What Bible journaling is
Bible journaling combines reading scripture with writing, and sometimes drawing, to help you slow down and respond to what you read. The word covers two related practices. One is writing in a notebook: copying verses, recording observations, and writing prayers. The other is marking up a Bible with notes, highlights, or art in the margins. This article focuses mainly on the notebook approach, and notes where the two overlap.
Methods vary by church and author. The steps below are a general routine, followed by several well-known frameworks you can borrow from.
What you need
- A notebook or a journaling Bible with space in the margins.
- A pen, and optionally highlighters or colored pencils.
- A reading plan or a passage to start with. Short passages are easier for beginners than long chapters.
- Five to twenty minutes of quiet.
Is a journaling Bible the same as a regular Bible?
Not exactly. A journaling Bible usually has the same text as a standard edition, but with wide margins or lined space for notes and drawings. A regular Bible can be used for journaling too if you keep a separate notebook.
A simple step-by-step method
- Pray briefly. Many people start by asking for focus and understanding. This is optional, and you can adapt it to your tradition.
- Read the passage slowly, twice. The second reading often reveals details you missed.
- Write the reference and date. Note the book, chapter, and verses, and give the entry a short title.
- Copy out a verse or two. Choose the lines that stand out. Writing them by hand slows you down.
- Observe. Ask what the passage says before asking what it means. Note repeated words, people, actions, and questions you have.
- Consider context. Who is speaking, to whom, and why? A study Bible or reliable commentary can help if you are unsure.
- Apply. Write one or two sentences on how the passage might shape a decision, attitude, or habit this week.
- Respond in prayer. Close with a short written prayer in your own words.
If you have only a few minutes, do steps 3, 4, 7, and 8.
Popular frameworks you can use
SOAP
SOAP, associated with Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Write out the verse, note what you see, reflect on how it applies, and finish with a prayer. It is often recommended for beginners because it is short and easy to remember.
P.E.A.R.L.S.
P.E.A.R.L.S. is a looser, creative-leaning acronym, and the wording of its steps varies by author, so check how your source defines each letter. A typical version moves from reading toward listening: choose a passage, dig into its meaning, add a simple illustration, reflect, pause quietly to listen, and close with a prayer. It is a good fit if you enjoy creative elements.
HEAR
HEAR stands for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. It was developed by Robby Gallaty and Replicate Ministries, and it has a clear four-part layout for each entry. We cover it in depth in our guide to the HEAR journal method.
Other options
- Topical journaling: follow one theme, such as patience or hope, across several passages.
- Verse-by-verse notes: write a sentence about each verse in a short passage.
- Margin art: add small drawings, lettering, or color to illustrate a verse.
You do not have to pick one forever. Try each for a week and keep what helps you pay attention.
How to set up your pages
- Keep a consistent layout, such as a heading line at the top and labeled sections below.
- Leave a few blank lines in each section so you can add thoughts later.
- Consider an index at the back listing passages you have covered.
- If you want to track requests alongside your reading, see our guide to prayer journal setup.
Tips for beginners
- Start with a gospel or a psalm. Shorter units are easier to digest.
- Do not worry about neat handwriting or art. The goal is attention, not display.
- Ask questions. Writing “I do not understand this” is a legitimate observation.
- Be careful with application. Try not to pull a verse out of its context to fit what you already want. Reading the surrounding verses helps.
- Use reliable study resources when you want historical background, and consult your pastor or a trusted teacher on difficult questions.
- Keep the pace gentle. Reading to understand and respond is more useful than reading to complete a schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective method of Bible study?
There is no single answer. Different traditions emphasize different approaches. Many readers find a method that combines reading, observation, application, and prayer sustainable.
What are the “5 P’s” of Bible study?
Different authors use different lists under that name, so there is no single standard. Check how the source defines the terms.
What is the three-question method for Bible study?
It is usually described as asking what the text says, what it means, and how it applies, though wording varies by teacher.
Do I have to draw?
No. Art is optional, and plain writing is just as valid.
For other formats beyond scripture, see our overview of spiritual journal ideas.