What to Write in a Bible Journal

You sit down with the verse open in front of you. You've got a pen in your hand. And then nothing. A blank page is intimidating. Here's how to get past it.

Start with the verse itself

Before you write anything original, write the verse out in your own handwriting. It sounds small, but it slows you down. You can't copy a verse without reading it properly. You'll notice words you skipped over the first time.

Try the SOAP method

SOAP is a framework a lot of bible journalers use. It stands for:

Four sections, a few lines each. You can do a full SOAP entry in ten minutes. It's a good structure when the blank page feels too open.

15 prompts when you're stuck

  1. Rewrite the verse in your own words.
  2. What question does this verse raise for you?
  3. What promise is being made?
  4. What command is being given?
  5. Who is speaking, and who are they speaking to?
  6. Is there anything in this verse you don't understand?
  7. What would change in your life if you really believed this?
  8. Write a prayer based on this verse.
  9. What emotion does this verse bring up?
  10. Where have you seen this truth play out in your own life?
  11. Who in your life needs to hear this?
  12. What does this verse tell you about God?
  13. What does this verse tell you about yourself?
  14. If you only had this verse, what would it teach you?
  15. Come back in a week and write what's changed.

Write short if you need to

Not every entry needs to be an essay. Some of the best journal entries are three sentences. "Today this verse made me think of my mother. I should call her. God, help me remember her tomorrow." Done. That's a real entry.

Write questions

You're allowed to write what you don't understand. Questions are just as valid as answers. Sometimes more. "I don't know what this means" is a real line to write. You can come back to it later when you do.

Draw if words aren't coming

If you're staring at the page and nothing is coming in words, draw something instead. A symbol from the verse. A rough sketch of the scene. Even a doodle in the margin. The brain keeps working while the hand moves.

Don't edit

The journal isn't a published book. Spelling doesn't matter. Crossed-out lines are fine. You're not writing for anyone else. You're writing to think clearly, and clarity sometimes looks messy on the page.

Need a journal with space to write?

Browse the journal