Bible Journaling for Beginners: Make God’s Word Come Alive
What is Bible journaling?
Bible journaling is a Bible study method that involves writing, journaling, drawing, sketching, using stickers, Post-it notes, highlighters, and more to engage with God’s Word.
This method is often associated with creating artistic images within the pages of Scripture. However, Bible journaling is not just about drawing or coloring in your Bible.
Bible journaling is a creative and intentional way of engaging with Scripture by combining Bible study, reflection, and artistic expression. It involves writing, drawing, or decorating directly in your Bible—or in a separate journal—as a way to deepen understanding, meditate on God’s Word, and personalize your experience with Scripture.
What are the benefits of Bible journaling?
Similar to the benefits of Scripture writing, physically engaging with God’s Word—whether through writing or creating art—activates multiple senses and areas of the brain. This helps us make deeper connections with what we’re reading.
Bible journaling allows for:
- Increased Retention – Engaging multiple senses while studying Scripture helps the brain retain more of what we read and learn.
- Artistic Expression – Journaling taps into the creative parts of our brains and allows us to connect with God as our Creator. We are made in His image, and when we create, we reflect that.
- Relaxation – Bible journaling naturally slows us down. Unlike quick reading, it requires time and presence, which can promote peace and rest in our busy lives.
- Meditation – Joshua 1:8 reminds us to meditate on God’s Word, not just read it. Bible journaling encourages lingering with a verse or passage so we can carry it with us throughout our day.
- Revelation – The more we dwell on Scripture, the more open we become to God’s voice and the deeper our understanding of His Word grows.
Is it wrong to write or draw in your Bible?
This really comes down to personal conviction.
Nowhere in Scripture does it say that writing or drawing in your Bible is wrong or sinful. That means it’s a matter of interpretation, guided by your heart and the Holy Spirit.
Some feel that marking or decorating Scripture defaces it, and that is a valid perspective. If you share this view, you can still enjoy Bible journaling by using a notebook, journaling pages, or printed-out passages.
Bible Journaling Supplies: What You Need
Like any hobby, you can keep it simple or go all in.
To get started, you’ll need:
- A journaling Bible
- Pens
- Highlighters
- A notebook or Bible study journal
If you want to incorporate art into your journaling, consider:
- Watercolor paints
- Acrylic paints
- Brushes
- Colored pencils
- Stickers
- Washi tape
- Craft heat gun
- Bible journaling printables (for study or tracing)
- Transparent Post-it notes
- Bible tabs
The beauty of Bible journaling is that it can be as creative or as minimal as you want. It’s entirely up to you!
Choosing a Journaling Bible
You can absolutely Bible journal without a journaling Bible if you do not want to write in your Bible. However, You can Bible journal without a journaling Bible—but if you want one designed for note-taking and creativity, there are many great options.
Before choosing, consider:
- Will this be your primary reading Bible?
- What translation do you prefer?
- What kind of journaling will you do (just writing, or art with paints)?
I personally journal in my primary Bible, so I chose a translation I love first (ESV), and then found a journaling Bible in that translation.
If you’re using a separate Bible just for art, translation may matter less.
My Journaling Bible Recommendations
ESV Single Column Journaling Bible
My personal favorite. It has a single-column format with lined margins for notes and journaling. Available in a variety of covers—from simple to beautiful floral designs.
Similar to the ESV version but in the CSB translation. It includes a yearly reading plan. Slightly smaller print but a bit more journaling space.
Features a single-column layout, generous margins, and “comfort print” for easy reading.
Available in NIV or CSB, this spiral-bound Bible was made specifically for art journaling. It’s large, with thick paper and wide margins to handle paint and markers.
There is a wide range of journaling Bibles on the market. Choose the one that best fits your needs and get started!
Ways to Bible Journal
While many choose to create art with the Bible, that is not how I personally Bible journal. At least not primarily. I connect with Scripture by writing and verse-mapping.
If you connect with Scripture by creating art, that is a beautiful way to engage with the Bible. But you don’t have to be artistic to enjoy Bible journaling! There are so many ways to engage creatively with Scripture.
Here are just a few:
- Note-taking or journaling
- Verse mapping
- Highlighting and marking key words
- Drawing
- Hand-lettering
- Painting
- Digital journaling (iPad or other devices)
If you’re looking for art journaling inspiration, Scribbling Grace is a wonderful resource full of tutorials and free printables.
My journaling style focuses on writing, printable pages, and verse mapping—both digitally and on paper.
Bible Journaling Tip
If you’re just starting out or nervous about drawing directly in your Bible, try tracing! Find a verse or image you love, and trace it into your Bible or journal. It’s a great way to gain confidence and grow your skills while still creating something beautiful.
Bible Journaling Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcomplicating the process – You don’t have to be “good” at this to begin. Everyone starts somewhere, and you’ll grow as you go!
- Writing too much and missing the meaning – Remember, the goal is to connect with Scripture. Don’t worry about how much you write. Some days it’ll be a lot, some days a little. That’s okay!
- Prioritizing aesthetics over Scripture – It’s easy to focus on making it look pretty. But our goal is to know God more through His Word. If the visuals ever become a distraction, pause and re-center your heart.
- Worrying about perfection – You will make mistakes. Ink will smudge. Paint may bleed. And that’s all part of the journey. Journal to the Lord, not for Instagram. Mistakes and all, it’s worship.
Final Thoughts
Bible journaling is a beautiful blend of creativity and devotion—a way to slow down, reflect, and truly dwell in God’s Word. Whether you’re doodling in the margins, color-coding your favorite passages, or simply writing a few quiet reflections in a notebook, the goal remains the same: to grow in your relationship with the Lord and let His Word take deep root in your heart.
Remember, there is no “right” way to Bible journal. It’s not about perfection or artistry—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up with your Bible, your pen (or paints!), and an open heart.
So give yourself grace, be willing to explore, and don’t be afraid to start small. Let your Bible journaling journey be one of joy, discovery, and worship.
You don’t have to be an artist to engage deeply with Scripture—you just need to be willing.
I pray this blesses your faith journey!
Are you familiar with Bible journaling? Do you journal or create art? Tell me in the comments!
Your Sister in Christ,
