Bible Journaling for Beginners: A Simple + Creative Way to Dive into God’s Word

If you’ve ever felt the tug to start Bible journaling but had no clue where to begin—what tools to use, how to organize your notes, or even if it’s okay to write in your Bible—you’re in the right place.

Bible journaling is a beautiful way to slow down, reflect, and interact with Scripture in a personal and creative way. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone who just wants to jot down thoughts from your quiet time, Bible journaling can be adapted to fit you. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to start, plus our favorite tools to help you along the way—all Bible-safe, beginner-friendly, and from Mr. Pen.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Let’s start with the essentials. Here are a few of our favorite Mr. Pen tools that are perfect for Bible journaling:

• Bible-Safe Highlighters – Our non-bleed chisel highlighters are a game-changer. Highlight verses without worrying about them bleeding through those delicate Bible pages.

• Fine Line Bible Pens – These come with our sticky note packs and are perfect for note-taking, underlining, and adding small doodles or dates.

• Transparent Sticky Notes – Great for jotting down thoughts without writing directly on the page. Bonus: they’re removable!

• Washi Tape – While not essential, it adds a fun, decorative touch. We love using it to create bookmarks or tape in memory verse cards.

• Bible Journaling Journal – Not ready to write in your Bible? No problem! Our journaling notebook includes Scripture prompts, reflection questions, a place to mark dates, and space for your thoughts—without ever touching the pages of your Bible.

Step 2: Start with the Word

Pick a passage or verse that speaks to you. Begin by reading slowly and intentionally. There’s no rush—this is your time with the Lord.

• Highlight keywords or phrases that stand out.

• Choose a color scheme ahead of time for a cohesive look.

• Underline or circle important words to help you meditate and focus.

• Don’t feel pressure to highlight the entire verse—just the pieces that speak to your heart.

Step 3: Reflect + Respond

This is where journaling truly comes to life. Let your thoughts flow onto the page:

• Write down what the verse means to you.

• Record any revelation you receive during your reading.

• Use bullet points, doodles, or even short prayers.

Remember: It’s not about being artistic—it’s about being intentional.

Step 4: Make It Your Own

Ready to have a little fun? Add creative elements that reflect your personality and faith journey:

• Use washi tape to make DIY bookmarks.

• Add in Scripture memory cards with verses you want to treasure.

• Use sticky notes for temporary thoughts, questions, or prayers.

• Decorate with soft colors and patterns that bring you joy.

We love using fall-themed washi for this time of year, or switching it up for seasons and holidays. There's no right or wrong way to decorate your journaling pages—it’s completely yours.

Bonus Tools We Love

• Bible Reading Tracker – Highlight which books you've read so you can see your journey through Scripture at a glance.

• To-Do List + Planner Pages – These keep your journaling time organized, especially helpful for daily or weekly quiet time routines.

• Thankfulness Section – Cultivate a grateful heart by noting what you're thankful for. Gratitude prepares the heart for even more blessing!

Final Thoughts

Bible journaling is a beautiful practice—whether you’re artistic or not. It’s not about perfection. It’s about meeting with God, meditating on His Word, and hiding it in your heart.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start… this is it. You don’t need to be “good” at journaling. You just need a willing heart and a few simple tools to get started.

Explore all our Bible journaling tools here and begin your journey today. Whether you’re highlighting, doodling, or writing down your prayers, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.