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How to Use a Journaling Bible for Creative Prayer

Discover how journaling Bibles transform your quiet time through art and reflection. Shop at Eden.co.uk with free UK delivery on orders over £10.

By The Editor
BibleJournaling

Do you ever find yourself reading a chapter of the Bible, only to realise five minutes later that you cannot remember a single word? Many of us approach our daily devotions with the best intentions. We open the text, follow a plan, and yet the message feels distant or dry.

It is easy to feel like a "bad Christian" when our minds wander. We might worry that we are just going through the motions. This frustration often leads us to leave our Bibles on the bedside table, gathering dust, whilst we look for inspiration elsewhere.

The good news is that your brain might simply need a more active way to engage. By using Journaling Bibles, you can turn your reading into a creative conversation with God.

What is a Journaling Bible?

A journaling Bible is designed with extra-wide margins. Unlike standard editions, these pages give you room to breathe. They invite you to interact with the text directly on the page.

For many, these margins become a space for:

  • Writing out prayers in response to a verse.
  • Doodling or illustrating a specific image from a parable.
  • Summarising what a passage means for your life today.
  • Lettering a key phrase to help with memory.

Finding the Right Edition for Your Journey

If you want to start this practice, the NLT Every Woman’s Bible Journaling Edition is a thoughtful choice. It features a beautiful seafoam blue cover that feels special in your hands.

This edition is specifically crafted for women. It includes character profiles and study notes that highlight the experiences of women throughout Scripture. It is far from a standard Study Bible; it is a space for personal growth.

Why the NLT Translation Works for Reflection

Choosing the right translation is vital for creative meditation. The New Living Translation (NLT) is one of the most popular Easy to Read Bibles available today.

Whilst some translations focus on word-for-word accuracy, the NLT prioritises clarity. It uses modern, natural English that reads like a letter from a friend. This makes it much easier to meditate on the meaning of a verse without getting stuck on archaic language. If you are a Growing Christian or someone who finds the KJV a bit stiff, the NLT Bibles offer a refreshing change of pace.

Combining Paper with Technology

One of the cleverest features of the Every Woman’s Bible is its "Filament" capability.

You might wonder, Does a journaling Bible have enough room for deep study? Often, the answer is no—the margins take up the space where study notes usually live. However, this edition uses the Filament app.

You simply scan the page with your phone or tablet. Immediately, you get access to:

  1. In-depth study notes.
  2. Devotional videos.
  3. Worship music related to the passage.
  4. Detailed maps and charts.

This allows the physical page to remain clean and ready for your own creativity, whilst giving you all the tools of a heavy reference book.

Practical Tips for Creative Prayer

How do you actually begin? You do not need to be a professional artist to enjoy Women's Bibles designed for journaling.

  • Highlight with Purpose: Use a soft coloured pencil to underline verses that stir your heart.
  • The "Date and Note" Method: Write the date in the margin next to a verse and a one-sentence prayer about a current situation in your life.
  • Use the Index: The seafoam blue edition features thumb indexing. This helps you find books quickly, so you spend less time searching and more time reflecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Reading Scripture should be a life-giving habit, not a chore. By using a journaling Bible, you create a physical record of your walk with God. You can look back in years to come and see exactly how He spoke to you through his word.

Whether you are writing notes or sketching prayers, the goal is to spend time in the presence of God. At Eden, we are proud to be a UK-based Christian shop helping you find the right tools for your journey. Explore our full range of All Bibles today, and remember that we offer free UK delivery on all orders over £10.


If you aren’t sure which Bible to get, there are a few ways we can help.

  1. Try the Bible Finder: We’ve put together a simple way to filter down to the perfect Bible for you. Just choose a translation, pick the features you want and select a comfortable text size. You can try the Bible Finder here.
  2. Read more from the Blog: We are always adding new guides, insights and articles that explore ways of understanding the different Bibles available today, as well as how to make your decision. Read our Bible posts today
  3. Read our Book: Over the years, we’ve explored hundreds of topics and questions about knowing which Bible to get. We’ve compiled all that information into an easy-to-read eBook that is completely free to download. Download our book “How to Choose Your Bible” today.