A Quick Start to Bible Journaling

New to Bible Journaling? Here are 5 posts to give you a quick start to Bible Journaling, all in one place to make it easy for you!

If you’ve been seeing beautiful Bible journaling pages all over Pinterest and thinking, That looks amazing… but I have no idea where to begin?

You’re not alone.

When I first discovered Bible journaling several years ago, I felt that same mix of excitement and intimidation. I loved the colors, the hand-lettering, the doodles in the margins. I wanted to worship Jesus like that, too.

But if I’m being completely honest, I didn’t think I could.

I hadn’t drawn anything since high school—and even then, I did the bare minimum in art class. I certainly didn’t see myself as “creative.”

Maybe that’s you.

Let me gently tell you something right now: you do not have to be an artist to have a quick start in Bible journaling.

I’m still not an artist in the technical sense. But I have fallen in love with worshiping Jesus through pen, color, and Scripture. And I share that journey inside Jesus Journaling—our Facebook community connected with this blog—because I truly believe this practice can deepen your quiet time in ways you may not expect.

If you’re already creating in your Bible, I would love for you to share what has helped you in the comments. We learn from one another. I’m simply a fellow traveler—still learning, still growing—sharing as I go.

Let’s talk about how you can have your own quick start.

The Secret to a Quick Start: Baby Steps

The key to a quick start in Bible journaling is not talent. It’s not fancy supplies. It’s not a perfect layout.

It’s baby steps.

If you try to create like someone who has been journaling for ten years—or someone who has written a book on lettering—you will likely feel discouraged before you even begin.

Comparison will steal your joy faster than a smudged ink pen.

Instead, begin small. Begin simple. Begin where you are.

Thinking you can’t do this? That’s not allowed here.

Give it a try. Persevere. Let the Lord meet you in the process.

Below are five posts that will give you a true quick start in Bible journaling. Each one teaches something practical and encouraging. Think of them as stepping stones—helping you move from hesitant to confident, one page at a time.

1. Examples of Bible Journaling Art to Get You Started

 When you’re brand new, it helps to see what’s possible.

Looking at simple examples of Bible journaling art can give you a quick start because it removes the mystery. You begin to realize that journaling doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.

When I first started, I hadn’t drawn anything close to “art” since I was a young girl. My early pages were simple—circling words, adding color, maybe a small vine or heart.

And that was enough.

You don’t need to begin with watercolors and layered backgrounds. Try this instead:

• Underline a key phrase.
• Box a promise.
• Add one colored pencil to highlight a word.
• Write a short prayer in the margin.

Start there.

The most important thing to know is this: You can do this.

2. How To Get Started on Your Bible Journal

 Do you want to bring your Quiet Time to the next level?

Bible journaling is not about decorating pages. It’s about recording what the Lord impresses on your heart as you read His Word.

One of the reasons I love journaling is that it slows me down. Instead of rushing through a chapter, I pause. I notice words. I respond in prayer.

If you want a quick start, begin with Scripture writing.

Copy a verse into the margin of your Bible or into a notebook. As you write, ask:

• What does this teach me about God?
• What does this reveal about my heart?
• Is there a promise to believe?
• Is there a command to obey?

There is no right or wrong way to Bible journal.

Your pages don’t have to look like anyone else’s. They simply need to reflect your walk with Jesus.

3. Beginner’s Guide to Your Bible Journal

 If you’re looking for a practical, quick start, this is where structure helps.

For years, I used a simple spiral notebook or a 3-ring binder for my journaling. I didn’t begin inside a special journaling Bible.

You don’t have to either.

A beginner’s approach might look like this:

1. Choose one verse.
2. Write it out.
3. Circle repeated words.
4. Add a short prayer below.
5. Date the page.

That’s it.

Over time, you may add more creativity—lettering styles, color themes, small illustrations. But don’t rush it.

Skill grows naturally when you practice consistently.

What matters most is not how beautiful your page looks—it’s whether your heart is engaging with the Word.

4. Choosing a Bible for Journaling

 Let’s talk about something that can feel intimidating.

Drawing in a Bible.

The first time I put pen to page in a regular Bible (without wide margins), I was nervous. What if I made a mistake? What if I ruined it?

Maybe you’ve felt that too.

If you cannot afford a special journaling Bible right now, please hear me: you do not need one to have a quick start.

• Use the Bible you already own.
• Buy a used one at a thrift store.
• Journal in a notebook.
• Practice in a sketchbook first.

The Bible is meant to be read, studied, loved, and lived—not preserved in perfection.

A few colored notes in the margin will not dishonor God. They may, in fact, become a testimony of how He met you on that page.

5. Learning To Pray Through Bible Journaling

 This may be the most important step in your quick start.

Bible journaling is not just creative expression—it is a conversation with God.

It’s surprisingly easy to get caught up in the artistic side and forget to respond in prayer. I’ve done that more than once.

But when you intentionally turn Scripture into prayer, something shifts.

If a verse speaks of God’s faithfulness, thank Him for it.
If a verse convicts your heart, confess.
If a verse promises hope, ask Him to help you believe it.

Create an atmosphere that invites Him into your journaling time:

• Begin with a simple prayer.
• Play worship music quietly in the background.
• Pause and reflect before adding color.

The goal is not a beautiful page.

Your Quick Start Begins Today

If you’ve been waiting until you feel “artistic enough,” consider this your gentle nudge.

• You don’t need perfection.
• You don’t need expensive supplies.
• You don’t need years of experience.

You simply need a willing heart and a pen.

• Start small.
• Be faithful.
• Let your pages grow as your relationship with Jesus grows.

If you would like encouragement and community as you begin, I would love for you to join us inside Jesus Journaling on Facebook. It’s a place where women share imperfect pages, honest prayers, and the joy of drawing closer to Christ together.

Are you ready for your quick start in Bible journaling?

• Open your Bible.
• Choose one verse.
• Pick up a pen.

And begin!

Do you want a quick start in Bible Journaling? I have shared more about Bible Journaling and would love you to read more!!