10 Easy Bible Reading Plans for Beginners in 2024

Discover 10 simple Bible reading plans for beginners in 2024. Start your spiritual journey with these easy-to-follow guides and grow in faith.

Ever felt overwhelmed trying to read the Bible? You're not alone! A recent survey found that 61% of Christians wish they read the Bible more often. But here's the good news: starting your Bible reading journey doesn't have to be complicated! In this article, I'll share 10 easy Bible reading plans for beginners. Whether you're a new believer or simply looking to establish a consistent reading habit, these plans will help you dive into Scripture without the stress. Let's get started on this exciting spiritual adventure together!

Why Bible Reading Plans Matter for Beginners

In order to stay consistent, and keep up on a reading plan, you need to actually have a plan. I know how easy it is to give up on something if there isn't a set schedule, or I didn't plan far enough in advance. If you were going to go on a trip, you wouldn't typically just get into the car or on a plan before knowing where you are going would you?

This is similar to starting the Bible. The Bible is not only a large book, but also a very confusing book, and can be very easy to just set it down and forget about it because it does not read like a typical chapter book. This is why I like to go in with a plan.

There are so many different Bible reading plan out there for beginners, but I recommend a chronological reading plan, as this will give you the best understanding of what is happening, why it is happening, and follows a very easily understandable timeline.

Once you start to get into the habit of reading your bible every day, studies have shown that people actually improve their mental health, their parenting, and patience, and are generally more successful. Now I don't know about you, but I sure could use both of those things! Especially when it comes to raising children, we all know how stressful that can be!

Now that we've covered why it is important, lets dive into the different ways you can study the bible with these 1o Bible reading plans for beginners!

1. The 5-Minute Daily Devotional Plan

The 5-Minute Devotional Plan is designed to help busy individuals, especially beginners, incorporate a brief but meaningful time with God into their daily routine. It’s perfect for those with hectic schedules who still want to deepen their relationship with God and grow in their faith.

Components of the 5-Minute Devotional

1. Opening Prayer (1 Minute)
   • Begin with a short prayer to invite God's presence and guidance.
   • Example: "Dear Lord, thank you for this moment to connect with You. Open my heart and mind to Your Word and help me to understand and apply it in my life. Amen."
2. Scripture Reading (2 Minutes)
   • Read a short Bible passage or a few verses.
   • Choose a verse that is easy to understand and relevant to your current life situation.
   • Example: Psalm 23:1-3 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul."
3. Reflection and Application (1 Minute)
   • Reflect on the meaning of the scripture and how it applies to your life.
   • Ask yourself questions like: What is God saying to me in this verse? How can I apply this in my daily life?
4. Closing Prayer (1 Minute)
   • Conclude with a prayer of gratitude and a request for strength to live out the day's lessons.
   • Example: "Thank you, Lord, for speaking to me through Your Word. Help me to carry this lesson into my day and live in a way that honors You. Amen."

Tips for Success

• Consistency: Try to do your devotional at the same time each day to create a routine.
• Environment: Find a quiet place where you can focus and minimize distractions.
• Journal: Keep a journal to jot down your thoughts and reflections each day.

2. The Chronological Bible in a Year

• Understanding the Bible's Timeline
• The Bible is a collection of books written over centuries, and its events are not always presented in chronological order. A chronological Bible reading plan arranges the scriptures in the order events actually occurred, providing a historical context and a clearer understanding of the overall narrative. This approach helps readers grasp the progression of God’s story from creation to the end times, seeing how different parts of the Bible interconnect.
• Benefits of Reading Events in Historical Order
• Enhanced Comprehension:
  • Reading the Bible chronologically helps to understand the sequence of events and how they relate to one another. This can deepen your understanding of God’s plan and the unfolding of His promises.
• Contextual Insight:
  • It provides a context for the events and teachings, helping to clarify difficult passages and themes. Seeing the historical and cultural backdrop of biblical stories can bring new insights.
• Connected Themes:
  • Identifies recurring themes and prophecies as they develop over time. You can trace the development of key biblical themes like covenant, redemption, and prophecy throughout history.
• Holistic View:
  • Offers a holistic view of God’s interactions with humanity. Understanding the timeline can reveal how God's character and purposes are consistently revealed through different periods and circumstances.
• Engaging Story:
  • Makes the Bible more engaging as a continuous story rather than disjointed segments. Reading in order can transform the Bible into a compelling narrative, enhancing your engagement and retention.

This is the plan that I personally like to follow: Blue Letter Bible Reading plan

Tips for Staying Motivated Through a Year-Long Plan

1. Set Realistic Goals:
   • Break the reading into manageable daily sections. Aim for 20-30 minutes a day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Join a Group:
   • Participate in a Bible study group or find an accountability partner. (I recommend my podcast! This is where we are going through the Bible in a year, but every week there are bible study worksheets that we go over, and discuss the reading/what we learned/and how to apply it to our daily lives!)
3. Use Resources:
   • Utilize study Bibles (these are my favorites), commentaries, and online resources. These tools can enhance understanding and keep your study engaging.
4. Mix it Up:
   • Include different translations or audio versions to maintain interest. Listening to the Bible during commutes or walks can offer a fresh perspective.
5. Stay Flexible:
   • If you fall behind, don’t get discouraged. Adjust the plan as needed and focus on consistency rather than perfection.
6. Reflect and Apply:
   • Take time to reflect on what you’ve read and how it applies to your life. Journaling can help reinforce learning and personal growth.
7. Celebrate Milestones:
   • Mark progress and celebrate when you complete significant sections. Rewarding yourself can provide extra motivation to keep going.
8. Pray for Guidance:
   • Begin and end your reading with prayer. Ask God for understanding and the ability to apply His Word to your life.

3. The Gospel in 30 Days

Read the Gospels in 30 Days Challenge - Annie F Downs

The "Read the Gospels in 30 Days" challenge is designed to help individuals read through the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—in one month. This challenge aims to provide a focused and immersive experience, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of Jesus’ life, teachings, and the foundational events of the Christian faith. This is the "reading" plan that got me into reading the Bible. I put "reading" in quotations because this is actually a podcast where Annie F Downs reads to you! I loved this, because I was able to listen to the Bible while doing the dishes, cleaning the house, and driving my kids to appointments. I like how she made them into short little episodes that were easy to start and stop (because we all know how motherhood is!) when I wanted to or had too.

Benefits of the Challenge:

• Deepen Understanding:
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
  • See the unique perspectives and complementary details each Gospel offers.
• Spiritual Growth:
  • Strengthen your faith and connection to Christ through daily reading and reflection.
  • Apply Jesus' teachings to your life more effectively.
• Habit Formation:
  • Develop a consistent habit of daily Bible reading and reflection.
  • Build discipline and spiritual focus by committing to the challenge.
• Community Engagement:
  • Participate with a group or community for mutual support and discussion. Share insights and encouragement with fellow participants. I recommend sharing on social media, not only to hold yourself accountable but to encourage others! This also may help you further your understanding of the Bible, because everyone has a different way of looking at things and someone may have picked up on something you hadn't while reading it.

4. The Psalm a Day Plan

The "Psalm a Day" reading plan is a simple and enriching way to incorporate the Book of Psalms into your daily routine. By reading one Psalm each day, you can complete all 150 Psalms in about five months. You start with Psalm 1 on the first day and just read all the way through until you read the last Psalm on day 150. This plan offers a daily dose of inspiration, wisdom, and prayer, helping to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with God.

Benefits of the Psalm a Day Plan

• Daily Inspiration:
  • Start each day with a Psalm to set a positive, reflective tone.
  • Draw strength and encouragement from the words of the Psalms.
• Spiritual Growth:
  • Enhance your prayer life by using the Psalms as a guide for personal prayer.
  • Reflect on the diverse emotions and experiences captured in the Psalms.
• Biblical Knowledge:
  • Gain a deeper understanding of this poetic book and its role in the Bible.
  • Learn about the historical and theological context of each Psalm.
• Consistency:
  • Develop a consistent habit of daily Bible reading and reflection.
  • Build discipline in your spiritual practices.

5. The Bible's Greatest Hits

The "Bible's Greatest Hits" reading plan is a curated selection of key passages and stories from the Bible, designed to give readers an overview of major Biblical themes and events. This plan is perfect for those looking to gain a foundational understanding of the Bible and build confidence for further, more in-depth study.

Benefits of this plan

1. Curated Selection of Key Passages and Stories:
   • Handpicked verses and narratives that highlight the most significant moments and messages in the Bible.
   • Focuses on well-known stories and teachings that are central to Christian faith and understanding.
2. Perfect for Gaining an Overview of Major Biblical Themes:
   • Covers essential themes such as creation, sin, redemption, and salvation.
   • Introduces readers to the key figures and events that shape the Biblical narrative.
3. Building Confidence for Further Bible Study:
   • Provides a solid foundation for beginners, making the Bible feel more accessible and less overwhelming.
   • Encourages readers to delve deeper into specific books or themes after completing the plan.

6. The 90-Day New Testament Challenge

The 90-Day New Testament Challenge is a structured reading plan designed to help individuals read through the entire New Testament in 90 days. This challenge is perfect for those who want to deepen their understanding of the New Testament, strengthen their faith, and develop a consistent Bible reading habit.

Overview of this Challenge:

• Duration: 90 days
• Goal: Read through the entire New Testament
• Daily Reading: Approximately 3 chapters per day
• Structure: Organized in a way that ensures a manageable reading load each day, covering all books from Matthew to Revelation.

Benefits of the 90-Day New Testament Challenge

1. Comprehensive Understanding:
   • Gain a thorough understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the early church, and key theological principles.
2. Consistent Habit Formation:
   • Develop a daily Bible reading habit that fosters spiritual growth and discipline.
3. Deepened Faith:
   • Strengthen your faith by immersing yourself in the core messages and stories of the New Testament.
4. Enhanced Biblical Knowledge:
   • Increase your knowledge of the New Testament, making it easier to recall scripture and apply it to your daily life.

7. The Proverbs Wisdom Challenge

The Proverbs Wisdom Challenge is a 31-day devotional reading plan designed to immerse individuals in the wisdom literature of the Book of Proverbs. This challenge is ideal for those seeking practical guidance and insights for daily living, as well as spiritual growth.

Overview of the Challenge

• Duration: 31 days
• Goal: Read one chapter of Proverbs each day
• Structure: Each day corresponds to a chapter in Proverbs, aligning perfectly with the number of days in most months.

Benefits of the Proverbs Wisdom Challenge

1. Daily Wisdom:
   • Gain practical, godly wisdom that can be applied to everyday situations and decisions.
2. Consistent Spiritual Discipline:
   • Develop a daily habit of reading and meditating on scripture.
3. Moral and Ethical Guidance:
   • Learn principles that help cultivate a life of integrity, humility, and righteousness.
4. Enhanced Understanding of God's Teachings:
   • Deepen your understanding of the Bible and God's desires for our behavior and interactions.

8. The Bible in 365 Bite-Sized Chunks

The Bible in 365 Bite-Sized Chunks is a structured Bible reading plan designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in one year. The plan divides the Bible into manageable daily readings, making it easier for individuals to stay committed and engage deeply with the scriptures.

Overview of the Plan

• Duration: 1 year
• Goal: Read the entire Bible in 365 days
• Structure: Each day features a short, manageable passage(s) from the Bible, ensuring steady progress through the scriptures without feeling overwhelming.

Benefits of the Bible in 365 Bite-Sized Chunks

1. Manageable Daily Readings:
   • Small, daily portions make it easier to stay committed and integrate Bible reading into your daily routine.
2. Comprehensive Bible Understanding:
   • Provides a balanced approach to reading the Bible, covering both the Old and New Testaments.
3. Spiritual Growth:
   • Regular engagement with God's Word fosters spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
4. Consistency and Discipline:
   • Encourages the development of a daily Bible reading habit, promoting consistency and discipline.
5. Balanced Approach:
   • Ensures a well-rounded understanding of biblical themes, stories, and teachings.

9. The Topical Bible Study Plan

The Topical Bible Reading Plan is a focused approach to Bible study that organizes scripture readings around specific topics or themes. This plan allows individuals to explore key biblical subjects in-depth, providing a thematic study that helps understand how different passages relate to and support each topic.

Overview of the Plan

• Duration: Flexible (can be customized to fit different time frames, such as 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days)
• Goal: Study the Bible around specific themes or topics
• Structure: Daily readings are organized around a chosen topic, with relevant scripture passages selected to provide comprehensive coverage of the theme.

Benefits of the Topical Bible Reading Plan

1. Focused Study:
   • Allows for an in-depth exploration of specific topics or themes that are relevant to personal interests or spiritual needs.
2. Thematic Understanding:
   • Helps readers see how different parts of the Bible address a particular theme, offering a holistic understanding of biblical teachings.
3. Practical Application:
   • Encourages readers to apply biblical principles related to specific topics to their daily lives.
4. Customized Learning:
   • Adaptable to various interests and needs, allowing readers to focus on what is most relevant to their spiritual journey.
5. Enhanced Reflection:
   • Provides a structured way to reflect on and understand how different scriptures support and elaborate on a central theme.

10. The Audio Bible Experience

The Audio Bible Experience refers to using audio recordings of the Bible to engage with scripture through listening. This method leverages technology to make Bible study more accessible and versatile, particularly for those with busy schedules or who prefer auditory learning.

Overview of the Audio Bible Experience

• Purpose: To provide an alternative method of consuming Bible content through listening.
• Format: Audio recordings of the Bible, available through various platforms and apps.
• Target Audience: Individuals seeking convenience in Bible study, including busy professionals, commuters, and auditory learners.

Leveraging Technology for Easy Bible Consumption

1. Accessibility:
   • Audio Bibles can be accessed from anywhere using smartphones, tablets, or computers. This flexibility allows users to listen while commuting, exercising, or performing daily tasks.
2. Ease of Use:
   • Technology has made it simple to find and download audio Bible versions. Many apps offer features like bookmarks, highlights, and speed adjustments to enhance the listening experience.
3. Variety of Versions:
   • Users can choose from different translations and narrators, including dramatized versions with sound effects and multiple voices, to suit their preferences.

Top Bible Apps and Audio Versions for Beginners

1. YouVersion Bible App:
   • Offers a wide range of Bible translations and audio versions. Features include daily reading plans, verse highlighting, and community sharing.
2. Bible Gateway App:
   • Provides audio Bible options along with a searchable text version. Users can listen to passages in various translations and take notes.
3. Audible:
   • Known for its extensive collection of audiobooks, Audible also offers audio Bibles in different translations. The platform allows for easy downloading and offline listening.
4. The Bible App by Life.Church:
   • Includes audio versions of many Bible translations, with options for daily devotionals and reading plans.
5. Dwell Bible App:
   • Features high-quality audio recordings with a focus on immersive listening experiences. Includes various narrators and background music options.

How Listening Can Complement Reading for Better Retention

1. Enhanced Engagement:
   • Listening to the Bible can engage different cognitive processes compared to reading, such as auditory processing and memory recall.
2. Reinforcement of Learning:
   • Combining listening with reading can reinforce scripture retention. Hearing passages aloud helps solidify understanding and memorization.
3. Multitasking:
   • Audio Bibles allow for Bible study during activities where reading is impractical, such as driving or exercising, making it easier to integrate scripture into daily life.
4. Accessibility for Visual Learners:
   • For those with visual impairments or reading difficulties, audio Bibles provide an alternative way to access the Bible and participate in study.
5. Varied Narration Styles:
   • Different narrators and dramatized versions can provide fresh perspectives and enhance comprehension, making Bible study more engaging.

Congratulations! You're now equipped with 10 fantastic Bible reading plans perfect for beginners. Remember, the key is to start small and stay consistent. Don't worry about understanding everything right away – focus on building the habit and letting God's Word speak to you. Why not challenge yourself to try one of these plans for the next 30 days? Your spiritual journey is about to take off, and trust me, it's going to be an incredible ride! So, which plan will you choose to begin your adventure in God's Word?