Read the Bible in 365 Days – A Free Reading Plan
This is my third year reading through the entire Bible. Let me share more about my reading progress in my blog below.
Get the FREE Bible reading plan by clicking the button below on this page. Simply enter your name and email address to download it.
The Importance of a Daily Bible Reading Plan
To keep track of your progress, you will need a daily Bible reading plan! Consistency is key here. My previous two years have been similar—I usually start off strong, following the plan for a couple of months. Then, something happens in life that interferes with my reading schedule and throws me off balance. This usually lasts for an extended period, causing me to postpone the plan. In turn, this makes the end of the year stressful, as I have to catch up on a lot of reading. Last year, I couldn’t keep up and had to end the year without completing my reading plan. That was not fun!
Have you experienced something similar? Life doesn’t always go as planned. That’s why I decided to start fresh this year with a new plan and keep going. My goal is to read (or listen to) the whole Bible every year.
Daily Bible Readings
Daily readings will add wisdom to your day, help you see the bigger picture, and provide inspiration and guidance. There are different ways to approach this. You can read the Bible in chronological order or from Genesis to Revelation. You can also choose to read the books of the Bible in the order that feels most meaningful to you. Ultimately, the order in which you read matters less than the commitment to reading itself. If you miss a day or two, just get back on track and keep building the habit.
If you’re new to Bible reading, it might be a good idea to start with the Gospel of Matthew and then move on to the other Gospels. There’s no need to begin with more complex books like the prophetic writings—I still find them challenging myself.
There will be days when you don’t feel like reading the Bible, and that’s okay. Instead of losing heart, take a short break and return to it when you feel ready. This is a journey that I hope you will enjoy.
Personally, I like to have the flexibility to choose which book to read at any given moment. Some days, I need encouragement and inspiration, so I read Psalms. Other days, I want to focus on Jesus’ life or seek guidance for daily challenges. For me, this has been a wonderful way to read the Bible.
If you don’t want to feel pressured, you can also read the Bible at your own pace. There is no reason to rush through it. I prefer quality over quantity. However, I truly desire to deepen my knowledge of the Bible—not only for myself but also to be a good teacher for my children.
I remember listening to an interview with a woman who had read her Bible for the twelfth—or maybe even the thirteenth—year in a row. I was deeply impressed and immediately decided that I, too, would read through the entire Bible every year.
Find a Place for Your Devotions
I believe that preparing a dedicated space for your devotional time helps build a lasting habit. Find a place in your home where you can keep your Bible, pens, and notebook—somewhere quiet where no one will disturb you or move your things. It can be challenging if, every time you sit down for devotions, you have to search for your Bible, pens, and a place to reflect. Planning ahead will make your time in God’s Word more enjoyable.
You can also add coziness to your space with flowers, blankets, and pillows. Good lighting will help you see the text more clearly. If you wake up early to read your Bible, a small lamp near your couch will create a warm atmosphere. This way, you won’t have to turn on bright overhead lights and risk waking up your children. Thinking through these details beforehand will help create a peaceful start to your day.
When I was younger, I had different colors of highlighters specifically for marking Bible verses. I also had a flexible ruler designed for my Bible. I don’t know why, but I love having colors to highlight the passages that inspire me. It makes them easier to find when I look back on what I’ve read.
When I revisit the highlighted scripture passages later in life, they continue to encourage and guide me through the day. Sometimes, I feel drawn to highlight different verses before or after the original passage. It’s fascinating how we change and grow over time, allowing us to notice new Bible promises we hadn’t seen before. This is why continually reading the Bible helps us grow as individuals.
Different Ways to Read the Bible
Do you prefer reading the Bible on a tablet, your phone, or on paper? Or do you enjoy listening to it instead? I actually do a mix of some of these. Some days, I listen to the Bible—especially while walking or driving. This is often my go-to when I don’t have time to read in the morning. The YouVersion Bible app is perfect for this. It allows access to multiple translations, which is helpful for comparing different versions of a verse.
After reading through the Bible in one year, you might want to try a different reading plan or a new translation the next year. You’ll discover what works best for you along the way. You could also start with New Testament passages before moving on to the Old Testament. If you prefer reading only the New Testament, you might want to use a specific New Testament Bible reading plan to guide you.
I have been reading the Bible in Icelandic and Swedish. For the upcoming new year, I’d like to try a different translation, either in Swedish or Icelandic. When I read the Bible on my phone and come across a difficult passage, I usually compare it with other translations. This helps me understand it better. That’s why the YouVersion app is so great! It’s easy to use and offers a simple way to access different translations.
One thing I highly recommend before reading the Bible is starting with a prayer. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential for receiving wisdom and spiritual growth.
A few years ago, I received a New Testament at my university. I was so happy and read through it, highlighting many verses. It was small and light, fitting perfectly in my handbag. Reading the New Testament first can be a great way to begin your Bible reading journey since it is easier to understand.
Additional Wisdom Literature
Having a one-year reading plan is great, and I hope you will enjoy it! Something I have also appreciated in recent years is adding literature from Ellen G. White to my daily readings. Her books about the Bible are incredible—they provide so much depth and understanding, making my Bible study even more meaningful.
If you’re interested in reading her books, I highly recommend checking out the YouTube channel of Pastor David Asscherick, who has led several online reading challenges focused on her books! I’ve joined several of them and find them absolutely amazing!
Your Bible Project: The One-Year Plan
I’ve created a 52-week Bible reading plan for you to download for free! Keeping this plan beside your Bible will help you stay on track with your daily scripture readings. My hope is that this plan will inspire you and help you successfully read through all parts of the Bible.
