Scripture Writing or Bible Journaling?

If you are looking to engage with God through His Word, Scripture writing and Bible journaling are both great options. Each one allows you a way to pray about and meditate on the Bible.

But one will probably be a better fit for you than the other, as our personalities and preferences will naturally draw us toward one of them.

So, which one is right for you?

Bible Journaling

Bible journaling is the more “artsy” of the two options. Through Bible journaling, you take a few words or a verse from Scripture and write it out in a creative way, often using some form of hand-lettering or calligraphy. Then the words are surrounded with doodles: flowers, the sun, or anything else that illustrates what the Bible verse is about. Finally, the art is colored in with watercolors, colored pencils, or markers.

Sometimes the Bible journaling is done right on the Bible pages, while others prefer to use an art journal. Several companies offer templates, stencils, or stamps to use when Bible journaling. There are even special Bibles to use.

With Bible journaling, it can be difficult not to feel the pressure to make your illustration look beautiful–like all those stunning examples on Pinterest. But Bible journaling is a great way to let your creative side out and think more deeply about what you are reading.

Scripture Writing

Scripture writing is copying a Bible verse or passage by hand onto a piece of paper or into a notebook. It is more focused on the words themselves, not on finding a creative way to express them.

The purpose of Scripture writing is really to slow down and think about what we are reading in the Bible instead of reading through it quickly and then forgetting what we read. It’s an intentional act of focusing.

You don’t need any special materials to do Scripture writing, just something to write with and a sheet of paper. Though, of course, some have a special journal just for Scripture writing.

With Scripture writing, you may feel like your handwriting isn’t good enough to copy God’s Word, but that’s not the point. The act of writing out Bible verses is, in and of itself, so powerful!

Which One?

So which one is a better fit for you?

Chances are, you were drawn to one as you were reading about them. Try that one first! Accept God’s invitation to meaningfully engage with Him through His Word and see what He has to share with you.

If you’re still feeling torn, here is a table that might help you determine which one to start with:

BIBLE JOURNALING	SCRIPTURE WRITING
Art	Words
Creative	Logical
Like to doodle	Like to journal

Sometimes, you just have to try it and see! I was so inspired by the Bible journaling pictures I saw online that I bought a creative journal Bible, only to discover that when I read, I prefer to write questions, observations, and prayers in the margins, instead. There’s still a watercolored page in my Bible that I’m not a big fan of, but I’ve learned to be okay with that, because it is part of my journey. I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t tried.

So go ahead and pick one to try. See which one allows you to more clearly hear from God. Whatever you try, be sure to let me know how it goes! I’d love to encourage you any way I can.

Read more about my Scripture writing journey.

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