to try.
How to Journal the Bible Creatively: Using Art to Connect with Scripture
This is what most people think of. It uses drawing, painting, stickers, and stamps. In short, you make a picture based on the text.
- Who it’s for: This is for people who think in pictures, artists, and anyone who uses art to connect with God.
- How it works: For example, you might read a verse like Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Then you could paint a calm lake in the space on the side of your Bible page. Or you could use stencils to write the word “STILL” in big letters. Indeed, there are no rules. The point is not to make great art for the internet. The point, instead, is to use art to think deeply about the verse.
Deep Dive with Written Bible Journaling
If you like to write more than draw, then this way might be for you. It is less about art and more about deep writing.
- Who it’s for: This method is for writers, deep thinkers, and people who sort out their thoughts by writing them down.
- How it works: For this, you will want a separate notebook. You read a passage. Then you just write. For instance, you might write a few pages on one chapter. You could write the passage in your own words. Or you could write a letter to God and ask hard questions. You could even write a poem. In short, it is a place to have a long talk with God. It can also help you work through hard feelings or big questions.
Combining Analysis and Heart in Your Journaling
How to Do Verse Mapping for In-Depth Bible Study
This is a way to study a verse very closely. In other words, verse mapping is like taking a single verse apart to see all its pieces.
- Who it’s for: This is for people who love to study and want to know the history and meaning of the words.
- How it works: First, pick one verse. Write it at the top of a page. Then start to map it.
- Underline key words.
- Look up those words. For example, what did they mean in the first language? A great free website for this is the Blue Letter Bible’s online study tools, which let you see the original language with a single click.
- Find other verses like it. Where else does the Bible talk about this idea?
- Rewrite it. Next, put the verse in your own words.
- Sum it up. Finally, what is the main point for your life? This way takes more time. However, you can learn a lot about a verse you have read many times.
Gratitude Journaling: Finding Thankfulness in Scripture
This is a simple but strong change of view. Specifically, you look for things to be thankful for.
- Who it’s for: This is for anyone, but it is very helpful when you feel sad or worried.
- How it works: First, read a passage and ask, “What can I thank God for in these words?” You will be amazed at what you find. For example, reading about the world being made? You can thank God for its beauty. Reading a hard law? You can thank God that He is holy and that He made a way for us to be with Him. In short, you just make a list of all the things you are thankful for. It helps your heart see God’s goodness all around.
Common Bible Journaling Problems and How to Solve Them
At some point, you will feel stuck. In fact, everyone who learns how to journal the bible does. The fun wears off, and then it feels like a chore. Knowing this is normal helps a lot.
Bible Journaling for Non-Artists: Tips for Getting Creative
I hear this all the time. But your journal is for God, not for other people. He is not judging your art. Instead, He is looking at your heart. If you want to use art but feel stuck, then start small.
- First, use a sticker.
- Next, write a key word in bubble letters.
- Also, color a verse with three different highlighters. It is about connecting with God, not about making perfect art. So, the goal of this guide on how to journal the bible is connection, not comparison.
How to Find Time for Bible Journaling in a Busy Schedule
Life is full. I know. But we make time for what we care about. The good news is that learning how to journal the bible does not have to take a long time. For example, can you find 10 minutes? I bet you can. A 10-minute entry is much better than no entry. In other words, do not let the idea of a “perfect” quiet time stop you from having a “good enough” one. Some days, for instance, I just write a Bible one verse and a one-line prayer. It still counts. And it still helps my heart connect to God.
What to Write How to Journal the Bible
Sometimes you may feel blocked. For instance, a passage might not seem to say anything to you. That is okay. So, here are some questions to ask when you feel stuck:
- First, what does this verse make me wonder?
- Also, what is the most confusing part of this verse?
- Then, if I had to explain this verse to a kid, what would I say?
- Next, who I know needs to hear the truth in this verse?
- Finally, how does this verse connect to my life right now?
Making Your Bible Journal a Testimony of Your Faith Journey
In the end, all these plans and tools are just that—tools. They are there to help you with the one true goal: a deeper, more real friendship with God. The perfect journal does not exist. The perfect plan, therefore, is the one you will actually do.
Your journal will become a special belonging. Indeed, it will tell your story. A consistent practice of how to journal the bible will create a record of your questions, your “aha!” moments, your tears, and your joys. In short, it will be a real story of your walk with God. For solid, faith-based articles and resources that can help your study time, I suggest reading the gospel-centered resources from The Gospel Coalition.
So please, be kind to yourself. Start small. And let it be messy. Do not compare your notebook to others. Just open the Bible, open your heart, and let the talk begin. Ultimately, the life-changing method of learning how to journal the bible is simply to start.
FAQ – How to Journal the Bible
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1. What is Bible journaling?
Bible journaling is a fun way to study the Bible. You can write, draw, or make art about what you read. You can do this in a special Bible with wide edges or in a notebook. This helps you think about what the words mean. It also helps you remember what you learn. Your Bible can become a special book about your faith.
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2. What supplies do I need to start?
You do not need much to start. You just need a Bible and a pen. A journaling Bible is great because it has wide edges for notes and art. You can use colored pencils for color. Special pens and markers that do not bleed through the thin pages also work well. You can use stickers or stamps, too. Start with what you have. You can get more things later.
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3. I'm not an artist. Can I still do it?
Yes, you can! You do not need to be an artist. Your journal is for you and your faith. It does not have to be perfect art. You can just write your thoughts or prayers. You can write down verses you like. You can use stencils or stickers to add pictures. The main goal is to think about the message. Do not worry about how good your art is.
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4. What should I write or draw in my journal?
Write or draw about what a verse makes you feel. You can write down a key word you see. You can write a prayer or a question. You can write how a verse fits your life. For art, you can draw a simple picture. For a verse on growth, draw a flower. For a verse on love, draw a heart. Let the Bible's words spark your ideas.
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5. How do I find the right Bible for journaling?
Find a Bible made for journaling. These Bibles have wide edges on the pages. This gives you room to write and draw. The paper is also a bit thicker. This stops ink from going through the page. You can find them in many versions, like the NIV, ESV, or NLT. It helps to look at them in a store. You can see which one you like best.
