How do I start handwriting the Bible?

Choose a short passage you can finish in about ten minutes, such as a verse from Psalms, Proverbs or Philippians. Read it once, then write it out word by word.

What are the benefits of writing scripture by hand?

You read more slowly and notice every word. A verse you have written out is often easier to recall, and the writing time is a few quiet minutes away from your phone.

Do I need a special notebook or pen?

No. Any notebook and a pen you like will do. You can also print a free lined page or write in an app such as Penned Grace.

How to Start Handwriting the Bible: Scripture Writing for Beginners

Q: What if I miss a day?

Write a few words the next day and carry on. There is no need to catch up.

In Deuteronomy 17:18–19, the king of Israel is told to write a copy of the law for himself, keep it with him and read it all the days of his life. Writing a verse out takes a few minutes, and you have to look at every word to do it.

Why write scripture by hand

You read more slowly. Writing makes you look at every word, including the ones your eyes usually skip.
It stays with you. A verse you have written out is often easier to recall than one you have only read.
It is a quiet few minutes. While you write, the phone is down and your attention is on one verse.

If you would like to begin but are not sure how, here are a few things to try.

Start with short passages

Don’t begin with Genesis 1. Choose a verse or two you can finish in ten minutes. If today’s writing feels manageable, you are more likely to pick up the pen again tomorrow.

Good places to start:

Psalms: short, rhythmic, and often already a prayer.
Proverbs: one verse is usually one complete saying, perfect for a line a day.
Philippians: brief and warm, full of verses people memorize.

Pick a regular time

Before work, over lunch or before bed: what matters is that it is the same time each day. You don’t need a long stretch, just a few minutes without interruptions.

Read it before you write it

Read the whole passage once so you know what it is saying, then write it word by word. Stopping halfway to think is fine.

Don’t worry about neat handwriting

If a letter goes wrong, erase it and write it again. Most people find their writing settles down after a few weeks.

Leave one line when you finish

Before you close the notebook, ask yourself which phrase stayed with you today. Write down that phrase, or a thought it brought up. That is a short reflection.

Missing a day is fine

If you miss a day, write a few words the next day and carry on. There is no need to catch up.

Paper, or an app

A notebook and a pen you like are all you need. If you are often away from a desk, Penned Grace lets you write on iPhone, iPad or Android. The Berean Standard Bible is built in, your handwriting stays in the passage, and you can type when you don’t have a pen.

If this is your first time, Penned Grace has a free plan called Meeting Jesus in 7 Days: seven well-known passages, one a day.