How to Start Bible Journaling: A Simple Beginner's Guide

Have you ever opened your Bible, ready to spend some quiet time with God, but wondered where to begin?

Perhaps you've seen beautifully decorated Bible pages, colourful highlights and carefully written notes and thought that Bible journaling looks lovely, but a little overwhelming.

The good news is that Bible journaling doesn't have to be complicated, artistic or perfect.

It's simply a way to slow down, spend time in God's Word and reflect on what you're reading.

Whether you're completely new to Bible study or hoping to build a more consistent quiet-time routine, here are some simple ways to get started.

What Is Bible Journaling?

Bible journaling is a personal way of engaging with Scripture through writing, highlighting, reflecting and sometimes creative expression.

You might:

• Write down a Bible verse that speaks to you.

• Highlight a passage you want to remember.

• Record a prayer or something you're thankful for.

• Use annotation tabs to mark important Scriptures.

• Add a bookmark or Scripture card to encourage you throughout the week.

There is no single correct way to Bible journal. What matters is spending meaningful time with God, not how beautiful your pages look.

1. Start With Just a Few Minutes

You don't need an hour of uninterrupted peace to begin Bible journaling.

Even five or ten minutes can give you an opportunity to pause, pray and reflect.

Choose a time that works for your life. Perhaps it's first thing in the morning with a cup of tea, during a quiet afternoon or just before bed.

Start small and allow your routine to grow naturally.

2. Choose a Bible Passage

If you're unsure where to start, try reading a short passage rather than an entire chapter.

Some encouraging places to begin include:

• Psalm 23 – God's care and guidance.

• Psalm 46:1 – Finding refuge and strength in God.

• Proverbs 3:5–6 – Learning to trust the Lord.

• Philippians 4:6–7 – Bringing worries to God in prayer.

• Lamentations 3:22–23 – Remembering God's faithfulness and mercy.

Read slowly and notice any words or verses that stand out.

3. Try the Read, Reflect and Pray Method

One of the easiest ways to begin Bible journaling is with three simple steps.

Read: Choose a passage of Scripture and read it carefully.

Reflect: Ask yourself what the passage teaches you about God and how it might apply to your life.

Pray: Turn your thoughts into a simple prayer. You can write it in your notebook or speak it quietly.

You don't need complicated questions or lengthy notes. A few meaningful sentences are enough.

4. Keep Your Bible Journaling Supplies Simple

You don't need lots of expensive stationery to begin.

A few useful Bible journaling essentials include:

• A notebook for prayers, reflections and study notes.

• Bible highlighters for meaningful verses.

• Annotation tabs for marking important passages.

• A bookmark to keep your place.

• Scripture cards for daily encouragement.

If you enjoy having a few coordinated accessories together, our Quiet Time Mini Kit – Pastel Edition is a lovely little starting point at £9.99.

For those looking for a more complete collection, our Bible Study Starter Kit includes a notebook, Emergency Bible Guide, pastel highlighters, annotation tabs, bookmark, Scripture cards and faith-inspired accessories.

5. Make Your Journal Personal

Your Bible journal is a place for your own journey with God.

You might write about:

• A verse that encouraged you.

• Something you're praying about.

• A question you have about Scripture.

• A blessing you're thankful for.

• A reminder of God's faithfulness.

You can keep your pages simple or decorate them with stickers and colour. Both are equally meaningful.

6. Don't Worry About Missing a Day

Life gets busy, especially when you're balancing family, work and everyday responsibilities.

If you miss a day or even a whole week, you haven't failed.

Simply open your Bible and begin again.

Bible journaling is not about ticking another task off your list. It's about growing in your relationship with God, one moment at a time.

7. Create a Little Quiet-Time Space

You don't need a dedicated room or a beautiful desk.

A comfortable chair, a quiet corner or a small basket containing your Bible and journaling supplies can be enough.

Keep everything together so it's easy to pick up when you have a few spare minutes.

Sometimes the simplest routines are the easiest to maintain.

A Gentle Reminder

Bible journaling isn't about creating perfect pages or collecting the prettiest supplies.

It's about opening God's Word, listening, learning and making space for Him in everyday life.

Start with what you have. Choose one passage. Write one thought. Say one prayer.

And remember, every small moment spent in Scripture matters.

Looking for a little encouragement to begin?

Explore our Bible Study Accessories collection for Christian bookmarks, Scripture cards, Bible journaling supplies and thoughtful gifts to support your quiet time with God.

With love, Bella Grace Faith 💗