5 Easy Tips To Start A Beautiful Bible Journal

Getting into a Bible journaling habit always sounds like a great thing to do, but sometimes you just have no idea where to start. I’ve thankfully gotten into the habit of journaling, and it really does feel amazing! Starting a Bible journaling routine can be a beautiful way to deepen your faith, reflect creatively, and make Scripture feel personal and alive. I’ll share some tips to help you start your own Bible journaling routine, today!

What Is Bible Journaling?

Bible journaling is when you don’t just read the Bible, but you take time to creatively reflect on the passages you read. It helps you slow down and digest what you’re reading. Sometimes we can read through Scripture without fully retaining what we just read. I know I’ve done that! Writing out paraphrased parts of scripture, drawing and coloring pictures that represent a verse, or even just highlighting passages that stand out are all ways to help you really connect with what you’re reading.

Why Is Bible Journaling Good?

Bible journaling is great for the reasons I’ve already mentioned above, plus:

• it helps you refer back to key verses in your Bible if they’re highlighted
• you feel a deeper connection with God and your faith
• it motivates you to keep reading your Bible
• you can make it a family thing and get the kids involved

There are so many reasons to journal in your Bible. It’s refreshing, inspiring, and honestly- it’s fun!

Is A Journaling Bible The Same As A Regular Bible?

A journaling Bible still has all the books of the Bible and has various versions. The main differences are how the journaling Bible is set up. They will have:

• thicker pages for doodling and coloring
• lines on the edges of the page for writing notes
• pictures or verses written artistically, so you can color them

Other than the added artistic features, a journaling Bible is almost the same as a regular Bible.

5 Tips To Start A Bible Journaling Routine Today

Now that you’re more familiar with what Bible journaling is, here are some tips to start you on your own Bible journaling routine. It’s a lot easier than you think, I promise!

1. Find a Journaling Bible You Like

Journaling Bibles come in all shapes and sizes. I’d recommend one that speaks to your creative side, makes you feel inspired or excited to open it each day, and is in the translation/version you want. I personally use the My Creative Bible for my journaling Bible. It has lines on the sides of each page for notes and cute images and verses to color throughout.

2. Find A Daily Reading Plan

Part of what makes Bible journaling hard is not knowing where to start with the actual Scripture. I like to use a reading plan to guide me on what to read each day. I highlight verses from the reading plan and color whatever relevant images in my journaling Bible, and when applicable, I write my thoughts and feelings on the empty lines next to each verse.

Having a daily reading plan takes the hassle and guesswork out of figuring out what to read when you open your Bible each day. Keep reading to find out what daily reading plan I use! And if you’re looking for a kid’s reading plan, check out this post.

3. Grab Journaling Supplies

You don’t have to go crazy with journaling supplies! Here are the essentials:

• Journaling Bible (of course)
• Bible highlighters
• Colored penciles
• Pen

With those things, you’ll be a journaling pro in no time. I do recommended highlighters that are meant for the thin pages that are in Bibles, like these highlighters.

4. Stay Consistent

You already know that when you wake up each morning, you’re going to brush your teeth, or at least I hope you do! Reading your Bible should have the same consistency in your life. Whether it’s after breakfast, during your lunch break, or in the car pickup line, staying consistent with opening your Bible and journaling will do wonders.

Reading and journaling at around the same time each day will help you stay consistent! Try dedicating 15 minutes when you first wakeup each morning to reading your Bible and journaling.

5. Reflect, Don’t Just Color

Coloring is soothing and can create an aesthetic vibe for your Bible, but that is not the goal. The goal is to mull over the scripture you read and let it come into your heart. While you color, try these steps:

• repeat back what you read but in your own words
• say a prayer relevant to what you read
• think about how you can apply what you read to your own life

Bonus Tip: Start With A Prayer

Before I even open my Bible, I say a prayer. This helps to get my mind and heart into an intentional mood, and to be welcoming to what God may be trying to say to me. Here’s the simple opening prayer I say-

“Dear God, thank You for allowing me another day to be in Your presence. Please let the Holy Spirit guide me as I read to have Your understanding and not my own. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

It’s short, simple, yet powerful enough to prepare my heart for what lies in the pages ahead.

Start Your Bible Journaling Today

I hope this helps you start your own beautiful journey into Bible journaling! It’s a powerful and exciting thing to do. What’s even better is you’re setting an example for your kids, spouse, siblings, whoever! Don’t give up if the first few days feel weird or uncomfortable. Just keep going and enjoy the journey.

I personally use this beautiful 52-Week Daily Bible Journaling Plan to keep me on track with reading the Bible every day. I’m on week 9 and feel amazing. Use the link below to grab your own copy!

I pray you have a successful Bible journaling experience. Feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own. There are no wrong answers when it comes to journaling!