How to Read the Bible Every Day

Do you want to read your Bible more? Whether you’re brand new in this walk of faith or a seasoned believer, most of us would agree that we need to spend more time in God’s word – but the thought of adding one more item to your to-do list may overwhelm you.

I was 18 when I got saved. Although I’d known about God, it wasn’t until I hit college that I experienced a life-changing encounter with Him. I devoured the paperback New Testament that was given to me. Those early days of getting to know God through His Word sparked a daily routine of reading the Bible that has carried me through many seasons of life.

Deep in our souls, I think we all feel that tug to be in God’s word every day. Just as we are cognizant of the need to nourish our earthly bodies, the spirit within us hungers for God’s presence and His truth. It’s a divine longing put there by the Creator.

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God…” Psalm 42:2 NIV

Reading your Bible every day doesn’t have to be complicated. All you need is a Bible version you can understand, a notebook and a pen. Mix that with an attitude of expectation and a little determination and bit by bit, a new daily habit will take form. Let’s break this down into four easy steps.

4 Easy Steps to a Daily Bible Reading Routine

1. Choose a Bible version that resonates with you. 

My first Bible was an easy-to-read Good News edition. It was a great place to start that helped me grasp the “width and depth” of God’s love for me, His plan for my life and His way of righteousness.

Popular Bible translations include the NIV and the NLT. Some people still lean into the traditional King James edition or the modernized New King James. The bottom line is to find a version that is theologically accurate and helps you grasp biblical concepts.

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 NIV

2. Establish a plan for daily Bible reading. 

Be realistic with your schedule and establish your reading goals accordingly. I like plans that take me through the entire Bible in a year. If that’s too ambitious for you, start with a Psalm, a Proverb or 1-2 chapters a day.

It’s important to read from both the Old and New Testaments. Be consistent and over time you will have read the entire Bible from cover to cover!

“… for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:27 ESV

3. Pray! 

Ask God to speak to you through His word. The Bible tells us that the word of God is “alive and active.” (Hebrews 4:12) No matter your situation, the word of God has something to say about it. I like the prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the believers in Ephesus:

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19

Ask God to enlighten the eyes of your heart as you open your Bible.

4. Listen.

Remember the notebook and pen I mentioned above? This is where an attitude of expectation comes in! Expect God to speak. Expect scriptures to “jump off the page” and to speak directly to your heart and your situation. 

Although Bible apps and audio Bibles can be a tremendous addition to your Christian growth, I love the routine of sitting at my kitchen table with a physical Bible and a notebook. My heart is listening, and I’m ready to jot down the Scriptures that stand out in my daily Bible reading or the words God’s Spirit whispers to me in those quiet moments.

As you spend time in God’s word, be prepared for revelation: God’s wisdom for the situations and concerns in your life – as well as His viewpoint on world events and your response as a believer.

The more you incorporate daily Bible reading into your everyday routine, the more you’ll notice a difference in how you approach life. His word will be your wise and helpful guide every step of the way.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 NIV

If you are looking for a devotional help get you started, sign up for one of our devotional reading plans.