How to Read the Bible in a Year: Proven Plan That Works

Every January, for about five years straight, I made the same goal. I would say, “This is the year. I’m going to read the whole Bible.” In my excitement for the new year, I would get a new reading plan and eagerly start reading.All the rules about sacrifices and skin problems just made my eyes glaze over. Soon, after missing one day, then two, my reading plan looked more like a list of my failures. Consequently, I felt guilty and would quit, always telling myself I would try again next year. If you want to know how to read the bible in a year but have a story like mine, you are not alone. This article is for you.

For a long time, I believed I was the problem, thinking I wasn’t disciplined or spiritual enough. But then I saw that my heart was not the issue; instead, my method was flawed. Essentially, I was treating the Bible like a school book when I should have treated it like a story. Any successful attempt at how to read the bible in a year required a new perspective.

Once I changed how I did things, for instance, by letting go of the guilt, everything got better. I found a plan that worked for a normal person and learned a few simple tricks. As a result, reading the Bible stopped feeling like a chore and began to feel more like a talk with a friend. This guide shares everything I learned. It is a plan that works because it is built on grace, not guilt.

Understanding Why Most Plans for How to Read the Bible in a Year Don’t Work

Let’s be honest about why this is a common problem. People want to read the Bible, but the plans they use often set them up to fail.

Specifically, the biggest problem is reading from front to back. While it seems to make sense to start at Genesis and read straight through, the Bible is not set up in the order that things happened. For example, after reading the great stories in Genesis and Exodus, you suddenly get to the dense laws in Leviticus and Numbers. At that point, the story stops. In fact, this is where most people lose their desire to read, as it feels like you stopped watching a fun movie to read a hard legal paper.

Moreover, another big problem is the “all or nothing” way of thinking. Most plans have a daily checklist, so if you miss a day, you are now “behind.” This could be because of a sick child or a busy day at work. Consequently, after missing a few more days, it feels too hard to catch up, so it seems easier to just quit. This turns a fun journey into a stressful test. This way of thinking leads to burnout. The goal of learning how to read the bible in a year should be about connecting with God. It should not be about checking off boxes.

Adopting a Mindset of Grace Over Guilt for Success

This is the most important part of this article. If you do not get this, no plan will work for you. You must give yourself grace. Reading the Bible is not a test to see if you are a good person. It is an invitation to have a relationship with God. A key to how to read the bible in a year is being kind to yourself.

Think about it like this: if you were getting to know a new friend, would you get upset about missing a coffee date? Of course not; you would just find a new time. You certainly wouldn’t say, “Our friendship is a failure now!” Instead, you’d just start where you left off. Therefore, you need to treat your time in the Bible the same way.

So, remember, it is okay to miss days, and it is okay to get behind. The goal, after all, is not a perfect year of checked boxes. Rather, the goal is a year of connecting with God through His Word. When you fall off the horse, simply get back on. Also, do not try to read all the parts you missed. Just start with today’s reading because progress is more important than perfection.

How to Choose a Plan for How to Read the Bible in a Year That You’ll Actually Finish

Okay, now that you have the right mindset, let’s talk about the real-life side of things. First of all, not all reading plans are the same. In fact, the best plan is the one you will actually do. Your personality and your life right now will help you pick the right one. To help, here are a few good plans that have helped many people win.

Using a Chronological Plan to Understand the Bible’s Story

This plan changed everything for me. A chronological plan does not follow the order of the books in your Bible; it follows the order of when things really happened. This is a great way to learn the main story of the Bible.

For example, when you read about David’s life in the book of 2 Samuel, a chronological plan will have you stop and read the Psalms that David wrote at that same time. In this way, you will read the psalms about his affair with Bathsheba, and you will also read the ones from when he was hiding from King Saul. Ultimately, it makes the Bible feel real. The books of the Prophets are no longer confusing because you read them in the right place in history, alongside the stories of the kings they were talking to. If you love a good story, this is the best way to understand how to read the bible in a year.

You can get a great chronological plan for free from Blue Letter Bible. Their “Chronological Reading Plan” puts the whole Bible into a story that flows well. It is a great way to see how all the parts fit together.

A “Coffee and Cake” Plan for How to Read the Bible in a Year

Maybe you do not want to read only Old Testament history for months. I understand. The “Coffee and Cake” way gives you a little of everything each day. In other words, it is a balanced diet of the Bible.

Most of these plans have you read a portion of the Old Testament and some of the New Testament. In addition, you also read a chapter from Psalms and a chapter from Proverbs each day. This is a great idea for a few reasons. First of all, you do not get stuck in one type of writing for too long. For instance, if you are in a tough part of the Old Testament, you still get the hope of the New Testament. Secondly, reading Psalms and Proverbs many times a year is a huge benefit, as these books have the Bible’s best wisdom and worship. Indeed, they are always a source of new strength.

The most famous plan like this is the M’Cheyne Reading Plan. You can find a simple version on the ESV Bible’s website. Their “M’Cheyne Reading Plan” is a classic plan for a reason. It is a great answer for how to read the bible in a year.

A Beginner’s Plan for How to Read the Bible in a Year

Do all these plans feel like too much? Let’s make it simple. You do not have to read the whole Bible on your first try. The goal is to make a habit of reading every day. So just start somewhere.

For example, pick one of the Gospels, like the book of John. It has 21 chapters. Simply plan to read one chapter a day. In just three weeks, you will have read a whole book of the Bible. Of course, that is a big win! Then, you can pick a short letter, like Philippians or Colossians, and read that. In this way, you can build up your good feelings and confidence. Consequently, after a few months of reading shorter books, a year-long plan will feel much easier.

Practical Strategies for How to Read the Bible in a Year

Choosing a good plan is half the work. The other half is building the habits to see it through. Here are the best ideas I have found for your journey of how to read the bible in a year.

Establishing a Consistent Time and Place for Daily Bible Reading

A goal like “I’ll read the Bible more” will fail. You need a clear plan. The best way to build a new habit is to connect it to a habit you already have. For example: “Every morning, after I get my coffee, I will sit in my favorite chair and read before I check my phone.”

Of course, your “when and where” might be different. For some, it might be on their lunch break. For others, it could be for 15 minutes while waiting to pick up the kids. You could even listen to an audio Bible while you walk the dog. Ultimately, the time and place do not matter as much as doing it regularly. Just find a real time slot in your day and protect it.

The Importance of Accountability for Reading the Bible in a Year

Truly, this is a very big deal. Find one or two other people to read the Bible with you. You do not have to meet for a long study every week; in fact, a simple text message can make all the difference. For example, you might text, “Read today’s part! That bit in Isaiah was wild.” On another day, you could say, “Hey, I’m having a hard time today, can you pray for me?” Knowing someone else is on the journey gives you hope. Furthermore, it also helps you want to keep up and makes it a shared time.

Using Technology for How to Read the Bible in a Year

We live in a great age of technology, so use it! For instance, the YouVersion Bible App is a great free tool with many “read the Bible in a year” plans. This app can track what you read, send you reminders each day, and it also lets you talk about the readings with friends.

Also, do not forget about audio Bibles. For many people, listening to the Bible is the key to winning, especially if you have long drives to work or a busy life. It’s possible to listen while you do the dishes, fold clothes, or go for a run. Moreover, hearing the Bible read with passion can make it come to life in a new way. Most audio versions are available right in the YouVersion app or on websites like Bible Gateway.

How to Engage with Scripture for Deeper Understanding

The main goal of reading the Bible is not just to get facts in your brain. It is to get God’s truth in your heart. It is about change, not just facts. This means you need a simple way to connect with what you are reading.

Using the S.O.A.P. Journaling Method to Reflect on Your Reading

You do not need to be a great writer to journal. A simple way to do it is called S.O.A.P. The letters stand for:

• S – Scripture: Write down one verse that you liked from your reading. Just one.
• O – Observation: What does this verse say? What is happening around it? What does it mean? Write a sentence or two about what you see in the text.
• A – Application: How does this apply to your life right now? Is there a rule to follow, a promise to hold on to, or an example to copy? Make it personal.
• P – Prayer: Write a short prayer based on the verse. Ask God to help you use this truth in your life.

This whole thing can take less than five minutes, but it is a strong way to make sure you are not just reading passively. In effect, it makes you stop and think about what God might be saying to you.

Final Encouragement for Your Journey to Read the Bible in a Year

That big book can feel scary. Past failures can make you feel sad. But I want you to hear this loud and clear: you can do this. The key is to have the right way of thinking (grace!) and the right plan. Learning how to read the bible in a year is one of the best things you will ever do. It will change how you see God, how you see yourself, and how you see the world.

So, forget past failures and let go of the guilt. Instead, pick a plan that looks fun to you and find a friend to join you. Then, just start. You can begin with one day, one chapter, one verse. After all, a long journey starts with a single step, and your journey through the Bible can begin today.

FAQ – How to Read the Bible in a Year