A New Year's Habit: How to Start Bible Journaling

You may have seen those beautiful photos on Instagram: a steaming mug of coffee sits next to a gorgeously designed and inspired Scripture verse. The caption paints a picture of spiritual wisdom flowing from the writer, warming hearts as thoroughly as the adjacent cup of coffee.

As lovely as this picture is, it is nothing compared to the value of diving into Scripture ourselves with our own pens and Bibles. The physical results of our own prayer time might not be as aesthetically pleasing, but any time we spend in prayer with God’s Word promises to be more fruitful than simply observing the inspiration of another.

If you’ve never immersed yourself in the practice of Bible journaling, though, you may be wondering: What is the first step to taking the plunge?

The new year is a perfect time to begin creating new habits, and Bible journaling is a beautiful and enriching way to engage with Scripture. It allows you to not only read the Word of God but also to reflect on it, internalize it, and make it a part of your daily life.

Below are seven simple steps to help you get started on this fulfilling spiritual journey.

1. Choose Your Bible

Start with a good journaling Bible. I personally use the The Catholic Notetaking Bible, which offers ample margin space for notes and reflections. The design is conducive to both artistic expressions and written insights. It uses the NABRE translation, which is a reliable Catholic translation, and also includes helpful notes and a short introduction to each book.

2. Set Your Pace

Decide on a reading plan that suits your schedule and spiritual goals. For example, I find that reading one chapter a day strikes the perfect balance. It’s manageable and allows for thoughtful meditation without feeling rushed. You also could begin by simply reading the daily Psalm or Gospel.

3. Pause and Pray

When a particular verse or phrase stands out, pause. This may also feel like a burning within your heart, like the disciples experienced talking to Jesus on the road to Emmaus (see Luke 24:13-35). This experience is the Holy Spirit speaking to you, so take a moment to pray with the words that resonate with you. Let them sink in and speak to your heart.

4. Underline and Highlight

Note the words or phrases that touch you. Underlining or highlighting these parts makes it easier to find them later and reminds you of the moments when the Lord spoke to you directly with Scripture.

5. Write in the Margins

Next to the highlighted sections, write your insights. These could include a personal revelation, a prayer, or simply how you feel about the passage. These notes will become a precious record of your prayer, which you can revisit each time you return to this book of the Bible.

6. Go Deeper with Study

As valuable as it is to seek insight from the Holy Spirit by praying and journaling with Scripture, we can glean even greater understanding when we learn more about the historical context and original meaning of the words we encounter in Scripture. This gives us a fuller understanding of the biblical narrative and keeps us grounded in the truth that Scripture is, first, God’s self-revelation to us and, secondarily, His way of speaking into our lives personally.

For those who wish to delve deeper, I recommend Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. While not specifically Catholic, Wilkin’s approach to study is both accessible and thorough, offering a framework for understanding Scripture in a more systematic way.

7. Ignatian Review

Finally, consider incorporating a review of your prayer as Saint Ignatius encourages us to do in his Spiritual Exercises. Revisit the insights you journaled in the margins and take note of what strikes you. You may want to do this in a separate journal, or it can take the form of a mental conversation with God. Paying attention to what has moved us strongly is a way of inviting God to deepen the graces He’s already begun to instill.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to Bible journal. It is a personal dialogue between you and God. May your Bible journaling journey be a source of joy, growth, and deeper faith.

Samantha Stephenson is a Catholic homeschooling mother of four with a heart to illuminate beauty and dignity of the feminine vocation. She is the author of Mama Prays, Reclaiming Motherhood, and the upcoming book To Tempt a Mother: More Letters from Screwtape. She homesteads with her family on 1/3 acre in Southern Idaho. You can find her at www.snstephenson.com.