In the previous series, we talked about how to stay on fire for God, grow in your walk with him, and keep your eyes on Jesus no matter what life throws at you. We said that to do this, we need some habits in our lives, and one of these habits is regular Bible reading.
Today, I want to talk about ways to make reading the Bible a habit in your life. What can we do to help it become a habit? Or to put it another way, are there things I can do to help me do what I need to do with the Bible?
If you’re reading this and think, “Hey, I already read the Bible every day,” that’s okay; it may be that you can gain a new insight. But if not, I’d love to hear what you’re doing that helps you maintain the habit of daily Bible reading. I’m always on the lookout for new ideas, so please share your thoughts.
As for me, here are some things I’ve learned that were important in building this habit in my life.
First, when it comes to Bible reading, set aside a specific time and place. Carve the time out in your calendar every day, or at least every weekday. Get away from all distractions. Close your laptop and put your phone in another room. You have time to do this. It’s just a matter of priorities, and this should be at the top. So set aside a time and a place that’s free of distractions, and meet this commitment every day until it becomes a habit. Consistency, of course, can be a challenge. You’re going to miss some days or even feel at times like you’re not making progress. Give yourself grace when this happens and press on.
Second, have a plan. I never advise just opening the Bible to a random page and starting to read there. You can choose a book, then read a chapter a day, a paragraph a day, or read until you feel it’s natural to stop. There are all kinds of plans available. You can read through the Bible in a year or in two years. I’ve done both and really enjoyed the two-year plan. There are plenty of good devotional books out there as well.
I would suggest getting the YouVersion app, which has several plans you can use. That’s where I found the two-year plan from Riverside Church: in the first year, you read Genesis through 2 Chronicles, the New Testament, and the Psalms. In year two, you read Ezra through Malachi, and the New Testament and Psalms again. They also have a 25-day Christmas plan called Good News of Great Joy for reading December 1-25.
I’m currently reading another plan on YouVersion called the One Year Chronological Bible, which takes you through the Bible in chronological order. You can use YouVersion or grab the book here.
The Navigators also have a great plan for reading the Bible through in a year. In this plan, found here, you read four different passages of Scripture each day.
Remember, you don’t have to read the Bible through in a year. You may choose to read much smaller sections each day and really focus in on those. One thing that I’ve found helpful is reading large passages of Scripture daily, such as in a one- or two-year plan, and reading a small passage each day and placing my focus there.
Now, I’m a little different, so this may not appeal to you, but I’m also closing in on seven months of a deep dive into the book of Matthew, reading small passages or sections at a time, writing out thoughts or questions (see below), meditating on the passages, reading in five different translations (ESV, NIV, CSB, NKJV, and NLT). After all that, I’m consulting study Bibles and commentaries.
Speaking of study Bibles, here are a few that I find extremely helpful:
ESV Study Bible, CSB Study Bible – to me, the best in-depth study Bibles out there.
Life Application Bible – this Bible comes in the NIV, NLT, KJV, and NKJV, and, to me, it’s the best at applying the Bible. Sometimes I get caught up in theology and need help in answering the question, “So what?” The LAB does a great job of that.
NIV Application Bible – this Bible was released in 2025 and combines great study/doctrinal notes with practical application. It’s definitely worth checking out.
Bottom line, whatever you do when it comes to reading the Bible, get a Bible and have a plan!
Before you read each day, pray. Ask God for understanding and for his help in applying the passage to your life. I always start my quiet time by praying Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” I ask God to open my eyes so that I can see and understand what the passage is saying, and I ask him to open my ears so I can hear anything he’s saying personally to me that day. I don’t want to read just to check it off my to-do list. I want him to change me through his living Word, and that will only happen with his help.
I also want God to know that I don’t just want to learn the Bible so I can win a Bible trivia contest—I want him to make me holy. So I pray Psalm 86:11, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” I want him to change me and direct my walk with him. Again, that can only happen with his power and help.
After you’ve read, you’ll want to reflect on the passage you’ve just read. Ponder what the author was saying at the time he wrote the words. Also ask, “What’s the timeless principle of the passage?” Then ask yourself what God is specifically saying to you today through this passage. You can also pray the passage to God. Write the verse or passage in your own words or rewrite the scene as if you were there in person. You can use the SPACEPETS model to help you study the passage. This is a series of questions to ask yourself. Is there a…
Sin for me to confess?
Promise to accept?
Attitude to change?
Command to obey?
Example to follow?
Prayer to pray?
Error to avoid?
Truth to believe?
Something to be thankful for?
Write your thoughts in a journal or your Bible. Record what you feel God said, your response, and your specific action as a result. This helps you track how God is working in your life through His Word.
So, there you have my advice for daily Bible reading: Set aside a specific time and place. Have a plan. Pray before you read. Read. Reflect on the passage. Write your thoughts. And I always close my time with another prayer. I may pray the passage back to God and/or simply thank him for his insight, and ask for his help in knowing how to apply the truth and the courage to do so.
Of course, there’s no rule that you have to do your Bible reading the way I do. The bottom line is, READ YOUR BIBLE. God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), and I promise you God will use his Word to change your life.
If you have other ideas, thoughts, or questions, please leave them in the comments!
Another good thing to do is read a Bible App plan with a friend. That gives a place for each of you to write what stood out to you. I’ve done that with one specific friend for a few years now, & we learn from each other.
Yes! That is a great idea, thank you for sharing!