Bible Reading Plans
Practical Ways to Read God’s Word Consistently
One of the best ways to grow in your relationship with God is to develop a regular habit of reading Scripture. Many Christians want to read the Bible more consistently but are unsure where to begin or how to stay on track.
A Bible reading plan can help. Reading plans provide structure, direction, and encouragement as you spend time in God’s Word. Whether you are a new believer reading the Bible for the first time or a lifelong Christian seeking a fresh approach, a reading plan can help you stay focused and intentional.
Growing One Day at a Time
Why Use a Bible Reading Plan?
A reading plan helps create consistency and prevents us from reading only familiar passages.
Regular Bible reading helps us:
Grow in our knowledge of God
Understand the story of Scripture
Strengthen our faith
Develop spiritual discipline
Apply biblical truth to everyday life
Hear God’s guidance and encouragement
Even a few minutes each day can have a lasting impact over time.
A Simple Plan for Beginners
If you are new to Bible reading, begin with Jesus.
Week One: Read John 1–7
Week Two: Read John 8–14
Week Three: Read John 15–21
Week Four: Read Acts 1–14
Week Five: Read Acts 15–28
Along the way, read one Psalm each day and spend time praying about what you have learned.
This simple plan introduces you to Jesus, the early church, worship, prayer, and discipleship.
Read Through the New Testament
Many Christians choose to read the entire New Testament before reading the whole Bible.
A simple approach is to read one chapter each day.
This allows readers to become familiar with:
The life of Jesus
The teachings of Christ
The early church
The letters of the apostles
The hope of Christ’s return
Many people complete the New Testament in less than a year using this method.
Read Through the Bible in One Year
A one-year Bible plan usually includes daily readings from both the Old Testament and New Testament.
This approach helps readers see the entire story of Scripture and understand how God’s plan unfolds throughout history.
Reading the Bible in one year is a worthwhile goal, but remember that understanding and application are more important than speed.
Read the Bible Chronologically
A chronological reading plan arranges passages according to the order in which events occurred.
This approach helps readers understand the flow of biblical history.
You can follow God’s story from Creation through the patriarchs, Exodus, kings, prophets, Jesus, the early church, and the New Creation.
Many readers find this method especially helpful for understanding the Bible’s larger story.
Read by Theme
Some people prefer to focus on a specific topic or area of spiritual growth.
Examples include:
Prayer
Faith
Grace
Worship
Discipleship
Leadership
Spiritual Growth
The Holy Spirit
Christian Living
Topical reading plans can provide encouragement and insight during particular seasons of life.
Read a Psalm and Proverb Each Day
This simple plan has helped many Christians develop a daily habit of reading Scripture.
Read one Psalm each day for worship and prayer.
Read one chapter from Proverbs each day for wisdom and practical living.
This approach provides both encouragement and guidance for daily life.
Read with Others
Many people stay more consistent when reading Scripture with others.
Consider reading with:
A spouse
A friend
A small group
A Sunday School class
A Bible study group
Reading together creates opportunities for discussion, encouragement, and accountability.
Tips for Success
Choose a regular time each day.
Read in a quiet place whenever possible.
Keep a notebook for questions and observations.
Pray before and after reading.
Do not worry if you miss a day.
Simply begin again.
Consistency over time matters more than perfection.
Finding the Right Plan
The best Bible reading plan is the one you will actually follow.
Some people enjoy reading large sections.
Others prefer shorter daily readings.
Some like structure.
Others prefer flexibility.
Choose a plan that fits your season of life and helps you stay connected to God’s Word.
Why This Matters
God speaks through Scripture.
The more time we spend reading His Word, the more we learn about His character, His promises, and His will for our lives.
A Bible reading plan is not a goal in itself. It is simply a tool that helps us spend regular time with God and grow as followers of Jesus Christ.
Related Pages
Getting Started with the Bible
How to Read the Bible for the First Time
Understanding How the Bible Is Organized
How to Study the Bible
Understanding Context in Scripture
Bible Timeline
Learn the Story of Jesus
Continue Learning
How to Read the Bible for the First Time
How to Study the Bible
Understanding Context in Scripture
Bible Timeline
Major Themes of the Bible
