Many Christians struggle to read the Bible consistently, and many Christians struggle to read all of the Bible. If I were to ask an average Christian if they’ve ever read the entire Bible, chances are, they’d say no. That’s not a judgment on anyone; just the reality of it. It’s challenging, for various reasons!

One problem is that we either don’t have a plan, or we use an ineffective plan. Seriously. Reading from beginning to end is usually not a great plan for reading the Bible. In January, we might start with Genesis, but when we get to Leviticus or Numbers, maybe around April or May, it’s hard reading! And if by chance you make it to the Old Testament Prophets, it gets depressing after about a few days! There needs to be some variety in our Bible reading.

So I have a solution for you: have a (good) Bible reading plan. Specifically, one of my Bible reading plans. It is very possible to have read every part of the Bible in less than a year, or even a little over a year for some plans, and it only takes a minimum of four chapters a day, which should take roughly 15 minutes, plus any additional time for reflection and prayer.

If you’re not so much concerned about reading the entire Bible in one year, but want to cover the Bible just on a consistent basis, there are other reading plans for you. (See below.)

Before I make my recommendations, let me also state that it is ok to read the Bible at a normal pace, even quickly at some parts. Yes, it is God’s Word, and there may be times we want to pause a bit at certain parts, but in general, it’s A-OK to read the Bible at a normal pace. In fact, if you want to read the entire Bible at some point, realistically, you should read it at a normal pace. You’re not required to “soak in” literally every single word.

Ok, here are five plans I recommend to get a comprehensive Bible reading plan that takes anywhere from 10-30 minutes a day, plus any additional time for reflection and/or prayer. And I recommend reading in the order provided as well. You may need some bookmarks and a printed list in your Bible!

Reading Plan C3:
3 chapters a day, read the New Testament in less than a year, the Old Testament in a year and a few months (for the beginner)

• 1 chapter from Matthew–Revelation
• 1 chapter from Genesis–Esther
• 1 chapter from Job–Malachi

Reading Plan C4:
4 chapters a day, read the entire Bible in less than a year (recommended if the focus is simply to attain the goal of reading the Bible in one year)

• 1 chapter from Genesis–2 Kings
• 1 chapter from Matthew–Revelation
• 1 chapter from Job–Song of Songs
• 1 chapter from 1 Chronicles–Malachi

Reading Plan C4+:
4 chapters a day, read the New Testament 2-3 times a year, and the Old Testament in a year and a few months (recommended for most who are starting out with Bible reading plans)

• 1 chapter from Matthew–Acts
• 1 chapter from Genesis–Esther
• 1 chapter from Romans–Revelation
• 1 chapter from Job–Malachi

Reading Plan C5:
5 chapters a day, read the New Testament 2-3 times and the Old Testament once in a year (recommended for most mature Christians)

• 1 chapter from Matthew–Acts
• 1 chapter from Genesis–2 Kings
• 1 chapter from Job–Song of Songs
• 1 chapter from Romans–Revelation
• 1 chapter from 1 Chronicles–Malachi

Reading Plan C10:
10 chapters a day, read the Bible multiple times a year (for the elite and takes around 30 minutes!)

• 1 chapter from Matthew–John
• 1 chapter from Genesis–Deuteronomy
• 1 chapter from Romans–Colossians
• 1 chapter from 1 Thessalonians–Revelation
• 1 chapter from Job, Ecclesiastes, or Song of Solomon (rotating)
• 1 chapter from Psalms
• 1 chapter from Proverbs
• 1 chapter from Joshua–Esther
• 1 chapter from Isaiah–Malachi
• 1 chapter from Acts

This last plan is one I’ve been following for about 20 years now, so I’ve read through the Bible dozens of times, I don’t know exactly, just not in chronological order, some parts more often than others, obviously. I forget where I got this exact plan, but it was from a Bible professor who posted it online a long time ago. However, after nearly 20 years of doing this, I can say that I have a pretty comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, the big picture, so to speak. And this plan keeps me in every major section of the Bible on a daily basis.

The reason that I like these plans is that there are some sections of the Bible that are more or less difficult than others, and many of us have a hard time going through them. It’s like eating a well-balanced meal, including both vegetables and dessert! A little bit of everything each day, even parts that are hard to digest, along with more easily digestible parts. I’ve found that on some days, a passage from the Gospels hits me hard. On other days, something in Paul’s letters makes an impact more than other passages. And still on other days, something from the Old Testament Prophets convicts me more than what I read in the New Testament. It’s a well-balanced spiritual meal on a daily basis.

Another suggestion is to not become a slave of the tool. I’ve skipped many times due to various reasons, and that’s ok. As long as there is consistency (if you miss some days here and there, just pick up where you left off!), that’s what matters. These plans are tools for us to be in the Word on a consistent basis. I’ve also cut short my reading plan on some days (instead of a chapter from all 10 sections, I might skip one or six sections, due to time constraints usually), and that’s fine. The next chapter of the Joshua–Esther section will be there tomorrow. Better to read 1 or 2 chapters than none. The queue is still ready tomorrow for each section. That’s another great thing about these plans: flexibility.

The point is not which plan is better, but which plan fits you and will motivate you to be consistently in the Word, and in all of the Word. The point is to stay with it. A habit is formed within 2-3 weeks, simple.

I also suggest interspersing the time of reading with prayer and reflection, if a particular verse or passage stands out for you. But don’t feel like you need to force it. You’ll know when God is speaking to you in a more direct way as you’re reading his Word. And when he does, pause for a moment and reflect on what he’s saying to you. Just don’t ignore it for the sake of time. And if you need to pause, and now you’ve got to get going, but you have more chapters to read, go do your thing. Those chapters will still be there tomorrow. You had a good moment with God, you heard him, and that’s ultimately what matters. Just don’t forget what he said when you’re in the middle of your day!

If you have any questions or comments on any of this, feel free to comment below. Hope this helps!

— Dave