Read Through the Bible in a Year: A Structured 365-Day Plan
Most people start strong in January, planning to read through the entire Bible in one calendar year. Then life happens—you miss a day here and there, and before you know it, you start falling behind. Falling behind at the beginning of the year is not too bad, but if you don’t keep up the pace, it can become very difficult to finish all 66 books by the end of the year.
The problem is not your commitment or your faith. The problem is that you need to build a habit that lasts. Find a method that works for you. This is my fourth year reading through the whole Bible, and I’ve learned how to make it work even in the busy life of motherhood and homeschooling.
A great way to begin is with a structured 365 – day Bible reading plan that helps you stay consistent in reading God’s Word. There are many benefits of a steady diet of God. Click the button at the bottom of this post to start your year reading plan!
Your 365-Day Bible Reading Plan That Actually Sticks
As I have tried reading through God’s Word in a year, I have noticed that I need to keep up the pace, because if I don’t, it becomes very difficult at the end of the year to reach the goal of getting through all 66 books. I have failed one year before. Be gracious to yourself—you might fail too! Don’t worry though; if the plan breaks, you can always find a new and better plan that works for you.
The main goal here is, of course, to build a relationship with Jesus, get to know Him, and grow in your faith. Daily readings will help you on that journey. The daily Bible reading plan that you can get below will help you reach that goal.
My advice to you is to try it out for one year and see how it goes. Taking it at your own pace will help you understand how much you can realistically read in a day. For me personally, reading alone is not always achievable at the moment, but combining reading with listening to God’s Word works very well for me. That has been my solution: Speechify transforms the experience.
I think the solution for you is to find that “thing” in your life that makes it work for you. Identify the problem—what is the main obstacle preventing you from reaching your goal? If you can sort that out, you can also find the solution. Maybe you prefer reading through the entire New Testament first before the Old Testament?
This is somewhat the case for me. I do not read the Bible in chronological order or strictly follow the plan below—which is actually a great solution for me. We humans are not robots, and I like to have the flexibility to read what I feel I need for the day. That’s why, for example, I have not read through Genesis yet this year, even though it is already May 22. I am not behind, though, because I have chosen to read and listen to other parts of the Bible first this year.
That is how you can also approach it. Have a balanced approach to it. What book interests you most today? What do you feel you need today? What is the Holy Spirit guiding you to understand more deeply? Making your Bible study personal and meaningful will help you greatly on this spiritual journey.
Also, I prefer listening to and reading an entire book of the Bible as a whole. I don’t really like jumping around, reading a bit here and there. I like to have things in context and get the big picture of the story I am reading.
I also want to admit that it is easier for me to get through the New Testament readings than the Old Testament. An old Testament passage can sometimes be difficult to understand. This is probably because I find the New Testament easier to read and understand, as it contains many practical teachings and insights.
How to Read Through the Bible in a Year Successfully
You will need to find a rhythm. Find a way to make regular Bible reading part of your life without too much effort. Making it a habit will help you greatly.
Here are some tips for building a strong habit:
- Have a place for your daily Scripture readings. Find a good spot in your home where you can keep your Bible, pens, and journal so you don’t have to look for everything every time you want to read. Keep it simple and as easy as possible. Choosing a cozy place will help you start reading without hesitation.
- Print out the 365-day Bible reading plan PDF. This will help you stay focused and organized. Decide in advance what book you are going to read first (especially if you choose not to follow the plan strictly).
- Decide what time you will read every day. This helps your brain understand the rhythm and builds the habit of daily devotions. As you maintain this routine, you will soon feel that something is missing when you don’t have your reading time.
- Also, if you choose to listen to the Holy Bible, decide where, when, and how you will do it during the day. I use the YouVersion Bible App to listen to the Bible. In the app, you can also listen in different languages. Again, try to make this as easy for yourself as possible—just make a decision and start.
These are some of the most important habits you will need in order to successfully read through the Bible in a year. If you feel that something is not working or is too difficult, take time to reflect and analyze why. There may be an easier way for you. For me, it was combining reading and listening. It is amazing when something you once thought was impossible becomes easy! Also, remind yourself that you will make it through—and enjoy the process. Having the right mindset will also help you succeed.
Bible Reading Made Simple: 5 Keys to Finishing Strong
- When you reach the middle of the summer, take time for a thoughtful reflection on your journey and where you are in your reading plan.
- If you are not where you should be in your reading plan, make adjustments and take action.
- Never give up. You can absolutely do this. You are a mother who knows how to make plans and stick to them. Keep up the good work!
- Talk to others about your reading plan and your intention to finish it in December. Making yourself accountable will give you the extra push to keep going.
- Make it fun. Be creative, ask questions, and make your study come alive.
Also—pray! Pray that you will find a way to finish strong and discover how to make it as easy as possible for you. God will love to answer your prayer!
Complete the Bible This Year With a Plan Built to Last
When you have completed your structured plan, take a moment for a Bible recap. Write about your journey and how it feels to finish strong. Include all the details of how it went—what was easy and what was difficult. These thoughtful reflections will help you understand how to start your new year, as you pass January 1st, telling yourself that this was the easiest Bible reading plan you have ever completed.
Additional resources where you can find a study guide that will help you go deeper. Here you can find various topics which help you make it easier to learn about God’s Word,getting to know the historical context will also make it more fun to study the Bible. It has definitely been so for me. I have read a lot of books by Ellen G. White. Her historical books are amazing and I will easily give her a five-star reviews of the books I have read by her.
