My Bible Journaling Habit

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let me be clear that I’m a novice at prayer journaling, Bible journaling, and rarely keep a journal habit of any sort consistently. Though nothing memoir-worthy, I have a stack of journals from over twenty years, and I love a good bit of embellishing here and there.

I dabble.

I love the idea of journaling. Bible journaling and prayer journaling appeal to me because it is so personal, definitely a conversation between my soul and my Maker, and well, “everyone’s doing it”.

Yup. The peer pressure, the beautiful images of loved and artistically adorned Bibles, and the advice that journaling can change my life by connecting my soul in a greater way to Christ have all drawn me in.

Did I mention the pictures of beautiful Bibles? Loved so much that their owner left notes to God, words from her own heart, and a creative piece of her own soul within its pages? What an expression of connection and relationship with the Word, the Creator Himself, the very Breath that breathed life and these words.

Yes, I’m new to Bible journaling. Couldn’t possibly resist the beautiful version just published last fall. And now, I want to share with you my favorite creative tools to express my delight and wonder in the Word as I read and pray.

I use the new Catholic Journaling Bible that is published by OSV and designed with Blessed Is She. Find it here! Quick answers about the Bible: It is the NABRE version, just like version we hear at Mass, it has the approval of the USCCB and the imprimatur.

The first thing I go to as a creative element is washi tape. I use it to mark pages of some deeply meaningful passages to me. These are the pages I want to stand out when I reach for the Bible an need something good at my fingertips.

Pen: I use a Micron black pen. It doesn’t bleed through or show too much through the other side, and writes so smoothly.

Highlighters: Found on Amazon. (affiliate link)

Stickers: By Katie from Look to Him and Be Radiant. The artwork is incredible, beautiful enough to be left alone, or perfect for coloring.

Journaling kit: By Ingrid from Open Journey. I’m so delighted with her kit (I imagine all of them are equally amazing), which not only was packaged beautifully in the little canvas bag, it has beautiful hand-painted elements to include on your pages or in a different journal. I love the stickers and washi tapes (which you can also buy digitally and print at home! They are so perfect!) Her themed kits are a lovely way to focus on a word or psalm. Follow her on Instagram for more inspiration.

Since I’m still new to this, I’d love to know what you’re loving with Bible journaling, too! And don’t be afraid to get into the Word–reading the Bible is one of the best ways (outside of Mass!) to know God’s love for us and work on our relationship in prayer.