Bible journal: free template, ideas and examples
A Bible journal is a notebook where you write about what you read in Scripture: the passage, what it means, questions you have, and how it applies to your life. Fill in the free Bible journal template below, then print it or save it as a PDF.
My Bible journal
What is a Bible journal?
A Bible journal is any notebook, binder or page where you respond in writing to what you read in the Bible. Some people mean a written study notebook. Others mean a journaling Bible with wide margins where they draw and write next to the verses. Both are Bible journaling.
Writing slows you down. Instead of reading a chapter and forgetting it by lunch, you stop to ask what it says, what it means and what it asks of you. Over months, your Bible journal becomes a record of what God has taught you through His Word.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Psalm 119:11 KJV
How to use this Bible journal template
- Choose a passagePick a short section, 5 to 20 verses. A gospel, a psalm or a short letter like Philippians is a good place to start.
- Read it twiceOnce for the big picture, then slowly to notice details. Write the reference at the top.
- Summarize in your own wordsTwo or three sentences. If you can explain it simply, you understand it.
- Pick a key verseWrite the reference of the verse you most want to remember.
- Look for GodWrite what the passage shows about who God is or what He does.
- Write your questionsNote words or people you want to look up later in a study Bible or dictionary.
- Apply and prayWrite one way you will live this out, then a short prayer. Print the page or keep it here.
Want a shorter method? SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) is explained step by step in how to journal the Bible.
Bible journal examples
A study style page
A short page for a busy day
For more ideas of what real pages look like, see prayer journal examples.
Bible journal ideas
- Read one book start to finish. Mark, James and Ruth are short and great for beginners.
- Verse mapping. Take one verse and write notes around it: key words, cross references, context and a prayer.
- Character study. Pick a person like Ruth, David or Peter and journal on their story over a few weeks.
- Names of God. Study one name each week, like Shepherd, Provider or Rock.
- Promise list. Keep a running page of promises you find, with the reference for each.
- Questions page. Collect questions as you read and write answers when you find them.
- Sermon notes. Journal on Sunday's passage during the week.
- Psalm prayers. Rewrite a psalm as your own prayer.
- Draw a key word. Hand letter or doodle one word from the passage, then write what it means.
- Color coding. Use one color for God's promises, one for commands and one for questions.
- Memory verse card. Copy the key verse onto a card and carry it for a week.
- Map the story. Draw a simple timeline or map of where the events happen.
Creative Bible journaling with art is lovely, but it is optional. Words alone make a full and faithful Bible journal. For art ideas, see art journal ideas.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
What you need to start Bible journaling
- A Bible you can understand. Many people like a translation that reads easily for daily study.
- A notebook, a printed template, or this page on your phone or computer.
- A pen you like, and highlighters if you enjoy color coding.
- Optional: a study Bible or Bible dictionary for your questions.
- Optional: a reading plan, so you always know what to read next.
That is all. You do not need special supplies. For questions to get you writing, see our Bible journal prompts. For kids, try Bible journal questions for kids.
Tips for Bible journaling beginners
- Start small: a few verses a day is better than a whole book once.
- Read the whole chapter around a verse so you do not miss the meaning.
- Ask what it meant to the first readers before asking what it means for you.
- Write the date on every page.
- Do not worry about neat handwriting or pretty pages.
- Look back after a month and notice what God has been teaching you.
Our Android app Prayer Journal for Women has a ready made SOAP Bible study page and a weekly verse with the whole chapter to read, in the KJV or WEB. It is coming soon on Google Play.
Questions people ask
What is a Bible journal?
A Bible journal is a notebook or page where you write about what you read in Scripture. You note the passage, summarize it, write what it shows about God, list questions, and apply it to your life with a prayer. Some people also draw or letter verses in a journaling Bible with wide margins.
How do I start a Bible journal for beginners?
Pick a short book like Mark or James. Each day, read a few verses twice, then fill in a simple page: summary, key verse, what you learn about God, a question, one application and a prayer. The free template above follows that order.
What do you write in a Bible journal?
Write the passage reference, a short summary, a key verse, what it shows about God, any questions, how you will apply it, and a prayer. You can also add cross references, word studies or drawings. Short entries are fine.
Do I need a journaling Bible to Bible journal?
No. A journaling Bible has wide margins for notes and art, but any Bible and any notebook work. Many people prefer a separate notebook so they have more room to write.
What is the difference between a Bible journal and a prayer journal?
A Bible journal focuses on studying and understanding Scripture. A prayer journal focuses on talking to God: thanks, requests and answered prayers. Many people read and journal on the Bible first, then pray on the same page.
Prayer Journal for Women
52 weeks of Bible verses, reflection and prayer. A prayer list, answered prayers and a page for every day.
