How to Start Bible Journaling as a Daily Spiritual Practice

Bible journaling is more than writing notes in the margins—it's a powerful spiritual discipline that helps you connect deeply with God's Word. Whether you're brand new to Christian journaling or looking to make it a daily habit, this guide will walk you through how to start Bible journaling in a way that nurtures your faith, strengthens your prayer life, and brings peace to your soul.

If you’ve ever asked, “How do I start Bible journaling?” or felt unsure what to write, you’re not alone. This sacred practice invites you to meet with God personally, every single day. As James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

What Is Bible Journaling?

Bible journaling is the practice of writing your reflections, prayers, and personal responses to scripture. It’s a quiet form of worship that engages both your heart and mind. You can use a blank notebook, a journaling Bible with wide margins, or a digital tool like HolyJot, which allows you to journal alongside daily scripture, track your spiritual journey, and join live Bible journaling groups.

At its core, Bible journaling isn’t about being creative—it’s about being connected. Whether you’re jotting down insights or pouring out your heart, you’re spending quality time with your Creator. As Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Benefits of a Daily Bible Journaling Routine

Establishing a daily Bible journaling routine helps you remain spiritually grounded in a busy and often chaotic world. Just 10 to 15 minutes a day can:

• Deepen your understanding of scripture
• Quiet your anxious thoughts through God’s promises
• Help you track answered prayers and spiritual growth
• Encourage gratitude, humility, and confession
• Strengthen your identity in Christ

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Bible journaling is one of the best ways to do exactly that.

For more on managing anxiety through scripture, explore our article on What the Bible Says About Anxiety: Verses to Calm Your Mind and Journal Prompts to Reflect.

How to Start Bible Journaling Step-by-Step

Choose Your Time and Place
Find a consistent time each day when you can be still—whether it's early in the morning, on your lunch break, or before bed. Jesus Himself modeled this in Mark 1:35: “Very early in the morning… Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

Choose Your Tools
You don’t need much to get started:

• A Bible (any translation you understand well)
• A lined or blank journal—or a journaling Bible
• Pens, highlighters, or stickers if you enjoy visual journaling
• Or a digital journaling app like HolyJot

Choose a Starting Point
If you’re not sure where to begin, try:

• Reading a Psalm a day
• Following a reading plan (many are built into HolyJot)
• Studying the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
• Choosing a theme like peace, forgiveness, or identity in Christ

Read and Reflect
Start by reading a short passage slowly. Let it soak in. Ask questions like:

• What is God saying here?
• What verse stands out to me?
• How does this apply to my current life?

This is a great moment to pause and reflect on verses like Psalm 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.”

Write and Pray
Now write. Don’t overthink it. Just be honest and real with God. Your entry could include:

• Reflections on the scripture
• A prayer
• A personal confession
• A gratitude list
• Or simply your current emotions

You might close your journal time with a verse like Lamentations 3:22–23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases… great is Your faithfulness.”

For additional guidance, check out our Bible Journaling for Beginners: What You Need, How to Start, and What to Write.

What to Write in Your Bible Journal

Don’t know what to write? Use the SOAP method:

• Scripture: Write out the verse that stood out
• Observation: What’s happening in the verse?
• Application: How does this apply to your life today?
• Prayer: Turn your thoughts into a prayer

Here’s an example:

Verse: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:7
Observation: God invites me to give Him my worries
Application: Today I will trust Him instead of stressing over my to-do list
Prayer: Lord, help me surrender my stress and remember You care for me

For more inspiration, explore our 10 Bible Journaling Prompts for When You Feel Spiritually Distant.

How to Stay Consistent With Bible Journaling

Set a Reminder
Schedule it like you would a meeting. You can even use reminders inside apps like HolyJot to keep your routine steady.

Create a Comfortable Space
Designate a quiet, cozy corner. Light a candle, brew tea, or play soft worship music. Let it be a sacred pause in your day.

Use a Guided Plan
Having structure helps. HolyJot offers daily guided prompts and themed studies that help you stay on track, even when your motivation fades.

Let Go of Perfectionism
You’re not writing for anyone but God. Isaiah 26:3 encourages us, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Bible journaling is about that peace—not performance.

Tips for Christian Journaling Beginners

• Start small: One verse, one reflection, one prayer
• Use color if it helps: Highlight or sketch if you're visual
• Don’t worry about grammar or format: Be raw and honest
• Date your entries so you can revisit them later
• Review your old journals monthly—you’ll be amazed at your growth

Psalm 143:5 says, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done.” Journaling helps us do just that.

Making Bible Journaling a Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual habits grow best with consistency. Pair your journaling with:

• Morning devotionals
• Weekly Sabbath rest
• Monthly fasting and reflection
• Scripture memorization

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 urges us to make God’s Word a central part of daily life: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them… when you lie down and when you get up.”

Journaling helps internalize truth—not just read it.

How HolyJot Helps You Build a Routine

HolyJot is a Bible journaling app built for today’s Christian. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned disciple, it offers everything you need to stay anchored in scripture.

With HolyJot, you can:

• Reflect on daily scripture readings with built-in journal prompts
• Use AI-powered journaling companion Faith for spiritual insight
• Log prayer requests and track God’s answers over time
• Join weekly Bible journaling Zoom groups for fellowship and growth
• Receive customized reminders and visual progress tracking

Best of all? It’s free to start.
Sign up at HolyJot.com

Real Stories of Transformation

“Journaling through HolyJot has changed the way I read scripture. I no longer rush—I reflect.”
“Writing down my prayers helped me realize how often God actually answers them.”
“I joined a Bible journaling Zoom group and now I feel connected and encouraged every week.”

Each entry becomes a testimony. One page at a time.

Conclusion: Start Today, One Page at a Time

You don’t need to be perfect, poetic, or even consistent at first. Just start. Pick a verse. Show up. Write your heart. And let the Spirit move.

Bible journaling is an invitation to slow down, hear God’s voice, and transform your soul through His Word. Whether you use pen and paper or tools like HolyJot, the most important step is showing up.

As Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Start your journaling journey today at www.holyjot.com.
Daily prompts. Real connection. A deeper walk with God—one journal entry at a time.