Guide on How to Choose the Best Journaling Bible For 2024
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If you’re a woman who values creativity as part of her spiritual and emotional growth, then it’s time to talk about finding the best journaling Bible. There is so much benefit to journaling as part of your Bible study, whether you do it as part of creative worship or just to record your thoughts, prayers and as an expression of what is going on in your life and in your faith walk at any give time.
There are so many different types of journaling Bibles on the market today that finding one can seem daunting at first. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back and will go over just how you can choose the best journaling Bible for you.
What is Bible Journaling?
Bible journaling is a creative form of worship where you use art and personal journaling to enhance your Bible study time.
Bible journaling is a way to record and preserve your thoughts, feelings, and prayers as you interact with God’s Word. It can be done for personal reflection or as a spiritual practice that enhances your prayer life
The act of writing down what you’re thinking about in the moment helps bring clarity as you can go back to it later on after prayer and see how God may have given you more guidance on a topic or on a personal circumstance in your life.
Writing becomes easier when it’s combined with art like drawing pictures or doodling around the margins as many people just don’t enjoy writing as much as they do art or creative expression.
You use scripture as the basis for your thoughts, feelings, prayers and note taking that you can record while you read the Bible through various creative means (using acrylic paint, washi tape, special journaling pens and markers, highlighters, etc)
What is a Journaling Bible?
A journaling Bible is a special type of Bible, typically with wider margins, that allows you to write down your thoughts, feelings and prayers in the margins or in sections on the page.
Just like any other Bible, they come in a variety of versions, large print and small print, large Bibles and small, and various covers (leather vs hardcover).
The Bible is an incredible book full of wisdom and knowledge, straight from the heart of God Himself, which every believer should read on a daily basis. Having a Bible that you can interact with in an emotional and creative way is incredibly helpful and healing.
Psalm 119:11 says:
I have treasured Your word in my heart,
so I might not sin against You.
TLV
Why Do People Do Bible Journaling?
What if, when you woke up in the morning and sat down for your quiet time and opened up God’s Word to read a passage for guidance and it had already been highlighted with some insightful commentary that spoke directly into your life?
That is what a journaling Bible can be for you! It is something you have over the years where you can record your feelings about the Word of God, what prayers you’ve been praying and verses that relate to those prayers.
It can even be a visual expression of what those verses meant to you as you can use these Bibles to draw images (or color images that are already in the Bible if it is an illustrated coloring Bible) so that you can meditate on those verses.
Creative worship is a way people can worship God through various forms of creativity such as in song, in painting, in drawing and yes, in illustrations you may choose to draw in a journaling Bible that represent those verses that are meaningful for you. Bible journaling is just one form of worship that is based in art and creativity.
People who have done scrapbooking in the past (or present) typically really enjoy Bible journaling as they can use some of that creativity in much the same way.
It’s important that we take into account how personal these messages can be and how meaningful they could be for future generations who may look through these precious books and get insight into your life and your thoughts.
There IS a good chance, one of your grandchildren or other descendants will read your words or see your images one day and connect with you and the Lord through it!
Some Ideas for What You Can Record in Your Journaling Bible
–Prayers
–Notes on the Bible passage you’re reading
–What God is teaching you in your life (this list can be endless!)
–Praises: Record the things God has done in your life in sections of the Bible that contain verses that helped you during difficult times or that you prayed for.
–People You’re Praying For: Record names and the verse that God has answered.
–Scripture Memory: Write Scripture verses you memorized in your journaling Bible for easy reference later on down the road.
–Gratitude Lists: Write out what’s good about your day, week, or month to give yourself a sense of perspective when things are rough.
Some people also like to use their journaling Bible as a prayer journal by writing prayers they have prayed throughout the year or recording prayer requests from others! The best part is there isn’t one “right” way to do it; each person will find different ways this tool can help them grow closer to Christ.
So let’s have a look at some amazing Bibles and see which is the best journaling Bible for you!
Let's have a look at some amazing Bibles and see which is the best journaling Bible for you! Share on XBest Journaling Bibles For You
Now refreshed with 100 additional illustrated verses, newly added peel and stick Bible book tabs, and a highly readable typeface, the NIV Beautiful Word™ Bible, Updated Edition offers a one-of-a-kind visual treatment of Scripture for a more beautiful quiet time.
Find even more beauty in the Word of God as you discover wisdom to sustain you in every season. Be drawn into the splendor of God’s Word with colorful, illustrated verse art and uplifting imagery that complements Scripture. As you reflect, fill the wide margins of this journaling Bible with your thoughts, journals, and artwork.
The NIV Beautiful Word Bible is also updated with the exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® for smooth reading. Expertly designed specifically to be used for the New International Version (NIV) text, Comfort Print offers an easier reading experience that complements the most widely read modern-English Bible translation.
Features:- Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
- 600 full-color illustrated verses, including 100 new illustrations by Lindsay Letters, Jay & Kristi Smith, and Paige Firnberg
- Peel and stick Bible book tabs
- Wide margins and high-quality paper for notes, journal entries, or artwork
- Single-column format
- Index of illustrated Scripture passages by artist
- Words of Jesus in red
- Satin ribbon marker
- Cloth over board cover lays flat when open
- Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface
- 9.9-point print size
(Description from Amazon.com)
This is one of my favorite journaling Bibles! In fact, I love it so much I have barely written in it as I love it just as it is. That is how beautiful the illustrations are.
But I definitely recommend you get this one! It is large print, gorgeous (you will just enjoy holding it)...I have a whole review on this one journaling Bible! That is how much I love it.
The Tyndale Inspire PRAISE Bible has all of the great features the #1-selling Inspire Bible has, but with even more beautiful line-art illustrations to color. The Inspire PRAISE creative Bible comes with nearly 500 all-new full- and partial-page Scripture illustrations attractively displayed throughout! Bonus features of this journaling Bible also include even thicker Bible paper and thirty-two colorful, transparent, praise-themed pages. Enhance your coloring and art journaling Bible experience with three sheets of PRAISE-themed stickers and a purple pocket in the back for storing embellishments. Leave traces of faith―and PRAISE―throughout this coloring Bible for a treasure that will truly inspire! (Amazon.com)
ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Artist Series (Cloth over Board, Lulie Wallace, In Bloom)
The ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Artist Series is a collection of journaling Bibles meant to celebrate the treasure of God’s Word through the artistic talents of his people. These Bibles feature commissioned cover artwork designed by Christian artists such as Peter Voth, Ruth Chou Simons, and Joshua Noom. Each artist offers a visual entry point focused on a particular biblical theme or passage, setting a tone of reflection as readers engage with the Bible.
Each of these decorative hardcover Bibles retains the features of the original ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, such as cream-colored paper, a single-column page layout, and lines in the margin for note taking. These features coupled with captivating cover artwork make each Bible conducive to creative engagement with God’s Word.
- Each cover features commissioned artwork by a different Christian artist
- 7.5-point Lexicon type
- Black-letter text
- 2" ruled margins for writing
- Cream-colored Bible paper
- Ribbon marker
- Smyth-sewn binding
- Custom endsheet
- Packaging: O-wrap
(Description from Amazon.com)
The ESV Journaling Bible provides the perfect way for you to keep a journal of your spiritual life right inside the Bible that you read and study every day. With covers and formats that look like the finest journals, the ESV Journaling Bible features 2-inch ruled margins for writing observations, reflections, prayers, praises, and journal entries. This unique Bible makes a great gift and lasting keepsake for anyone who values God’s Word.
Features:
- 6.25" x 7.25"
- 7-point Lexicon type
- 1,088 pages
- Double-column format
- Cream-colored paper
- 2" ruled margins
- Book introductions
- Ribbon marker
- Smyth-sewn binding
- Packaging: O-Wrap
(Description from Amazon.com)
The NIV Journal the WordTM Bible allows you to creatively express yourself every day with plenty of room for notes or verse art next to your favorite verses. Made with unique and beautiful covers, this single-column journaling Bible features thick cream-colored paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, perfect to reflect on God’s Word and enhance your study.
Expertly designed for the New International Version (NIV) text, Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface delivers a smooth reading experience that complements the most widely read contemporary English Bible translation.
Excellent for a gift or for personal use, this Bible can also be a cherished heirloom to pass on to future generations with your personal writings inside!
Features:- Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
- Lined, wide margins for notes and reflections
- Thicker cream paper for enduring note-taking
- Ribbon marker
- Leathersoft cover lays flay when open
- Words of Christ in red
- Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface
- 9.5-point print size
(Description from Amazon.com)
The NASB Journal the Word™ Reference Bible allows you to record your thoughts next to treasured verses while also cross referencing other scriptures. This single-column, red-letter Bible features thick paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, giving you plenty of space to reflect on God’s Word and enhance your study.
Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the beloved New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition, is now easier to read with Zondervan’s exclusive NASB Comfort Print® typeface.
Excellent to give as a gift or for personal use, this Bible with your personal writings inside it can also become a cherished heirloom to pass on to future generations.
Features:
- The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition
- Single-column cross-reference system
- Lined, wide margins for taking notes, drawing artwork, and writing personal reflections
- Thick white paper
- Words of Christ in red
- Lays flat in your hand or on your desk
- Elastic closure
- Satin ribbon marker
- Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
- 8.5-point print size
(Description from Amazon.com)
NASB, Artisan Collection Bible, Leathersoft, Almond Floral, Red Letter, 1995 Text, Comfort Print
Exquisite from the inside out, the NASB Artisan Collection Bible invites you to journal alongside Scripture while delighting in the beauty of the floral cover, designed to reflect the beauty of the world around us. The carefully composed interior features the exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print® typeface in a double-column typesetting, allowing you to carry this Bible wherever you go.
Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the beloved New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition, is now easier to read with Zondervan’s exclusive NASB Comfort Print® typeface.
Features:
- The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition
- Stunning, floral cover design and interior page design
- Lined, wide margins for journaling, notes, and art
- Double-column format
- Thick cream paper for enduring note-taking and art
- Words of Jesus in red
- Two satin ribbon markers
- Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
- 8-point print size
(Description from Amazon.com)
The CSB She Reads Truth Bible aims to live at the intersection of beauty, goodness, and Truth. Featuring She Reads Truth devotionals and Scripture reading plans that include supplemental passages for deeper understanding, this Bible invites every woman to count themselves among the She Reads Truth community of "Women in the Word of God every day." FEATURES
- Nearly 200 devotionals
- 66 key verses artfully lettered to aid in Scripture memorization
- 35 full-color timelines
- 20 full-color maps
- 11 full-color charts
- Reading plans for every book of the Bible and one-year Bible reading plan
- Detailed book introductions
- Key verse list
- Topical index
- Smyth-sewn binding
- Two colored ribbon markers
- Wide margins for journaling and notetaking
The CSB She Reads Truth Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB).
(Description from Amazon.com)
Selecting the Best Journaling Bible For You
As you go through these Bibles, I recommend visiting the links and looking at them in detail and deciding which one is best for you.
Each is unique and offers something different so you have to decide what it is you really want to use your journaling Bible for. For instance, I have several because they are all different to me in various ways (some for recording prayers and thoughts, others to just interact with God’s Word creatively as I draw or color to relax and meditate on the Word).
Whatever it is you decide, I hope one of these Bibles can help you on your way to starting a great new way to interact with scripture OR if you are experienced at Bible journaling you may find a new Bible to make part of your creative worship!
Be sure to get your FREE SOAP Bible Study Workbook below as my gift to you!