Bible Journaling Notebook Ideas: Find Your Unique Style

January 27, 2025

Finding Your Bible Journaling Style: Creative Notebook Ideas

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. | Psalm 119:105

Bible journaling is a meaningful and personal way to connect with God’s Word, and it can take many forms. If you're feeling unsure about how to get started—or if you're struggling to make journaling a regular habit—you're not alone! Let’s explore some Bible journaling notebook ideas to help you find a style that works for you.

notebook and pens on bright background with Psalm 119:105

Why Use a Notebook for Bible Journaling?

There’s something special about setting aside time to reflect on Scripture. A dedicated notebook can offer a creative and flexible way to deepen that experience. It provides:

Portability:
Study at home or take your journaling anywhere—church, coffee shops, or your favorite quiet spot.
Freedom to Personalize:
Make it your own with layouts, doodles, color coding, or freeform notes.
A Record of Your Spiritual Growth:
Over time, your notebook becomes a beautiful testament to your walk with God to look back on. It’s encouraging to see your growth in Christ over the years.

The psalmist reminds us,

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. | Psalm 119:105

Journaling is one way to focus on and study scripture, letting God’s Word guide your steps.

Bible Journaling Notebook Ideas to Get You Started

Not sure what to include in your journal? Here are five creative approaches:

Verse Mapping Journal

Dive deeper into Scripture by visually breaking down a verse. Write the verse in the center, highlight keywords, and connect them to related scriptures or insights. Use tools like post-it flags or translucent notes from a Bible journaling kit for added organization. We have some blog posts on verse mapping you can check out here.

Prayer Journal

Dedicate pages to recording your prayer requests, answered prayers, and praises. Seeing how God has worked in your life over time is incredibly faith-building.

Sermon Notes Journal

Capture sermon highlights, key scriptures, and personal reflections. For someone like me—who struggles to focus while writing long notes—jotting down brief takeaways in a notebook or the margins of my Bible works wonders.

Thematic Study Journal

Choose a theme like God’s Promises, Faith in Hard Times, or The Fruit of the Spirit and journal all the verses, insights, and prayers related to that topic.

Art Journaling Notebook

If creativity helps you focus, incorporate doodles, calligraphy, or watercolor to express what God’s Word means to you. Even simple designs can make your time in Scripture more memorable.

My Struggle with Traditional Bible Journaling

I’ll admit it: I’ve never been a traditional journaler. I’ve tried taking sermon notes in notebooks, but by the time I finish writing, I’ve lost track of the message. That’s why I keep my notes directly in my Bible—quick thoughts, highlights, and dates in the margins.

But even though I’m not a notebook journaler, I still love the idea of creating something tangible that tracks my spiritual journey. I’ve found that small, intentional steps—like jotting down a verse or highlighting a phrase—make a big impact over time, acting like breadcrumbs along my spiritual journey.

stack of colorful journals with pull quote: "I’ve found that small, intentional steps—like jotting down a verse or highlighting a phrase—make a big impact over time, acting like breadcrumbs along my spiritual journey."

Tips for Personalizing Your Bible Journaling Notebook

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make your notebook uniquely yours:

Start Simple: Don’t worry about making it perfect. Focus on capturing your thoughts and reflections.
Use the Right Tools: A Bible journaling kit with pens, highlighters, and sticky notes can simplify the process.
Add Color: Color-code your notes by theme or mood to make them visually appealing and easier to reference later.
Incorporate Scripture Journals: A set of small notebooks is a great way to organize your thoughts by topic or purpose.

Encouragement for Beginners

If you’re just starting, remember: Bible journaling isn’t about creating a perfect masterpiece—it’s about connecting with God. Even one verse a day can make a difference. As Isaiah tells us,

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. | Isaiah 55:11

Start your journaling journey today! Check out our Scripture Journals—a set of three beautifully designed kraft paper notebooks—or our Bible Journaling Kits, filled with everything you need to get started.

Let’s make time in God’s Word a priority, one notebook page at a time.