How to Start Bible Journaling: 7 Simple Ideas for Beginners

Have you seen the beautiful, creative pages of a journaling Bible and thought, "I could never do that"? It's a common feeling. But the secret to Bible journaling is that it's not about being an artist—it's about engaging with God's Word in a personal and meaningful way.

Bible journaling is simply the act of responding to Scripture in the margins of your Bible.

It's a powerful way to slow down, meditate on the text, and create a lasting record of your faith journey. If you've been wanting to start but feel a little intimidated, you're in the right place.

This guide will walk you through seven simple, practical ideas to help any beginner start Bible journaling today.

To start Bible journaling, beginners can use simple methods like underlining key verses, writing down personal prayers or questions in the margins, using symbols to track themes, or adding colour with Bible-safe highlighters in a wide-margin Bible.

1. Start with a Single Verse

You don't need to journal an entire chapter. Find a single verse that stands out to you during your reading. Write it out in the margin in your own handwriting, and then add a single sentence about why it's meaningful to you today. This is the simplest and most powerful way to begin.

2. Write Down Your Questions

It's okay to have questions when you read the Bible! Use the margins as a space to ask them. Next to a confusing passage, simply write, "Lord, what does this mean?" or "How does this apply to my life?" This turns your Bible reading into an active dialogue with God.

3. Use Simple Symbols (The Note-Taker's Method)

You don't need to draw. Develop a simple key for yourself. For example:

• A lightbulb 💡 next to a new insight.
• A heart ❤️ next to a verse about God's love.
• A question mark ❓ next to something you're pondering.
• A prayer hands 🙏 emoji or drawing next to a verse that prompts you to pray. This is a quick and easy way to categorise your thoughts as you read.

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Psalms - ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal

Before investing in a full Bible, individual books in a journaling edition are a great way to dip your toe into journaling. I've chosen Psalms for its poetic language and visual inspiration, but you can pick any book from the Bible to get started with. Shop Now

4. Highlight with Purpose (Colour-Coding)

Choose a few colours of Bible-safe highlighters (which won't bleed through the page) and assign each one a theme. For example:

• Yellow: Verses about God's promises.
• Pink: Verses about God's love and character.
• Blue: Commands or instructions to follow.
• Green: Verses about new life and growth. This adds colour to your page while helping you identify key themes.

5. Write a Prayer

Use the space at the bottom or side of a page to write a short, simple prayer in response to what you've just read. It could be a prayer of thanks, a plea for help, or a commitment to act on the Word. This makes your reading a direct act of worship.

6. Add a Sticker or Washi Tape

If you're not confident with drawing, stickers or washi tape are a fantastic way to add visual beauty. Place a sticker with a word like "Faith," "Hope," or "Grace" next to a relevant verse, or use a strip of washi tape to mark a particularly meaningful page.

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7. Focus on One Word

Read through a chapter and find a single word that jumps out at you (e.g., "Peace," "Light," "Strength"). Write that word in the margin in a style you like—it could be simple block letters or your best cursive. Then, spend a moment reflecting on why that word stood out.

Your Journey, Your Style

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this. Your journaling Bible is a personal space for your walk with God. Start with one of these simple ideas, and you'll soon find that engaging with Scripture creatively will deepen your faith in ways you never expected.

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