How to Take Notes & Journal Your Bible Reading

Have you ever read a powerful verse only to forget it by the end of the day? Taking notes and journaling as you read the Bible helps you slow down, reflect, and remember what God is saying. It turns Bible study from something you skim into a conversation with God that you carry with you.

Why Journaling Matters

Journaling isn’t about creating something perfect—it’s about creating space to notice God’s Word at work in your heart. Writing helps you:

• Remember what you read.
• Process your thoughts and emotions.
• Recognize patterns in how God is speaking to you.
• See your spiritual growth over time.

Simple Ways to Journal Your Bible Reading

1. Write Key Verses
   Copying Scripture helps you slow down and notice details you might miss when only reading.
2. Summarize in Your Own Words
   After reading a passage, jot down the main idea in a sentence or two. This shows you truly understand it.
3. Record Observations and Questions
   Note what stands out, what confuses you, or what you want to study more deeply later.
4. Write Applications
   Ask: How does this passage speak to my life today? Write down one action step you can take.
5. Pray on Paper
   Turn your reflections into a written prayer. This can become a personal record of how God has walked with you through different seasons.

Example Journal Entry (Psalm 46:1)

• Verse: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
• Summary: God promises His presence and strength when I face hardship.
• Observation: The word ever-present shows His help is constant, not occasional.
• Application: Today when I feel overwhelmed with deadlines, I will pause and ask for His strength instead of panicking.
• Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my refuge today. Remind me to turn to You first, not last.

Practical Tip

If journaling feels intimidating, start small. Even a few bullet points or a quick prayer is enough. Over time, journaling becomes a spiritual anchor that shows you how God has been faithful in your journey.

Closing Encouragement

Journaling your Bible reading helps you move from simply hearing the Word to truly living it. As you write, reflect, and pray, you’ll discover that Scripture becomes personal, memorable, and transformative.

✨ Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page and I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.