Slideshow image

So, maybe you’re like many who have been reading your Bible or daily devotional, and you’ve thought about  trying to go a little deeper…but you think, “Where do I start?” If you’ve heard of Bible journaling, you might imagine beautiful watercolor art or perfectly written prayers, and then you think, “That’s really not me.”

But, maybe you didn’t realize that Bible study journaling isn’t about being artistic, poetic, or perfect. It’s about slowing down, connecting with God, and letting His Word sink in a little deeper each day as you study and journal.

You might be the kind of person who writes everything down, or you might be someone who has never kept a journal in their life. So this is a walk-through of what Bible journaling is, why it matters, and how you can get started in a way that feels natural and meaningful to you.

Why Journal with Your Bible Study or Devotionals?

When we sit down to read scripture or a devotional, it’s easy to just …read it and get on with our day. Life is busy, we’ve got a lot on our minds, and before you know it, we’ve read a whole chapter, and maybe what we just read didn’t really sink in. I find that I retain information better when I write it down. That’s where journaling comes in.

Here’s what journaling does:

  • It helps you slow down. Writing (or drawing, if you are artistically creative) gives your mind space to pause and reflect on what you just read.

  • It turns reading into a conversation.  Instead of just reading about God, journaling invites you to talk to Him through your words, prayers, and thoughts.

  • It tracks your growth. Looking back at past entries can be a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come, what God has taught you, and also the prayers He’s answered.

  • It creates space for honesty. Some days we’re feeling on fire spiritually, other days… not so much. Our journal can hold both our praises and our struggles.

Getting Started – What You Need (and Don’t Need)

Honestly, you don’t need a special journaling Bible or an expensive journaling kit to get started. You probably have everything you need already. You can go for the basics or choose extras to make it fun.

Here’s the basics:

  • A notebook – This can be a fancy journal or a spiral-bound notebook from the dollar store.
  • A pen or pencil – Not complicated.
  • A Bible or devotional – Any version you’re comfortable reading.

Optional items (to be more creative):

  • Highlighters or colored pens
  • Washi tape or stickers
  • Journaling Bible (with wide margins or blank pages to allow for notes or drawings)
  • Sticky notes for prayers or verses to memorize

You don’t have to worry about making it look good— remember this is about connection, not perfection.

Different Bible Study Journaling Methods

Now it’s time to find your journaling style. There’s no one “right” way to journal with your Bible study…just journal the way that fits you best.

Here are 5 ways to approach journaling:

1. Simple Written Reflection

This is the most common and easiest way to start.

After reading a passage or devotion, take a few minutes to write down:

  • What stood out to you
  • How it made you feel
  • What do you think God might be trying to show you

You can also try using the SOAP method:

  • Scripture: Write out the verse that stood out.
  • Observation: What is happening in the verse?
  • Application: How does this apply to your life?
  • Prayer: End with a short prayer.

This method works great if you want a bit of structure.

2.  Art Journaling

If you’re a visual person or just enjoy being creative, art journaling might be for you.

You can:

  • Sketch a symbol or image that represents a verse
  • Use color to reflect the mood of the scripture
  • Add watercolor, stickers, or collage elements

Even if you’re not an artist, that’s not a problem. You might just use stick figures and squiggly lines, whatever way you want to express yourself. The goal is to express, don’t be held back trying to make an impressive journal.

3.  Verse Mapping

This one’s for people who love detail…people who are deep thinkers.

Verse mapping involves breaking down a single verse by:

  • Looking up the original Greek or Hebrew meaning
  • Finding related scriptures
  • Asking deeper questions about the verse’s meaning and context
  • Applying it personally

Think of it like being a Bible detective. It’s great if you want to really dig into the Word and look at it from multiple angles.

4.  Prayer Journaling

This type of journaling is like a conversation between you and God.

  • You can write your prayers as letters
  • Jot down what you’re praying about that day
  • Record any scriptures you’re praying over someone or something

This one can be powerful as you look back and see how God has moved in response to your prayers.

5.  Gratitude or Faith Journaling

Sometimes the simplest practice is the most life-giving.

  • Keep a list of things you’re thankful for, even on hard days
  • Record moments where you’ve seen God show up in unexpected ways
  • Write down small wins in your faith journey

It builds your faith to see the good…even in the middle of the not-so-good.

Creative and Thought-Provoking Bible Journaling Prompts

You don’t have to be “deep” or write pages every day to make journaling meaningful. Sometimes the most powerful moments with God start with a simple, honest question—or a creative challenge that helps you see His Word in a new way.

Here are some prompts to help you slow down, reflect, and connect in ways that feel personal and real. Pick one, give yourself a few quiet minutes, and see where it takes you.

Journaling Prompts for Reflection, Imagination, and Heart Connection

  1. “What would I say if I were sitting across from Jesus today?”
    Write your honest thoughts, fears, doubts, or thanks—just like you would in a conversation with a trusted friend.

  2. “What season of life am I in—and how does that connect to any part of scripture I’ve read today?”
    Think about whether you’re in a season of waiting, growing, pruning, or harvest. How does today’s verse speak into that?

  3. “Where in my life do I feel like I’m in the middle of the storm?”
    Journal about a tough situation, then write what God might be saying to you through a verse like Mark 4:39 ("Peace, be still").

  4. “If I had to draw today’s verse as a scene or movie poster, what would it look like?”
    You don’t have to draw it if you’re artistically challenged (unless you want to!), but imagining scripture visually can give it a new layer of meaning.

  5. “What would my life look like if I fully lived out this verse?”
    Write it out. Visualize it. What habits would change? What fears would lose power?

  6. “Which word or phrase from today’s reading stuck with me—and why?”
    Explore it. Does it challenge you? Encourage you? Stir up something you didn’t expect?

  7. “If I rewrote today’s verse as a text message from God to me, what would it say?”
    Keep it simple and modern. It helps you bring timeless truth into today’s context.

  8. “When have I seen this verse lived out in real life?”
    Maybe through a parent, mentor, or even something you experienced recently. Make it personal.

  9. “What is God teaching me about Himself through this passage?”
    Not just what to do, but who He is. His character is the foundation of trust.

  10. “Is there something I’ve been avoiding in my faith walk?”
    Let scripture shine a soft light on places where you’re stuck, scared, or hesitant to grow.

If you’re new to journaling or just looking for a fresh new way to connect with God, this can help you get started. You don’t need anything fancy—just a notebook and a little quiet time.

Journaling isn’t about being perfect or writing something deep every day. It’s simply a way to pause, reflect, and let God speak to you through His Word.

You can write a sentence, a prayer, a question…or even doodle in the margins. However you do it, God will meet you there.

So, think about it, give it a try. Start small and start simple.