Reading the Bible regularly can be a transformative spiritual practice. Developing a plan to systematically work through the Bible ensures you expose yourself to the entirety of Scripture. Here are some tips for creating a Bible reading plan that works for you.
Choose a Bible translation: Select a translation of the Bible that you find easy to understand and enjoyable to read. Common modern translations like the NIV, ESV, NASB or NLT are good options for Bible reading plans.
Set a schedule: Decide how much time you can realistically devote to Bible reading each day. 10-15 minutes daily is a good goal. Then map out a plan to read through the Bible in a year or two years. There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible, so reading 3-4 chapters per day will get you through the Bible in about a year. Here's a website that allows you to create your own custom reading plan.
Read in order: Reading the Bible from start to finish, from Genesis to Revelation, is a great way to get the full sweep of Scripture. If this seems daunting, you could also read half Old Testament and half New Testament each day. If you're looking for a plan that allows you to read different sections of the Bible that parallel each other, click here for a 2-year reading plan that is quite remarkable.
Use technology: Apps like YouVersion make it easy to create customized reading plans and send you reminders so you stay on track. Audio Bibles are also great for listening on your commute.
Pray before reading: Begin each reading time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to you through God's Word. The Bible comes alive when we invite God to reveal himself through it.
Take notes: Having a journal handy while you read allows you to write down key insights, verses that inspire you, and questions that arise. This engages you further with the text.
Stay consistent: The key to any good Bible reading plan is sticking with it. Set reminders on your phone, find an accountability partner, and make your reading time non-negotiable each day. Consistency breeds habit.
Changing your life through God's Word takes commitment and planning. But a well-crafted Bible reading schedule removes the guesswork and sets you up for success. With these principles in mind, you can design a plan to dive deep into Scripture each day.
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