Why should you have a Bible study journal?
Have you ever had those days when you completely forget what you had just read in your Bible hours earlier? Or perhaps you have seasons of feeling frustrated with your own personal Bible study time because you don’t have a clear focus or plan. When you sit down to open your Bible you can’t remember what or where you were reading yesterday.
Having a journal for Bible study is a great way to help us stay focused and retain the information we are studying. It’s a tool for helping us grow in our ability to study and discern God’s Word effectively. It’s also fun to refer back to and remind ourselves of all that the Lord has revealed to us in His Word.
What is A Bible Study Journal?
If you were to search Bible journaling ideas, you just might be overwhelmed by the number of resources and tips in the internet world. There are tons of products out there. Really, all you need is a piece of paper to take notes on. A Bible study journal is simply a place to write out your notes, thoughts, questions, and prayers during your quiet time with the Lord.
How to Use A Journal for Bible Study
I recommend using a simple spiral notebook or a 3-ring binder for that you can get at the Dollar Store or Walmart. There are many different ways that you can set up your journal for Bible study.
When to Use a Notebook for Bible Study
If you are the kind of person that likes to sit down with your Bible and pen, without any extra printables or frills, a simple spiral Bible journal notebook would be best for you. I like to begin each day’s notes on a new page. Simply scribble the date in the header section and start writing.
When to Use a Binder for Bible Study
Now, if you like all the pretty Bible journal printables, stickers, and fancy pens a Bible study binder may be best for you. Binders usually come with more pocket space to hold your accessories and pages can be added and removed easily.
Choosing Your Bible Journaling Method
Just like there are tons of resources for designing and making your own Bible study journal, there are also many different methods of Bible study. How you set up your journal and write out your notes will depend on the method you use.
- A topical journal is choosing one specific biblical topic and looking at the different related passages on that topic. Find a topical reading plan and simply write out what the scriptures say about the specific concept.
- Inductive Bible Study journaling is a great method for taking you deep into God’s Word using observation, interpretation, and application. Get an inductive Bible study guide to help journal the passages.
- SOAP Bible study is a popular method to use for Bible journaling. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. This is a great method for busy women to make a meaningful connection with the Lord each day.
MAM Bible Study Journal Printables
There are lots of great printable bible journaling pages and printable study guides available to you here at Megan Allen Ministries. Here are some great Bible study journal pdf’s.
- Bible Study guides – Get an online or printable inductive study guide. There are designed to help you do your own in-depth, daily guided Bible study of a specific book or section of scripture. Use the online versions with your spiral notebook. Use the printable versions with your binder.
- Monthly Bible Reading Plan – Get the printable monthly reading plan. Each month has a different biblical topic with related daily scriptures readings. Sign up for the email list and get the reading plan with lots of extras delivered to your inbox each month.
- Praise SOAP journaling pages – Download and print out a few copies of this Praise SOAP journaling page to write down your thoughts from your daily readings.
- Daily devotional journal – Find a daily devotional book or online devotion and journal your thoughts and prayers each day.
More Places to Find Free Bible Journal Printables
Here are even more resources and Bible study journal templates for you to check out.
- Her Daily Bible – Candice has a great Bible reading plan along with lots of other Bible study encouragement.
- Kingdom Bloggers – LeeAnn has tons of great Bible study resources from reading plans to study guides and Bible journaling tips. She also has tips about bible journaling for beginners.
- Divine Creative Love – Barbara has some great Bible journaling freebies and tips.
Additional Resources for Your Journal
- Get this beautiful 66-page printable Bible study notebook
- Check out this great 18-month Bible reading plan with lots of printable bible journaling templates, worksheets, and trackers.
- Add this Names of God coloring book or Gratitude Coloring book to your binder.
Related Posts:
How to Make a Prayer Binder
Study the Bible Chapter by Chapter
Bible Study Tools for Personal Bible Study
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