The Best Bible Reading Plans → A More Beautiful Life Collective

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In this post, we are talking about the best Bible reading plans out there. We are going to talk about why you need a Bible reading plan, some tips and tricks for sticking with your Bible reading plan, and I’ll give you some recommendations for the best Bible reading plans. This episode kicks off our mini-series on getting ready for the New Year.

S2E23 – How to Delight in God: Your Bible Study at Home Guide – A More Beautiful Life Collective Podcast

In this episode, we are talking about the basics of how to start a quiet time routine at home. Your Bible Study at Home can be a vibrant life-giving time. By including worship, prayer, and Bible reading, this can become your favorite time of day. You'll learn how to do this and more in this episode. Read more at the blog post: https://amorebeautifullifecollective.com/how-to-delight-in-god-your-bible-study-at-home-guide/ Get our Bible Study at Home Guide here: https://a-more-beautiful-life-collective.kit.com/99505f5a83 Get our FREE Color the Bible tracker here: https://amorebeautifullifecollective.com/product/free-color-the-bible-reading-tracker/ Visit our Shop to get a copy of any of the resources mentioned in this episode: I’m your host, Cayce Fletcher, and you can learn a little bit more about me here. While you’re here, would you consider leaving a comment, rating, or review? You can find our podcast, A More Beautiful Life Collective Podcast, wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube. Subscribe to the blog for access to our latest content and some freebies. Want to support A More Beautiful Life Collective in the creation of podcasts, posts, and other resources? You can make a one-time, monthly, or yearly donation here. I love creating and sharing resources with you. You can find all of our resources at A More Beautiful Life Collective Shop. Keep creating a life you love, and cultivating your heart for God.

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for joining me for Season 2 Episode 19 of A More Beautiful Life Collective Podcast! Today, we are kicking off a mini-series on preparing for the New Year. Over the next several weeks, we’ll talk about our Bible reading goals, planners, and other goals you should set to live an intentional life. Today we are going to talk about why you need a Bible reading plan, and I’ll give some recommendations for the best Bible reading plans out there.

If I had to sum up what we talk about on the podcast, I would do it by giving you a few elements of your morning routine – one that you will definitely recognize if you’ve listened for long. When you wake up, make yourself a cup of coffee, unload your dishwasher, and then sit down and read your Bible.

It’s a simple routine, but one that reaps so many rewards! Why? Because this routine is a synecdoche for our much larger anthem. My hope is that you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. How do you do this? Through consistent daily habits that bring order out of chaos and steal away some moments to connect with God.

In fact, you could even say that these three elements of my morning routine are representative of our larger search for truth, goodness, and beauty. By taking a few moments each morning for our quiet time with God, we are speaking truth into our lives. By committing to unload the dishwasher, we are choosing to live virtuously (in an act of service to our families and stewardship of our homes) even when we probably don’t feel like it. And, when we make that cup of coffee, we are choosing to do all these things with a recognition of beauty and delight. We live our lives with enjoyment.

Choosing one of the best Bible reading plans will help us to be one step closer to both creating a life we love and cultivating our hearts for God

***If you have enjoyed visiting A More Beautiful Life Collective, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. Let’s make the world more beautiful together. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through this link, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. It’s a win-win!***

Do I need to read the Bible every day?

As we talked about in our post on your Bible study at home guide,, there is something critical about our quiet time with God. When we choose to devote time to cultivating a relationship with God, we are in turn cultivating our hearts for him. Through those moments, we are being transformed into his image.

The Bible is the story of God and his relationship with his chosen people. When we read the Bible, we are also entering into his presence. Through reading the Bible, we are participating in the indwelling of his word in our lives.

When we start a devotional time, we have to first decide on the basics. You have to determine the time and place. You can set the tone with music, candles, and a comfy seat. You can also incorporate different spiritual disciplines like prayer and worship. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to pick the best Bible Reading plans.

Why should you use a Bible reading plan?

Having a Bible Reading Plan can help you to be consistent in your daily quiet time while also helping you to dive into scripture. The Bible is a long book, and it can be difficult to create a daily habit of reading the Bible if you don’t know where to start. Having some guidance in the form of a plan will help you to open up your Bible and get started in those dark hours of the morning. Picking one of the best Bible reading plans for you can help you to achieve your bible reading goals.

What types of plans are out there?

There are so many different types of Bible reading plans. How can we pick the best Bible reading plans?

First, you should decide what type of plan you’d like to use. There are several different kinds of plans. Here are the main differences between the types of plans:

Digital v. Paper Based

First, you have to decide if you would like a digital or physical version of the devotional, plan, and/or Bible. There are several options in our best Bible reading plans for digital and physical. For several years, I used the First5 App + Experience Guides in my Bible Study. This meant I had a paper study guide and Bible, but each day, I was reading the corresponding devotional on the app on my phone. I learned so much through this process and had access to cool resources like videos and a community. But, I also realized that was a gateway to distraction. For the past several years, I’ve stuck to paper-based plans and devotionals. If you do read your devotions online, I still recommend that you have a paper Bible to take notes in!

Plan only v. Plan + Devotional

Then, you need to figure out the type of support you want from your plan. Some of the best Bible reading plans are just a PDF checklist of the Bible readings for that day. Some are comprehensive guides with questions. Some are devotionals. I’ve heard it recommended that you don’t want to read others’ words more than those of God. This means that you shouldn’t rely solely on your devotional to make a connection with God (as opposed to reading your Bible). But, I also know that as a layperson without a seminary degree, it is definitely nice to learn some context for what I’m reading! Devotionals and other Bible Study guides can help you learn so much.

Bible in a Year v. Shorter and/or Topical

If you have never read through the Bible, I strongly encourage you to make that your goal this year. Most Bible in a Year Plans focus on reading 3-5 chapters a day, which amounts to about 15-20 minutes a day. (Several of the Best Bible reading plans are this type.) This gives you a great overview of scripture and helps you to place events and teachings in context. The drawback of doing a Bible in a Year plan is that it can be too overwhelming and cause you to quit. It can also be very fast. If you are just reading to check off a list, you could ‘tune out’ to what the scripture is actually saying. There are other shorter and/or topical Bible reading plans and devotionals that can help ease you into Bible study and dive deeper into the text. You just need to assess your goals for this year and determine what you want.

Systematic v. Genre v. Jump Around

Lastly, you need to decide whether or not you want a systematic approach to reading the Bible or if you would rather read by genre or jump around. There are lots of different types of plans out there. I would imagine that a ‘straight through the Bible’ systematic approach is probably the most commonly attempted. But, that is definitely not the only kind out there. The Bible is arranged mostly by genre. So, different parts of the Bible can occur at the same time (especially when looking at the historical and prophetic books). There are also chronological Bible reading plans that place scriptures in the order they occur. This can be helpful to connect the dots across different books of the Bible. A different type of plan (that also can help you connect the dots across scripture) is a genre or split reading plan. In these types of best Bible reading plans, you read from different genres each day or assign a day of the week to a different genre. This means you may be reading a proverb, psalm, book from the OT, and book from the NT all at the same time. This helps you to not feel bogged down in a particular book (looking at you, Leviticus) while seeing similarities across the whole Bible. At the same time, you are jumping around quite a bit which may be difficult if you are reading through the Bible for the first time.

5 Questions to answer to pick the best Bible Reading Plans

Have I ever read through the Bible before?
How much time do I have each morning to read my Bible?
Do I need some catch-up days built into my Bible reading plan?
Do I prefer to move linearly through the Bible or do I like to switch things up to keep it interesting?
Do I want my reading to be ‘just me and my Bible’, or do I want some outside help while reading (in the form of devotionals and workbooks)?

Tips to keep in mind when using the Best Bible Reading Plans

Tip #1: Make a commitment, and create a habit to stick with it.

Like all New Year goals, it’s easy to start strong, let life happen, and end up abandoning our goals once the going gets tough. If we want to be successful in following our Bible reading plan, we need to make a commitment to stick with it. It has to be a priority.

Choosing one of the best Bible reading plans is the perfect way to first make our Bible reading goals.

Then, we need to establish a daily Bible reading habit. This means that we have to use everything we know about how to make and keep habits and apply those to our daily Bible reading. We know that we need to create a space that allows for the least friction getting started.

Work through the following questions to help you make a plan to make a habit: Do you have a Bible? Do you have a pen? Do you have your devotional book, Bible reading plan, and notebook close by? Is your alarm set? Where in your morning routine will you do your Bible reading? Do you have a little celebration (a la Tiny Habits) that you can do when you have completed your Bible reading? Do you have a few friends to talk about your reading with after the fact to hold you accountable?

Tip #2: If you miss a day, just read it the next day.

If you’ve ever done a Bible reading plan in the past, you probably recognize this scenario. Things come up and for some reason, you miss a day (or two or three) on your Bible reading plan. Saturday rolls around, and you are determined to get caught up. So you spend 2 hours all at once completing everything you missed. This was basically the way that I did my ‘daily’ devotional time in college and in the first few years of marriage. There’s nothing wrong with it, though I don’t know if I was really retaining as much in those cram sessions. However, once kids enter the picture, it’s a lot harder to find 2 hours of uninterrupted time (ever!). I realized this past year that the best way to stay consistent is to just do the next day’s reading on the next day (and try not to miss two days in a row). Most plans are designed to be a year, but you don’t have to read them in a year. You also don’t have to start them in January. The main goal is to read more of your Bible, and as long as that’s happening, you’re doing great! The best Bible reading plans are the ones you actually do!

Tip #3: Document your reading somehow.

Lastly, I’d recommend you track your reading in a couple of different ways. First, you should keep track of your plan and check it off. Most of the best Bible reading plans offer a checklist of your reading by day, book, or week. This can help you with motivation as you look at how much you’ve accomplished over the previous months. You can also use coloring tracking to document your reading. (You can find a few versions on the AMBL shop!) In addition to tracking your reading, you should also keep track of what you are learning in your reading. My favorite way of doing this is through notetaking in my Bible. I am a firm believer in underlining, marking, and adding notes about context and cross-references. I don’t want my Bible to become too cluttered, so I also keep a journal close by to write down questions, other notes, and ways that I see the text applying to my understanding of theology or life. Picking up a pen, and making notes is the best way to make your study come alive. It’s your way of having a conversation with the text even while you are still quiet. (Most workbook study guides build this into the written portion. This is also another way of documenting your learning.)

And remember… It won’t always look perfect.

You may have toddlers crawling all over you. You may be doing your reading before bed. You may be listening to it in the car. And, some days yes, you may be having an idyllic morning with the perfect cup of coffee, a cozy blanket over your legs, and a candle flickering in the distance. It won’t always look perfect, but showing up regularly is the best way to foster a deep relationship with God.

My Big List of the Best Bible Reading Plans

Bible in a Year Plans

For an even more comprehensive list, check out this post here from Bible Study Together.

Systematic –

This Straight Through the Bible Plan is the checklist that you need if you want to start in the beginning and finish at the end.
This plan organizes the Old Testament in TANAK order (the original order) and then the New Testament like the common English Bible. The plan also includes readings from theologian James Hamilton.

Chronological –

This Chronological Bible Reading Plan organizes scripture by its timeline rather than by genre.
This Chronological Thematic Plan organizes readings chronologically and then ties in thematically related scripture.

Genre/Split Readings –

This 5 Day a Week Bible Reading Plan has a scripture reading from the Old and New Testament each day. Here is a one page version from a previous year.
Robert Murray M‘Cheyne’s Bible Reading Calendar – This Bible Reading plan helps you read through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. It gives daily readings and is designed for both family and individual study. The pages are designed to draw out themes across parallel readings of scripture. Here is a one page view of the reading calendar. D.A. Carson has wrote devotionals for each day of this reading. You can find the print version here or the free online version on his blog.
This plan from BibleReading.org has a reading for each day of the week from a different genre of scripture.
This Kingdom Bible Reading plan also takes you through multiple genres each day.
The Bible Eater Plan is unique in that it doesn’t assign daily Bible readings. Instead, it gives general guidelines for what should be read quarterly with the allowance of a few days off.
The Bible Reading Plan for Shirkers and Slackers also doesn’t assign daily bible readings. It gives you a list of what should be read and then you can check it off as you complete it. This plan is also divided up into genres.

**If you have time for extended Bible Study each day, you can read through the Bible in 90 days with this Bible in 90 Days reading plan.

***If you would like to have an extended Bible reading schedule, check out this two year Bible reading plan. Here is another 2-year Bible Reading plan to choose from.

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New Testament Bible Reading Plans

If time is tight, you can also make a goal to read through the New Testament in a Year rather than the whole Bible.

Shorter Bible Reading Plans

Read through the Proverbs in one month with this plan.
Read through the Psalms in 150 days with this plan.
Redemptive-Historical Bible Reading Plan by Greg Lanier – This unique plan breaks down the different topics through the Bible like Creation, Covenant Promise, Exodus, etc., and includes specific readings for them. It doesn’t specify a daily reading schedule. Instead, you can read these topics at your own pace.
The AMBL Advent & Christmastide Reading Guide
This 90 Day Bible Overview Plan gives you an overview of the New and Old Testament by highlighting key texts.
Another method of reading through the Bible is to read the same book of the Bible (or section of the Bible) every day for an extended period of time, like a month. In doing this, you can read without feeling like you are behind if you miss a day, while also getting the benefits of repetitive reading. This plan is very flexible, and you could really start with any book of the Bible that you’d like. The epistles are probably most suited for this type of repetitive reading.

Devotional Guides to Read through the Bible

Your Daily Walk by Bruce Wilkinson – This devotional will help you read through the Bible in a Year. Each day’s reading is paired with a short, easy devotional with application and necessary context.
Through the Bible in a Year by John Stott – Thematically divides up scripture based on the Church calendar to walk you through the Bible in a Year.
The Daily Bible Project: A Three-Year Record of Your Reading Plan Journey – “For anyone looking to deepen their spiritual walk by reading through the Bible in a year, this keepsake journal offers a reading schedule with daily Scripture assignments and room to record three years’ worth of responses.”
Adventuring through the Bible: A Guide to the Entire Bible by Ray Stedman – Provides background and insight for the 66 books of the Bible.
The Bible Recap – Provides a 365-day Bible Reading Plan to walk you through scripture.
Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul David Tripp – A daily devotional that accompanies a systematic Bible Reading Plan.

Daily Devotionals

Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology by Kevin DeYoung – This book is a collection of 365 devotions designed to make theology accessible to every Christian. This is written from a reformed perspective.
Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are by Shauna Niequist – If you are looking for a devotional to cultivate your relationship with God, this one could be the one for you. “Savor is a 365-day devotional that helps you soak up the goodness all around you, be aware of holy fingerprints everywhere, and walk through each day cherishing those glints of the divine in the daily.”
Go Forward in Love by Timothy Keller – “The perfect 365-daily reader for both new and longtime admirers of Timothy Keller’s writing, Go Forward in Love features deep insights, profound truths, and biblical wisdom on topics such as prayer, forgiveness, loving our neighbors, the importance of work, and the hope of the resurrection.”
The One Year Book of Hymns: 365 Devotions Based on Popular Hymns
Awaken: 90 Days with the God who Speaks by Priscilla Shirer
Embraced by Lysa TerKeurst
Mom Heart Moments by Sally Clarkson – “Spend the year with Mom Heart Moments, the first devotional by beloved author Sally Clarkson, and discover how as a mother you can draw closer to the heart of God.”

Best Websites, Apps, and Organizations for Daily Devotionals

SeekGrowLove.com – This blog takes you through the Bible each year with a Bible Reading Plan paired with a devotional written by a variety of authors.
The Daily Grace Co – The Daily Grace Co has so many quality Bible study resources including year-long devotionals, topical studies, and Bible study resources.
Proverbs 31 Ministries – The Proverbs 31 Ministries also has a shop and lots of online resources to get you into scripture and connected with God. You can sign up for their Encouragement for Today Devotions, First 5 App, or Circle 31 Book Club.
She Reads Truth – She Reads Truth also features several Bible study guides that take you through different parts of scripture. There is also a She Reads Truth Bible with devotionals spread throughout.
YouVersion – YouVersion and the Bible App has lots of different Bible Reading Plans to choose from. If you prefer to have an online Bible Reading plan, this could be the best resource for you!

What are your Bible study goals this year?

I’d love to hear about your Bible study goals. Are you using a Bible reading plan? Do you like a specific book, app, or website? What do you think is the best Bible reading plans? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time, keep creating a life you love and cultivating your heart for God.

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