If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Pinterest, Instagram, or browsing Christian bookstores, you’ve likely seen colorful pages filled with doodles, watercolor designs, and Scripture notes in the margins of open Bibles. This beautiful practice is known as Bible journaling—and it’s so much more than just making your Bible look pretty.
Bible journaling is a creative, personal, and meaningful way to interact with Scripture. It combines art, writing, and worship into a unique devotional practice that draws you deeper into God’s Word.
In this post, we’ll explore what Bible journaling is, why it’s worth trying, and how to get started—no matter your artistic skill level.
What Exactly Is Bible Journaling?
Bible journaling is the practice of writing, drawing, painting, or creatively expressing your thoughts, prayers, and reflections directly in your Bible or in a separate journal as you study Scripture.
It’s a way to visually respond to God’s Word—to pause, reflect, and worship using both your heart and your hands. It can be as simple as writing a short note in the margin or as elaborate as creating an entire page of artwork based on a single verse.
Some people use highlighters and pens. Others use stickers, washi tape, watercolors, or stamps. And some keep their journaling in a separate notebook if they prefer not to write in their Bible. The point isn’t to make something Pinterest-worthy—the point is to connect with God in a way that’s deeply personal.
Why Bible Journaling?
Here are a few powerful reasons why people love Bible journaling:
1. It Slows You Down
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to skim a Bible passage and move on. Bible journaling invites you to pause, to meditate on each word, and to truly consider what God is saying to you.
2. It Helps You Remember
When you visually engage with a verse—through writing or art—you’re more likely to remember it. The act of journaling helps Scripture sink deeper into your heart and mind.
3. It Makes Scripture Personal
Bible journaling allows you to express what a verse means to you, in your life, at this moment. It’s a form of worship and reflection that can be especially meaningful in times of joy, grief, or decision-making.
4. It Invites Creativity into Your Quiet Time
God is the ultimate Creator—and when we use our creativity to honor Him, we reflect His nature. Bible journaling is a beautiful way to worship through art, no matter your skill level.
What Can You Include in Bible Journaling?
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few common elements people include in their Bible journaling practice:
- Verse illustrations – Drawing images that represent the theme of the Scripture
- Prayers – Writing a prayer in response to a passage
- Reflections – Journaling thoughts, questions, or insights
- Word studies – Exploring the meaning of key words in a verse
- Color coding or highlighting – Organizing by theme (grace, sin, hope, etc.)
- Lettering – Writing out a verse in decorative handwriting or calligraphy
- Art and decoration – Using stickers, paint, washi tape, or stamps
Again, Bible journaling is about connection, not perfection. Whether your handwriting is flawless or your stick figures are barely recognizable, God sees your heart.
What Kind of Bible Do You Need?
You can use any Bible for journaling, but there are a few options designed specifically for this purpose:
- Journaling Bibles – These have wide margins (often lined) for note-taking and art
- Interleaved Bibles – Every other page is blank, allowing for full-page journaling
- Separate Notebooks or Sketchbooks – A great choice if you don’t want to write in your Bible
If you’re just getting started, don’t feel pressured to buy something new. Try using a notebook alongside your regular Bible and see what works for you.
How to Start Bible Journaling
If Bible journaling feels intimidating, here’s a simple way to begin:
- Pray – Ask God to speak to you through His Word.
- Read Scripture – Choose a passage or verse to reflect on.
- Reflect – What stands out? What is God saying to you?
- Respond Creatively – Write or draw your response in the margins or in a journal.
You don’t need to fill a whole page or create a masterpiece. Even a small response—like writing out a meaningful verse with a simple flower doodle or a date and a prayer—can be incredibly meaningful.
Bible Journaling Ideas and Prompts
Not sure what to journal about? Here are a few prompts to get you started:
- What does this verse tell me about God?
- How does this Scripture apply to my life today?
- Is there a command to obey or a promise to remember?
- What am I feeling right now, and how does this verse speak into that?
- Can I write this verse as a personal prayer?
Try starting with Psalms, Proverbs, or one of the Gospels—these books are filled with rich verses that are easy to meditate on and journal through.
What If I’m Not Artistic?
That’s okay! You don’t need to be an artist to journal in your Bible.
Bible journaling isn’t about performance or perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about sitting with God and responding to His Word in a way that speaks to your soul. You can stick to writing. You can use stickers or stamps if you’re not comfortable drawing. Or you can just color-code your favorite passages with highlighters.
However you express yourself, Bible journaling is between you and the Lord.
Final Thoughts
Bible journaling is a beautiful way to spend time in God’s Word, to slow down, reflect, and respond creatively to what He’s teaching you. It isn’t about how it looks—it’s about how it draws your heart closer to Jesus.
If you’re looking for a new way to grow in your faith, give Bible journaling a try. Start small, be consistent, and most importantly—make it your own. God loves when we seek Him with both our hearts and our hands.
Let’s Connect!
Do you journal in your Bible? Have you ever wanted to try? I’d love to hear how you connect creatively with Scripture.
Comment below or join me on Instagram @faithandformulas where I share encouragement and Scripture-based content for everyday life and faith.
👉 Question for you: What’s one verse you would love to journal creatively this week?
