How to get started interpreting your own dreams – in the context of a personal relationship with God.
Do you suspect that God is speaking through your dreams – and want to understand what He’s saying?
Are you a Christian, looking for some biblical foundations for dream work?
This post serves as a summary of various stages in the process of learning to interpret dreams. There are links to relevant articles for further reading at each point.
I approach dream interpretation from a biblical perspective. My belief is that our dreams can come from God, and understanding them is best understood within the context of an ongoing relationship with Him.

Introduction to biblical dream interpretation
As a follower of Jesus Christ for over 40 years, I have devoted myself to learning to hear His voice. I have read and studied the bible most days – and for the past 15 years have learned to interpret my own dreams under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I have written numerous articles about dream interpretation in this blog, based on my own journey and experience. I made many mistakes along the way, which I have learned from – but it has taken many years.
I don’t have any advantage over the average Christian in terms of my ability to hear God’s voice and interpret dreams, but I have discovered a way to work around that! They are things that any follower of Jesus can do, not just the prophetic ones!
I believe any follower of Jesus can learn to interpret dreams.

I learned to interpret dreams by doing these things:
- I took some training to give me a good biblical foundation for dream interpretation.
- I kept a journal by my bed so I could record my dreams when I woke up.
- I worked out how to organise my routine to make time for praying through and interpreting my dreams during the day.
- I reviewed my dreams regularly to learn from any misunderstandings.
In this article I have summarised each of these things by linking to previous blog posts that are relevant to each stage. I have arranged them in a sensible order that can be worked through – for beginners.
If you are still reading, I assume you are interested in learning about dreams! I hope that by sharing my experiences you can be spared some of the mistakes I made – and be better equipped for the journey than I was.
4-stage process for learning to interpret dreams
I have organized the process into four stages:
- STUDY the basics to give you solid biblical foundations.
- PLAN to record and work on your dreams.
- INTERPRET your dreams and understand the symbolism
- REVIEW your dreams to learn and adjust your understanding
Many information sources focus on stage 3 (which is interpreting a dream) and on the meaning of dream symbols. Those aspects are very important, but there is much more to the process than that! Each stage is necessary.
The fourth section on reviewing dreams is vital if you want to grow as a dream interpreter, so if you really want to hear God through your dreams, don’t miss out that final stage!
I recommend starting at the beginning and working through each of the stages. Use the links provided to learn more at each stage.

Stage 1: STUDY the basics
Every change of habit or lifestyle starts with a choice; a shift in mindset to decide to do something differently. So, before you even start to interpret dreams, it is important to settle the question about whether it is worth making that journey. Interpreting dreams will inevitably involve lifestyle changes, and some time investment.
Therefore, it is worth taking time at the start to settle any questions or doubts that you have and putting some proper biblical and spiritual foundations in place. This will also help keep you on the right path as you continue with the process.
At this stage it is important to:
- Reassure yourself that dream interpretation is biblical.
- Make sure your spiritual foundations are solid.
- Take some good bible-based training.
- Decide that dreams are worth your time and effort.
Biblical foundations for dreams
Firstly, it is important to know that dream interpretation is in the bible – and that there are good biblical examples to follow. In fact, there are many references to dreams – probably far more than you realise! Here are some articles that can help with that:
Bible verses about dreams
Are dreams in the bible? What does the bible say about dreams? Includes over 70 bible references on the subject.
How did God speak to people in bible times?
An overview of ways God spoke to people in the Old Testament, how that changed with Jesus, and what it means for us today.
The night dreams saved Christmas
The surprising number and importance of dreams in the biblical nativity account.
Spiritual foundations for dreaming
The following article deals with spiritual foundations that are essential to have in place. this is true for the Christian walk in general, but I have explained how they specifically relate to listening to dreams.
5 spiritual foundations for receiving dreams from God
5 foundational lifestyle habits that can help you receive and understand more dreams from God.
Take some good dream training
I have compiled a summary of my favourite bible-based resources from other ministries. Many of these offer excellent books, courses and other training resources. Some offer free dream interpretation, and others offer a subscription to a community where you can practice interpreting dreams together.
It is important to take some good training at the outset, and some of these might suit your needs.
Best bible-based dream interpretation resources
Best Christian books, courses, plus free online resources for understanding night dreams.
Be inspired to make the journey
Now is the time to make a decision about dreams: Are you going to commit to the journey, and invest time and effort into it?
If you need some encouragement, the following articles might help. The first two are from my personal story:
My story: How dreams transformed my relationship with God
How I learned to hear God’s voice through interpreting dreams – and how that changed my life.
Put to the test: Are my dreams from God?
Can our dreams contain messages from heaven? One day I decided to put them to the test.

General reasons to take dreams seriously
The following are general articles that give some good reasons to listen to your dreams.
10 reasons why dream interpretation is vital for the church today
Why the church can’t afford to ignore night dreams any longer – and it’s time to take them seriously!
The naked truth about dream interpretation – for Christians
The truth about what dreams are and what they are not – but why you should learn to understand them anyway.
10 reasons to love dreams and the messages they contain
Do dreams mean anything? Here I share 10 reasons from my own journey why I believe it’s worth paying attention to them.
7 myths about dream interpretation that Christians believe
7 objections that can hinder Christians from hearing God through dreams – and the corresponding biblical truths.
Am I crazy to believe God is speaking though my dreams?
Why it’s worth paying the price to pursue dreams and a deeper relationship with God.
Stage 2: PLAN to record your dreams
Once you have decided that you want to listen to your dreams, the next stage is to make a practical plan.
A few years ago, I agreed to run a half marathon with a group of friends. I had never run seriously before, so I had to make changes to my already busy life to fit in the time for training. I had to start training months before the actual event.
It is the same with dreams. Not only do you have to plan to remember your dreams and record them in some way, but you also have to make time for praying about them, researching and storing them.
At this stage it is important to:
- Prepare yourself at bedtime for dreaming
- Make plans to remember and record your dreams
- Plan time for working on your dreams
Bedtime preparation for dreaming
It is important to be expectant at bedtime and go to sleep with a healthy attitude and spirit. This section includes articles on bedtime affirmations and preparation for dreaming.
Plus, there are ideas to consider if you find you are suddenly not remembering your dreams anymore.
How to spiritually prepare for dreaming – with bible verses and bedtime affirmations
Bible verses, prayers, actions and affirmations for preparing you to receive dreams from God.
Why don’t I remember my dreams anymore?
Reasons why you might not be able to remember your dreams anymore and what to do about it.
Writing down your dreams
It is also vital to have a plan for recording your dreams – and to put practical provisions in place for doing it. If you don’t make a plan before you go to sleep, it won’t happen! Here are some practical tips to help.
Don’t miss the essential information to include when writing down dreams. There is a downloadable template that you can use when you first start out. You need to plan to record the right information, otherwise it can be frustrating when you come to interpret the dream.
10 practical tips for recording and remembering your night dreams
Practical tips for busy people – to help you remember your dreams, including different ways to record them.
Essential information to include when writing down dreams
Essential details to include when recording your night dreams – and why.
7 reasons to record dreams – from the biblical example of Daniel
Daniel was one of the great dream interpreters of the bible. But did you know he wrote his dreams down? Here are 7 reasons why.
Plan time for working on your dreams
Finally in this section, make a plan for when you are going to interpret your dreams – which includes thinking and praying about them. It may take a little creativity and life adjustment to make time for this! The first article below is where I share exactly how I managed to do it.
Also check out the post on including dreams as part of your daily time with God. Treating dreams as an important spiritual discipline can make a big difference to your success.
How I learned to interpret dreams while working, raising 3 boys, and running a church!
7 tips for getting started with dreams – when your life is already busy: for Christians.
How dream work can revitalise your morning prayer time
Why dream work is a healthy spiritual discipline, and how to include it in your time alone with God.
Stage 3: INTERPRET your dreams
Once you have some dreams recorded – and have assigned time for thinking and praying about them, it is time to start the dream interpretation process – and have a go at interpreting some of them!
Learning to interpret dreams is like learning a whole new language. Dreams are like parables; they are metaphorical illustrations that speak messages about situations in your life. It takes time and practice to become familiar with the language and the ways God speaks to you personally.
At this stage it is important to:
- Learn about symbolic language
- Develop a dream interpretation method
- Learn how to understand dream symbols
- Know how to approach your own dreams
Learning symbolic language
Understanding dreams means understanding God’s pictorial language. The following articles provide an introduction to symbolic language and explore why God speaks in this way.
An unexpected spin-off of learning this language is that we start to hear God’s voice all around us, not just in dreams – as the final article below explains.
Understand your dreams: A bible-based introduction to dream language
Taking inspiration from the bible to understand the symbolic language of dreams, plus real dream examples.
Why does God speak in dreams and parables?
Four reasons why God doesn’t always speak as clearly and plainly as we would like – with biblical examples.
Hearing God’s voice through dream symbolism in everyday life
How understanding the language of dreams helps you hear God through similar symbols in everyday life.
Dream interpretation method
Now, finally, it is time to have a go at interpreting those dreams! I have developed an easy-to-remember 3-step method (which can also be downloaded as a pdf) in the article below.
***THIS IS MY MAIN DREAM INTERPRETATION GUIDE***
Some of aspects of it (particularly dream symbols) are expanded in the next section, so you may need to read those too – before you attempt to interpret a drram.
3-step dream interpretation method for Christians
A simple introduction to the dream interpretation process in 3 easy-to-remember steps.
Understanding dream symbols
A key element of the dream interpretation method is understanding what the individual symbols mean. Much has been written about this subject! The following articles provide an overview of how to approach them:
10 simple clues for understanding dream symbols
How to understand dream symbols: 10 questions to help identify their meaning, plus real dream examples.
Positive and negative contexts of dream symbols
How to tell if a dream symbol is being used in a positive or negative way – and why it is important.
The importance of background colour and atmosphere in dreams
Light and dark dreams, coloured dreams, night-time dreams, muted dreams, monochrome dreams, and what they mean.

Some dream symbols
I have written in more detail about some dream symbols. You might find the following articles useful:
General interpretation advice
The following contain some general advice about interpreting your own dreams (rather than other peoples’ dreams):
Can I interpret my own dreams – or should I ask an expert?
The pros and cons of interpreting your own dreams – and when it’s advisable to ask someone for help.
5 tips for interpreting your own dreams successfully
5 practical tips to overcome the challenges and play to the strengths of interpreting your own dreams.
How the Holy Spirit mentors us in dream interpretation
How God uses dreams to teach us about dream interpretation, and what that looks like – with real dream examples.
Stage 4: REVIEW and learn
This final stage is often missed, but is the main reason I have grown as a dream interpreter over the years. Don’t miss this out!!
Dream interpretation is a marathon not a sprint, and it is vital to develop a process that enables you to learn from your old dreams.
It is vital to learn from your old dreams.
This means taking time to record what the symbols in your dreams have meant for you personally. It also means reviewing the messages in your dreams with hindsight to see whether you understood them correctly.
In this stage you need to:
- Develop your personal dream dictionary
- Store your dreams in an organised way
- Review your dreams and learn from them
- Understand patterns and timing issues
Learning from your dreams
The following articles contain practical steps for managing your dreams as a long-term process, plus some things I have learnt from my journey to inspire you:
How to develop your own personal dream dictionary
Practical tips for developing your own personal dream dictionary and potential hazards to avoid.
How to organise your dreams so you can remember their messages
Why it is important to remember what God has said to you – and how to do it by keeping a summary list of dreams.
How to review your dream messages and learn from them
How reviewing your dreams regularly and learning from them is a vital key to becoming a confident dream interpreter.
7 things I’ve learnt about God through interpreting dreams
How dreams can bridge the gap between bible knowledge and knowing God personally.
Patterns, cycles, and timing of dreams
These articles deal with the ways God speaks over time, and how to respond when you don’t understand your dreams:
Patterns and cycles in dreams and their interpretation
How God speaks in patterns and cycles – and what this means when interpreting dreams.
How one dream can have different levels of interpretation
How dreams – and messages from God in the bible – can both be interpreted at different levels – with examples.
Keys for understanding the timing of dreams
Days, hours, weeks, months, signs in the sky, and other timing symbols – plus how to approach the time factor in dreams.
Why you never stop learning to interpret dreams
The journey of learning to interpret dreams from God: What gets easier with experience, and why you never stop learning!

Conclusion
This article contains a systematic approach to dream interpretation – from preparing to dream right through to reviewing your old dreams.
The four stages we have identified are:
- STUDY the basics to give you solid biblical foundations.
- PLAN to record and pray through your dreams.
- INTERPRET your dreams and understand the symbolism
- REVIEW your dreams to learn and adjust your understanding
I encourage you to work through the articles in order – and make use of the resources and links available.
If this blog has helped you learn to interpret dreams, please leave a comment below!
I hope you have found this article helpful. If you want to know more, do subscribe to my emails below to receive regular dream interpretation tips.
The purpose of this blog is to provide solid biblical foundations for interpreting dreams, change mindsets in the church, and encourage others to make their own dream journey with God. I am primarily a writer and bible teacher – who loves dreams, and I hope you will be inspired to learn to interpret your own dreams.
It is not currently my aim to routinely engage in dream interpretations or provide training, except through writing blog posts. You can read my most up to date position on interpreting dreams here: Requests for dream interpretations.
Meeting the resurrected Jesus in your dreams
Would you love to meet the risen Christ? Discover how Jesus can appear in your dreams, symbolically and literally!
Dream interpretation and the bible: General wisdom vs specific wisdom
How the specific wisdom of God revealed in dreams complements the general wisdom of the bible to guide us.
7 things I’ve learnt about God through interpreting dreams
How dreams can bridge the gap between bible knowledge and knowing God personally.
ALL of your blogs have been very helpful and thank you again for sharing from your experiences!!!
Absorbing as much as I can 🙂
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Thanks for the feedback!
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I dreamt of wear a grey gown to my formal place of work(school) where I did my Teaching practice (TP) standing in the midst of the students ,I wanted seeing one if the top officials who is closed to me and another teacher stopped me and I entered into a staff-room while I was trying to show the teachers something on my phone I saw a dog very close to me .
While I was trying to unlock my phone it was not unlocking .
What does that mean ?
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Hi Beckley, sorry, this message was a while ago. If you’re still thinking about this dream email me at contact@heavensdreammessages.com and I’ll try and help if I can. Jenny
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