Have you ever opened your Bible and felt like jotting down the thoughts, prayers, or feelings that come to your heart? Trust me, you’re not the only one.
That’s exactly how I started my journey into Bible journaling.
At first, I thought it was just about making pages look pretty with hand lettering and colored pencils, but soon I realized it was so much more — it became a way to connect deeply with God’s Word.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through Bible journaling ideas that go beyond just coloring and doodling.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone who has been journaling for years, you’ll find inspiration, practical tips, and creative techniques to make your journaling Bible truly personal.
What Is Bible Journaling?
Bible journaling is a creative way of studying scripture where you combine traditional Bible study with elements of art journaling.
It allows you to visually express your thoughts, prayers, and reflections right in the margins of your Bible or in a separate journal.
Some people love using paints and stickers, while others prefer simple hand lettering of a meaningful Bible verse.
The beauty is, there’s no one right way to do it. It’s about making your time with God personal, reflective, and inspiring.
Why Try Bible Journaling?
Before diving into the practical ideas, here’s why Bible journaling might be worth exploring:
- Deeper Engagement: Writing or drawing helps you meditate on scripture in a focused way.
- Creative Expression: If you love to create beautiful things, journaling allows you to use that gift in your spiritual life.
- Stress Relief: Like an art journal, it can calm your mind and help you slow down in God’s presence.
- Memory Keeper: Your Bible becomes a personal testimony filled with prayers, highlights, and reflections you can look back on.
The Ultimate List of Bible Journaling Ideas
Now let’s dive into the heart of this guide — practical, fun, and spiritual ideas for Bible journaling that you can try today.
1. Verse Highlighting with Colored Pencils
One of the simplest Bible journal ideas is highlighting scripture that stands out to you.
Use colored pencils or highlighters to mark verses by theme — love, faith, prayer, or encouragement. Over time, you’ll create a color-coded guide to scripture.
2. Hand Lettering a Favorite Bible Verse
If you enjoy calligraphy or brush lettering, try writing out a verse in the margins of your journaling Bible. You don’t need to be an artist; even simple block letters can make your page stand out.
3. Illustrated Faith with Doodles and Symbols
Draw small illustrations that represent the verse you’re studying. For example, draw a mustard seed for Matthew 17:20 or a crown for 2 Timothy 4:8. These visual cues will make the passage more memorable.
4. Use Washi Tape and Stickers
Add borders, tabs, or accents with colorful washi tape or faith-based stickers. This adds texture and makes flipping through your Bible a joy.
5. Prayer Journaling Beside Verses
Write short prayers in the margins. If a verse speaks to your current situation, jot down your prayer response. Later, you can look back and see how God answered.
6. Art Journal Style Pages
Go beyond the margins and dedicate a whole page to mixed media. Use watercolor, acrylic paint, or stamping to create beautiful spreads inspired by scripture.
7. Verse Mapping
This is a deeper Bible study technique where you break down a verse word by word, research cross-references, and note personal reflections. Lay it out creatively in your journal with diagrams, arrows, and notes.
8. Gratitude Lists
Dedicate a section of your journaling Bible to gratitude. Each morning, write one blessing alongside a related Bible verse. Over time, this practice deepens thankfulness.
9. Timeline of God’s Faithfulness
Sketch a timeline in your journal where you mark key moments in your life and pair them with scriptures that sustained you. It becomes a personal testimony of God’s goodness.
10. Seasonal Themes
During Advent, Easter, or Thanksgiving, create themed journaling pages around those scriptures. Seasonal entries keep your journaling tied to the rhythm of faith.
Tips for Beginners in Bible Journaling
Starting out can feel intimidating, especially when you see elaborate pages online. But remember: Bible journaling is not about comparison; it’s about connection.
- Start Simple: Begin with colored pencils and one verse.
- Focus on Scripture: The art should enhance, not distract from God’s Word.
- Use a Separate Notebook: If you’re nervous about writing in your Bible, start with a journal instead.
- Find Your Style: Some prefer artistic spreads, others like structured verse mapping. Experiment and see what works for you.
My Personal Experience with Bible Journaling
When I first began, I worried my pages wouldn’t look “Pinterest-perfect.” But as I kept going, I realized the value wasn’t in the art — it was in the time I spent meditating on scripture.
For example, one morning I wrote out Isaiah 41:10 in big bold hand lettering and surrounded it with drawings of open hands.
That page became a constant reminder of God’s promise not to forsake me. Each time I flip back to it, I’m encouraged again.
That’s the beauty of Bible journaling: your pages become a spiritual scrapbook of your walk with God.
Conclusion: Your Journey with Bible Journaling Ideas
Bible journaling isn’t about being artistic — it’s about being intentional.
By using these Bible journaling ideas, you’ll not only create beautiful pages but also deepen your faith, engage with scripture in a new way, and build a lasting record of your spiritual journey.
So grab your journaling Bible, some colored pencils, and maybe a few stickers, and start today. The most important thing isn’t how your pages look, but how they help you grow closer to God.
