31 Simple Bible Journaling Ideas (with free Printable)
You may be interested in getting started on your very own Bible journaling, but you can’t seem to get past the idea that you lack the creativity and inspiration to do so? Bible journaling is not about how beautiful your artwork turns out on your Bible’s pages, it’s about drawing closer to the heart of God in a new and creative way. After all, you were created in the image of God, whose wonderful and imaginative mind created everything. I’m going to teach you some easy and simple bible journaling ideas.
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Bible Journaling Ideas
Somewhere way down deep inside of you He’s given you a creative side that may just need time to develop. That means even if you’ve never considered yourself to be an artistic person, you can Bible journal too! Here are easy and simple Bible journaling ideas for you to get started.
1. Drawing Over the Entire Page
There are those rare few out there that take their Bible journaling very seriously, filling up their entire page with Bible art. This may seem a bit strange for you if you’re first starting out with Bible journaling. Typically they find a verse of scripture that stands out to them and highlight it in some fashion, and then work their art around the rest of the page. For those of you that have other study Bibles that you can rely on and feel comfortable drawing over entire pages with this creative process, feel free to do so.
2. Drawing in the Margins
Some of you out there had a difficult time reading that last paragraph. You may even have found yourself tensing up and biting your fingernails at just the thought of it. Listen up, this section is for you. For those of you that hate the thought of covering up any of the words in your study Bible, drawing in the margins will make the most sense for you.
You won’t have as much room to work with as you would drawing over an entire page, but if you consider purchasing a journaling Bible, you’ll have more margin to work with than the Bible that you are currently using. When drawing in the margins you’ll still be able to get plenty creative while using colors, dies, stickers, highlighters, and pens, and also the comfort of being able to still read your study Bible.
3. Drawing with Translucent Paper
Maybe drawing over the entire page sounds like an entertaining thought to you but you still don’t feel completely good about it? Translucent paper will allow you to cover your pages with beautiful artwork and you won’t have to worry about any of the words from becoming not legible. You’ll be able to work with watercolor, transparent paints, highlighters, colored pencils, or any form of medium you would like to use.
4. Start Simple
It can be pretty intimidating when you’re first starting out with Bible journaling, because you’re afraid that you will mess up your Bible. Here’s a little truthful reminder. You won’t! But I do encourage you to start out simple and go from there. Read a particular passage and draw the first thought that comes to your mind.
- Do you enjoy flowers? Learn easy ways to draw a few flowers on your Bible pages.
- Doodle in a butterfly while using a pen and then go back using watercolors or crayons to brighten with gorgeous colors.
- Drawing a cross, an ark, the Earth, the sun, and the stars are all Bible-themed drawings that aren’t too complicated to do. But what happens when you want to draw a particular Bible character? Yikes, that sounds too difficult.
- As cheesy as it sounds, here’s how you can easily draw realistic stick figures that you can add color to later.
5. Scripture Writing
Writing out scripture is not only artsy and fun to look back on, but it’s a great way to memorize scripture and allow God’s power to live inside of us. It’s taking the time to listen to what God’s word is teaching us and an opportunity for us to reflect and pray on those verses, while at the same time, applying it to our lives.
It’s also a chance for many of us to continue practicing your beautiful cursive writing skills that we may not have used for quite some time. There’s also the option of scripture writing in your notebooks that you can quickly look back on when you need to. This is one of my favorite easy and simple bible journaling ideas.
6. Change Up Your Font
As you continue with scripture writing and come across keywords that really stuck out to you, don’t be afraid to change up your font on them when you rewrite the verse off in the margin. Whether you do this by blowing them up a smidge, making them all uppercase or a different color. Whatever it takes to grab your attention and make it stand out more the next time you return to those pages.
7. It’s in the Color
I’ve already exhausted you with the idea that you don’t have to be an artist to have Bible journal ideas that turns out amazing. So even if you are still hesitant to draw characters and artwork into your Bible, adding plenty of colors will still add a fabulous touch to it. I’d encourage you to try getting your hands on any number of these Prismacolor pencils or Pigma micron pens that will add creativity and beauty to your Bible.
8. Illustrate your favorite bible verse
Bible journaling is a great way to get closer to God and grow your faith. If you’re looking for some inspiration, you could write out a single bible verse and illustrate it with pictures or captions. Add color details to the picture to illustrate what the verse means to you.
9. Draw or paint a picture of a biblical scene that speaks to you.
To do this, there are many resources such as bible journaling templates you could use if you aren’t good at drawing. Templates will give you many creative bible Journaling ideas.
10. Write out a prayer or petition to God.
Pray before you start journaling . Ask God to guide your hand as you express yourself through art . Whether it’s thanksgiving , petition , or simply praise , take some time to connect with God before getting started .
11, Track your spiritual growth journey by date.
This is a type of bible Journaling that would allow you to document your spiritual growth from your point of salvation to present.
12. Document answered prayers.
A prayer Journal is perfect for this, and it would be fun to add art and drawings to your prayer Journal.
13. List things you’re thankful for.
You could illustrate each thing you are grateful or make a list and be creative with the illustrations. And a gratitude Journal would be helpful to document what yo are thankful for.
14. Record your weekly sermon notes.
You can reinforce learning from your sermon notes by illustrating them during the week.
15. Brainstorm ways to serve others in your community and illustrate those in your bible journal.
Document and implement your service to others. This would also be an encouragement to those in your family.
16. Write down quotes from Christian books or podcasts that resonate with you.
Are you looking for a fun and creative way to connect with God? Bible journaling is a unique form of artistic expression that allows you to create beautiful artwork while also reflecting on God’s word. Journaling from Christian books or podcasts would reinforce what you learn from them.
17. Decorate the pages of your bible with washi tape, stickers, or other pretty embellishments.
Add doodles or embellishments . Doodling is a great way to add personality to your pages . And there’s no need to be an artist ; simple doodles will do just fine ! You can also add washi tape , stickers , or other embellishments if that’s more your style .
18. Pick a theme or book of the Bible to focus on.
This will help you narrow down your options and give you a starting point for your journaling. For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety, you could focus on journaling the Psalms. Or, if you’re going through a tough time in your life, the book of Job might provide some comfort and guidance. There are no wrong answers here – just choose whatever speaks to you in the moment.
19. Illustrate the story in the Bible that has great meaning to you.
This is a great way to personalize the Bible story that impacted your life and make it your own. When you look back on your artwork, it will help you remember specific scriptures that were meaningful to you at different points in your life.
20. Illustrate an entire book of the Bible.
Use colors and patterns to reflect your mood. If you’re feeling happy and joyful, use bright colors and patterns in your journaling. If you’re feeling sad or anxious, opt for more subdued hues. The important thing is to be creative and expressive – there are no wrong answers!
21. Use nature as inspiration.
Spend some time outside observing God’s creation – the trees, the flowers, the clouds – and then incorporate what you see into your journaling. This is a great way to connect with nature and God at the same time.
22. Turn to popular culture for inspiration.
Whether it’s a movie, TV show, album, or book, there’s always something out there that can provide inspiration for your journaling practice. Just be sure to approach your bible journaling ideas from a place of reverence and respect.
23. Try out different mediums.
If you typically use markers or colored pencils, why not try painting or even collage? Mixing up your medium can help freshen up your journaling practice and allow you to explore different artistic styles.
24. Get personal.
Don’t be afraid to journal about your own thoughts and feelings – this is YOUR Bible journal after all! Write about what’s going on in your life and how scripture applies to your current situation. This is a great way to process tough times and grow closer to God in the process.
25. Journal with someone else.
Bible journaling doesn’t have to be a solo activity ! Find a friend or family member who also wants to try it out , andjournal together . This is a great way to connect with loved ones while also deepening your faith .
26. Write down your worries.
Bible journaling is a great way to deepen your relationship with God and grow your faith. With so many different ways to approach it, writing down and illustrating your worries would allow you to visually give your biggest concerns to God.
27. Journal with your spouse.
You might want to spend an evening with your spouse and pray for your family. You could also illustrate prayers of protection over your kids.
28. Using Journaling Templates
There are so many journaling templates available to use either in your bible or in a separate journals.
29. Journal in a Hymnal
A collectible hymnal would be the perfect place for your writing and illustrated art.
30. Journal your favorite praise and worship song.
Writing out the words to classic hymns and drawing an illustration about them in either a hymnal, a journal, or your journaling bible.
31. Illustrate and Journal with only pictures or drawings.
Bible journaling is a fun and creative way to connect with scripture while also expressing yourself artistically. If you’re feeling stuck, try one of these 31 ideas next time you sit down to journal. And don’t forget – there are no wrong answers when it comes to Bible journaling! Just have fun, worship, and let the creativity flow!
Do You Still Need Inspiration?
We have mentioned 31 fun bible journaling ideas to get you started. You don’t have to be Michaelangelo or Picasso to get started on your Bible journaling. Anyone can do it. Hopefully, you found some of these ideas helpful and put your mind more at ease and comfortable with taking off on your journey towards a deeper relationship with Jesus.
