7 Unique Ways to Make Bible Study a Daily Habit

As believers, we know that studying God’s Word is important, but life often gets in the way. Our schedules are full, we are sometimes distracted, and to be honest, it sounds a bit overwhelming.

One of the best ways to integrate Bible study is to focus on making it a habit first. Then, we can get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it, what to study, and the best methods for studying. Simply building a practice of doing it will kick it all off.

Habits are often hard to create and easy to break, but here are some unique ways to build Bible study into your everyday routines.

Reward Chart

Reward charts are often associated with children, but don’t underestimate their potential power in your life. Tangible rewards can be a good motivator. Create a system of rewards that speaks to you: a treat, outing, new purchase, celebratory event, etc. Consider it a goal tracker with benefits!

Set an Alarm

Use your phone alarm or timers in your home to remind you to stop for Bible study. Pick a certain time or times during the day when you know you can stop and read God’s Word. Set your alarm and choose a specific sound or song to remind you immediately what the alarm is for. This can help with consistency and habit-forming.

Positive Association

Choose something to go along with Bible study that you only do during that time. Whether it is a special beverage or snack, a certain record playing in the background, a special candle, or a location in your home reserved only for Bible study, save it for this time to create positive associations. Think outside the box if you must. Go ahead and soak your feet in warm water while studying, play a nature sound CD, or complete a stretching routine at the end of your study session.

Front and Center

Find a way to display your Bible as a reminder. This could range from leaving it open on a counter to displaying it on a recipe stand in the dining room. Place it on a cake stand on your table. Along similar lines, you can place written reminders around the home, specifically in places where you might be tempted to go instead of going to your Bible, such as over the kitchen sink, on your laptop, on your phone screensaver, on the fridge, or the laundry room door.

Take a Class

Sign up to take or audit a Bible class in person or online or find a virtual study that meets at a specific time. Paying for a class that meets at specific times will spur you to be consistent and committed.

Buddy Up

Plan to do your Bible time during a time that you do something else necessary, such as eating a meal. You know you won’t skip lunch, so plan Bible study for that time or for whichever meal works for you. You know that you always wash dishes in the morning, so turn on the Bible on audio at that time. You have a thirty-minute commute, so listen to a theological podcast during that time. Maybe you have a break between classes that is the perfect amount of time to read scripture or a weekly appointment with waiting room time. Pair your Bible study time with something else in your life that is a must-do.

Set Up For Success

Prepare your Bible study tools and supplies in advance. Have a permanent space for all your items and make it attractive. You can make this elaborate with scripture art, jars of highlighters, a special blanket or mug, notecards, and more. Or you can simply set your supplies out at the kitchen table before going to bed. Whatever you choose, putting in the effort to set it up will likely motivate you to complete your study session.

Often, when we establish a new habit, all we need is to get over the hump of disciplining ourselves to be consistent, and suddenly that habit will become an intricate and necessary piece of our lives, blessing us exponentially. Choose one or a few of these ideas and see if they make an impact on your Bible study.