3 Benefits of a Bible Study Tray & How to Make Your Own

I discovered it sitting on an end-cap aisle at Marshalls. It quickly found its way into my cart. Since then, it’s called various places in my house “home.” On the nook table holding a centerpiece. On the ottoman containing remotes. On the side-table displaying books. And then, one day, it found its purpose. It transformed from an ordinary end-cap display tray into my Bible study tray.

Why You Should Consider Using a Bible Study Tray

1. Limits Time Stealing Distractions

Before my simple brown tray found its real home, my Bible study materials were scattered throughout my house. When I did make time for my quiet time, I usually spent most of it trying to locate where I last left my journal or highlighters or study Bible. I wasted the little precious time I had hunting room by room or emptying out my purse in search of a particular pen, when I could have spent much longer sitting at God’s table meditating on his word. By having my commonly used study materials all in one place, I get to spend longer and more focused time on what really matters.

2. Reminds You to Immerse Yourself in the Word

Since making my Bible study tray, I’ve noticed that I end up spending more time in the word than I did when I didn’t have it as easily transportable. For instance, in the morning, it sits on my dining room table. This is where I usually go first thing when I wake up early to spend quality time with Jesus. Sometimes I run out of time and then easily pick up the tray and move it to my living room. During nap time, I’ll resume my studies. Because it is so easy to move, I end up using it more throughout the day. I’ve even put it in my car so I could spend my lunch break feasting on God’s word. If I haven’t been able to get to it during the course of the day, or I just want to dig deeper into a particular passage, I move the tray to my bed. Whenever I see my Bible study tray it reminds me to prioritize my time and spend time with the one who actually satisfies my soul.

3. Assists You In Digging Deeper

Because everything you need for your Bible study is contained right there on your tray, it assists you into digging deeper in your quiet time. Instead of just having my journaling Bible, I have my journal, my study Bible, my highlighters, my colored pens all at my fingertips for easy use. While you don’t need any of these things to study the Bible, it does help you dig deeper. For example, I’m a visual learner, so when I study a verse it helps me to write it down and then get deeper by researching the original languages. I also like to highlight key themes throughout scripture. A color-coding system lets me see the repetition of words easier.

How to Make Your Own Bible Study Tray

Now that hopefully I’ve convinced you to at least consider using a Bible study tray, I’ll show you how I made mine and how to make your own.

Supplies:

• Tray (like I mentioned earlier, I got mine at Marshalls. It’s wide and long and fits all my stuff. It also has handles which makes it easy to move around)
• Bible & Journals (I use my ESV study Bible, my Give Me Jesus Journal, and another journal as well as my journaling Bible)
• Study Supplies (whatever your go to study system is. I always have no-bleed highlighters on hand as well as an assortment of pens)
• Mug (I keep all my pens in a cute mug on the tray. This way I see all the colors and have them right at my fingertips)
• Books (I keep go-to books or devotions that I am currently referencing on hand)
• Bookmarks & Printables (I keep the Bible Reading Log and my Highlighting Key Guide easily accessible)

Read this post to learn more about my favorite journaling and Bible study tools

There is no right or wrong way to make your tray. Some people even use basket instead. I personally like the tray better because I like to see everything spread out. The point is to get in the word. You don’t need a tray to do that, but if a tray and an organized system will help you limit distractions, have a more consistent quiet time, and spend more quality time in his word – then try it!