How to Choose a Bible Reading Plan (and Keep Going)

The Protestant Bible has 66 books and 1,189 chapters. Reading about three or four chapters a day takes you through the whole Bible in a year (1,189 ÷ 365 ≈ 3.3). If that sounds like a lot, it is worth knowing that most chapters take only a few minutes to read.

The best plan is one you can keep up with. A shorter plan you finish does more good than a long one you drop in February.

Gospels first (about a month)

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have 89 chapters between them. At three chapters a day, you read all four Gospels in 30 days. This is a good first plan if you are new to the Bible, because it puts you straight into the life and teaching of Jesus. Our free printable lays out all 30 days on one page.

Cover to cover (one year)

Start at Genesis and read straight through. It is simple, but long stretches of law and genealogy in the early books are where many readers stall. Plan for that, and keep going.

Chronological (one year)

These plans put the books, and sometimes chapters, in the rough order the events happened. For example, they place the Psalms beside the life of David and the prophets beside the kings they spoke to. That helps you see the story as one connected history.

Several readings a day (one year)

The best-known plan of this kind was written in 1842 by Robert Murray M’Cheyne, a minister at St Peter’s Church in Dundee, Scotland. It gives four readings a day, usually one chapter each. Over a year you read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. Readers like that every day mixes the Old and New Testaments.

Psalms and Proverbs (one month)

Proverbs has 31 chapters, one for each day of a month. Many people pair it with five psalms a day, which covers all 150 psalms in 30 days.

• Pick a time and a place. Read at the same time each day, such as with your morning coffee or before bed. It is easier to keep a habit that is tied to something you already do.
• Aim for days, not perfection. If you miss a day, pick up with today’s reading instead of trying to catch up all at once.
• Keep one thing from each reading. Write down a verse, a question or something you noticed. Reading with a pen in hand keeps you paying attention.
• Read with someone. A friend, family member or small group reading the same plan will keep you going, and they give you someone to talk it over with.
• Expect hard passages. Some chapters are difficult. Note your questions and keep reading, because Scripture often explains Scripture further on.

Lampstead includes plans like Gospels in 30 days and the Psalms in 30 days. Open Plans, pick a plan and start it. Today then shows each day’s reading, and you check off passages as you read them. You can also turn on a daily reminder at the time you choose. Reminders are off until you turn them on.

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