Does your Bible sit on a shelf? It might look nice. But you feel a little guilty. You know you should read it more. You want to connect with God. But the book is just so big. Where do you even start? This is a common feeling. Many Christians have felt this way. You are not alone. The goal of this article is simple. We will show you how to read the Bible in a year. This is a real plan. It is a proven plan that works for regular people.
This isn’t about a religious duty. It’s about a relationship. Think of it as spending a year getting to know God better. His Word is a letter to you. It is full of wisdom, comfort, and truth. This journey can change your life from the inside out. You just need a map to get started. Let’s build that map together.
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Key Takeaways
- It Is Possible: Reading the whole Bible in a year is an achievable goal for anyone. It takes about 15-20 minutes a day.
- A Plan is Essential: Don’t just start at Genesis 1. Using a structured reading plan is the single most important key to success.
- Grace Over Guilt: You will miss days. Everyone does. The goal is progress, not perfection. Learn to give yourself grace and just pick up where you left off.
- Engagement is Key: Don’t just let the words pass by. True transformation comes from engaging with the text through prayer, reflection, and application.
- Community Helps: Sharing the journey with even one other person can provide the encouragement you need to keep going.
Why Should You Even Try to Read the Bible in a Year?
Before we talk about the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why take on this challenge? It seems like a huge commitment. And it is. But the rewards are even bigger. Reading the Bible consistently does something to your heart. It’s like eating healthy food. You might not feel different after one meal. But over time, your body changes. It gets stronger. It gets healthier.
The same is true for your spirit. God’s Word is spiritual food. When you read it daily, you start to see the world differently.
- You hear God’s voice more clearly in your life.
- You find wisdom for your daily decisions.
- You feel a deeper sense of peace, even when life is hard.
- You understand God’s character in a much deeper way.
I remember when I first decided to try. I was in my twenties. My faith felt stuck. I prayed. I went to church. But I knew there was more. Committing to reading the Bible every day was the turning point. It wasn’t always easy. Some days were boring. I’m just being honest. But over time, the story of God’s love for humanity started to click. It became my story. It can become your story, too.
What is the Biggest Mistake People Make When They Start?
Let’s talk about the number one reason people fail. They grab their Bible. They open it to the very first page. Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning…” It starts off great. The stories of creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, and Abraham are amazing. But then they hit Exodus. And then Leviticus. Suddenly, they are reading long lists of laws and instructions for building a tabernacle. Their motivation disappears. The Bible goes back on the shelf.
I have made this mistake three times. I thought I just needed more discipline. But the problem wasn’t my discipline. The problem was my plan. Or rather, my lack of a plan. Simply reading the Bible from cover to cover like a novel is not the best way. The books of the Bible are not all arranged in chronological order. It’s a library of different kinds of books. There are history books, poetry, letters, and prophecy. You wouldn’t walk into a library and just read every book in order from the first shelf to the last. So why would you do that with the Bible?
A good plan helps you navigate this library. It gives you variety. It keeps you from getting bogged down in the difficult parts.
So, What is the Best Plan for Reading the Bible in a Year?
A great plan gives you a balanced diet of scripture. Instead of reading straight through, it gives you a little from different sections each day. This is the secret. It keeps things fresh and interesting. Most of these plans will have you read:
- A little from the Old Testament.
- A little from the New Testament.
- A chapter from Psalms or Proverbs.
This approach is powerful. You get to see the big story of the Old Testament unfold. At the same time, you are learning directly from Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament. And you get a daily dose of wisdom and worship from the Psalms and Proverbs. It connects the dots between the Old and New Testaments beautifully.
How Do You Choose the Right Bible Translation?
Before you start a plan, you need a Bible you can understand. Walking into a Christian bookstore can be confusing. There are so many translations! The King James Version (KJV) is beautiful. But its old English can be hard for modern readers. For a year-long reading plan, you want something clear and readable.
Here are some excellent choices for daily reading:
- New International Version (NIV): Probably the most popular. It balances readability with accuracy very well.
- New Living Translation (NLT): Very easy to read. It focuses on conveying the original meaning in natural, modern English.
- English Standard Version (ESV): A bit more literal than the NIV. It’s a great choice if you want to be closer to the original text’s structure.
My advice? Pick one and stick with it for the year. The goal is to get familiar with God’s Word, not to become a translation expert. You can find all of these translations online for free on websites like BibleGateway.
Where Can You Find a Good Reading Plan?
You don’t have to create a plan yourself. There are thousands of amazing plans available for free. You can find them in Bible apps, online, or in print. The YouVersion Bible app is a fantastic resource. It has hundreds of plans and can send you daily reminders.
Many churches and universities also provide great resources. For example, Taylor University offers several free Bible reading plans that you can download and print.
The key is to find a plan that looks appealing to you and then commit to it. Print it out. Keep it in your Bible. Check off each day as you go. That little checkmark can be surprisingly motivating.
When and Where Should You Read Every Day?
This step sounds simple. But it is incredibly important. You need to create a habit. Think about when you can consistently find 15-20 minutes of quiet.
- For morning people: Try waking up 20 minutes earlier. Make a cup of coffee. And spend the first moments of your day with God.
- For night owls: Maybe reading before bed is better. It can be a peaceful way to end your day.
- During your lunch break: You could find a quiet corner at work. Or even sit in your car.
The specific time doesn’t matter. Consistency does. I found that linking my reading to an existing habit worked best. I already made coffee every morning. I just decided I would not drink my coffee until I opened my Bible. It created a trigger that helped build the habit. Find a trigger that works for you.
How Can You Do More Than Just Read the Words?
You can read the entire Bible and have it not change you. The goal isn’t just to get information into your brain. The goal is to get God’s truth into your heart. That requires engagement. It means you need to slow down and think about what you’re reading. You need to talk to God about it.
A simple but powerful method for this is called the S.O.A.P. method.
- S – Scripture: Write down one verse that stood out to you from your reading.
- O – Observation: What does this verse say? What is happening in the passage? Who is speaking?
- A – Application: How can you apply this verse to your own life? What is God trying to say to you personally?
- P – Prayer: Write a short prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life.
This doesn’t need to take a long time. Just five extra minutes can turn your reading time into a powerful conversation with God. Get a simple notebook. This will become your journal. It’s amazing to look back months later and see how God has been speaking to you.
What Should You Do When You Inevitably Fall Behind?
Let’s be real. Life happens. You’ll have a crazy week at work. A kid will get sick. You’ll go on vacation. And you will miss a day of reading. Or maybe you’ll miss a whole week. This is the moment where most people give up.
Guilt creeps in. You see the unchecked boxes on your reading plan. You feel like a failure. So you just stop trying altogether. Please, do not let this happen.
Falling behind is normal. It is part of the process. The most important thing you can do is give yourself grace. God is not keeping score. He is not angry with you. His love for you doesn’t depend on your perfect Bible reading record.
Here is what you should do when you fall behind:
- Don’t try to catch up all at once. If you missed five days, don’t try to read six days’ worth of scripture in one sitting. You will get overwhelmed and burn out.
- Just read today’s reading. Simply pick up with the reading for the current day. Forget the days you missed. Just get back on track.
- If you have extra time later, go back. If you find yourself with a free hour on a Saturday, you can read one or two of the days you missed. But don’t pressure yourself.
- Remember the goal. The goal is a closer relationship with God. It is not a perfect reading chart.
This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. A few missed days don’t matter in the long run. Just keep moving forward.
How Can You Make the Bible Truly Come Alive?
As you build a consistent habit, you might want to go even deeper. There are some great tools that can help the Bible come alive in new ways. These are not necessary, but they can be a huge help.
Consider Getting a Study Bible
A study Bible is your regular Bible translation with extra notes at the bottom of the page. These notes are written by trusted scholars. They can help you understand:
- The historical context of a passage.
- The meaning of difficult words or phrases.
- How different parts of the Bible connect.
A good study Bible is like having a knowledgeable guide sitting next to you. The NIV Study Bible or the ESV Study Bible are both excellent resources that can last a lifetime.
Try Listening to an Audio Bible
We live in a busy world. Sometimes, finding time to sit and read is hard. An audio Bible can be a game-changer. You can listen while you are:
- Driving to work.
- Doing chores around the house.
- Going for a walk or a run.
Hearing the scripture read aloud can also give you a new perspective. The stories and poems were originally meant to be heard, not just read silently. You can find audio versions of every translation in apps like YouVersion.
Find Someone to Share the Journey With
There is a reason God calls us to live in community. Doing things together is powerful. Find one or two friends who also want to read the Bible more. You don’t need a formal Bible study. Just agree to follow the same reading plan.
Then, you can check in with each other once a week. Send a quick text. “Hey, what did you learn in your reading this week?” Sharing what God is teaching you will cement it in your own heart. And hearing from your friends will encourage you to keep going, especially on the days when you don’t feel like it.
Your Year with God Awaits
Reading the Bible in a year is a wonderful goal. But it’s not the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is to know and love God more. This plan is just a tool to help you do that. It is a pathway to a deeper, more vibrant relationship with your Creator.
So, take the pressure off. Let go of the guilt. Pick a translation. Find a plan. And start today. Don’t wait for the new year. Just start. God is waiting to meet you in the pages of His Word. It will be the best year of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions – How to Read the Bible in a Year
How can I deepen my understanding of Scripture while reading through the year?
Use methods like the S.O.A.P. journaling approach—writing down a verse, observing its meaning, applying it personally, and praying based on it—to actively engage with the text. This encourages reflection, helps internalize God’s truth, and makes reading a transformative experience rather than just informational.
What practical strategies can help me establish a daily Bible reading habit?
Establish a consistent time and place for reading by linking it to an existing habit, such as reading after coffee or during lunch. Also, find accountability by sharing your progress with friends through messages or calls, and leverage technology like Bible apps with reminders or listening to audio Bibles during activities like walking or chores.
What are effective methods for choosing a Bible reading plan that I will actually stick to?
Choose a plan that matches your personality and current life situation, such as a chronological plan to understand the story in order or a balanced ‘Coffee and Cake’ plan that includes parts of Old and New Testaments along with Psalms and Proverbs. Starting with shorter books or one chapter a day can also help build confidence and create a sustainable habit.
How can adopting a mindset of grace improve my Bible reading plan?
By giving yourself grace, you treat Bible reading as an invitation for relationship rather than a test, allowing you to start fresh after missed days without guilt. This approach encourages consistency, helps build a habit, and keeps the focus on connecting with God rather than perfection.
