A Simple Bible Reading Plan for Beginners + A Free Printable Download

Are you new to reading God’s Word and looking for a simple Bible reading plan for beginners that can help you build a habit of reading daily? 

You’ve tried a couple of different plans but you just can’t seem to stick with it.

I get it! I’ve faced the same battle because oftentimes I would start a plan with much enthusiasm, only to find myself “off track” and discouraged.

But after struggling for years to read through my Bible, it hit me…

The problem was not my lack of desire or discipline. It was that the plans that I chose were not a good fit for me!

Could it be the same for you, Sis?

Well, let me encourage you to keep reading because, in this blog post, you will learn about the following:

Let’s get started!

What is a Bible reading plan?

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you…
~ Colossians 3:16

A Bible reading plan is a tool that can be used to help you meet with the heart of God through His Word on a regular basis. 

If you have ever started a regular habit of exercise, more than likely, you had a plan to help you develop what was not yet a regular part of your week (or day) to become a regular part of your day.

The things that we value and recognize as beneficial to our well-being, we desire to make a priority in our lives.

In fact, it’s probably why you are here reading this post!

But the simple truth is that sometimes we can forget why Bible reading is so important for our souls. 

Therefore, let’s take a moment to be reminded of why reading God’s Word should be a top priority each day.

The Benefits of Reading God’s Word

Taking a look at what Psalm 19:7-8 will help us to be reminded of why reading God’s Word should be our top priority each day.

As you read, you will notice that the Word of God will be referred to with its many synonyms, characteristics, and benefits. 

I have put them in a chart here for easy reference but I encourage you to read through the verses yourself too!

Verses	Synonyms	Characteristics	Benefits
Psalm 19:7a	Law of the Lord	perfect	Revives the soul
Psalm 19:7b	Testimony of the Lord	sure	Making wise the simple
Psalm 19:8a	Precepts of the Lord	right	Rejoicing the heart
Psalm 19:8b	Commandments	pure	Enlightening the eyes

As you look through these benefits, which ones encourage you to consider reading God’s Word regularly?

I encourage you to take some time to talk with God about it and ask Him to help you make reading His Word a priority in your life.

Then keep reading to see how a simple Bible reading plan may be just what you need to follow through with your desire to read God’s Word more regularly.

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Resources for Getting Started

If you are wondering, “How do you start a Bible reading?”…

You don’t need anything “special” or need to do a lot of preparation to begin reading the Bible.

All you need is:

1. A readable translation of the Bible
2. A consistent time of day you plan to read
3. A quiet, comfortable, and uninterrupted place

Let me explain why these three things are important for you to think about before you get started with a Bible reading plan.

A Bible

Sometimes people quit their Bible reading plan before they even get started because they do not have a translation of the Bible that they can easily understand. 

Your Bible translation can make all the difference in sticking to your daily Bible reading.

So you may be asking, “What is the easiest Bible to read and understand?” or “What is a good Bible for a beginner?”

My recommendation is that you choose one of the following translations because they are reliable and readable:

• • English Standard Version (ESV)
  • Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
  • New International Version (NIV)

The traditional King James Version of the Bible is great but you don’t want the old English to keep you from actually comprehending what you read.

I personally use the She Reads Truth Bible, which is written in the CSB version and I absolutely love it!

A Time

What time of the day (ex: first thing in the morning) or actual time (8:30 pm) do you want to read the Bible?

I encourage you to choose a time that can be a regular part of your day for at least 15 minutes.

Think about it…

When you spend time reading the Bible, you are spending time with God. 

I like to think of it like having a regular appointment with the One who created me and loves me much more than I even realize!

Just as we make regular plans or appointments with people or to do things each day, it is helpful to set aside a time to meet with the Lord.

And keep in mind, that it is important to choose a time that works best for you! 

So, what time do you plan to read your Bible every day for at least 15 minutes a day?

A Place

Lastly, it is important to choose a place to spend time reading your Bible. 

Do you have a cozy place in your home that is uninterrupted during your selected time to read?

Or maybe you have a few quiet moments before work starts and you can read your bible at your desk?

When I used to work as a school teacher, I always felt rushed in the mornings before work but always had about 30 minutes before my students arrived to spend time with God.

I would brew my k-cup, sip on my heavily creamed coffee, and read the Bible at my teacher’s desk before my students arrived.

Now, I read my Bible in the living room after the boys are put to bed (give or take 8 pm) and my husband is washing up the dishes.

Where is your uninterrupted time to read God’s word daily?

Now that these preliminary things are settled, let’s look at a simple Bible reading plan that you can begin as soon as you want (even today)! 

The Secret Behind a Simple Bible Reading Plan for beginners

So, are you eager to get started and see how this simple Bible reading plan works?

Okay, here is the secret…

All we need to do is take away the aspects of a reading plan that makes you feel defeated such as:

• Which book of the Bible to start reading?
• How many chapters to read each day?
• How to track what you read each day?

Let me explain with some frequently asked questions about reading the Bible:

What is the correct order to read the Bible?

If you take a look at Bible reading plans, you will notice that they all start you in different places to begin reading. 

Some start you from the very beginning with the book of Genesis, like with a chronological Bible reading plan.

Others have you solely read through one book of the Bible in a month, such as the Read a Proverb a Day plans. 

Still, some people like the idea of reading through a one year bible reading plan for beginners.

The truth is…

There’s not a necessary best order to read the bible for the first time.

If you decide to read a book in the Old Testament and when you are finished to then jump over to read a book in the New Testament, that is totally fine.

All of the scriptures testify about Christ and benefit our souls. I believe that God just wants us to read His Word!

 

How much of the Bible should I read a day?

Some people will recommend that you read a chapter a day or even an entire book in one sitting. 

However, there is nowhere in the Bible that prescribes how much we should read to experience the benefits of reading God’s Word.

If you are a college student, you may find that you may be able to read chapters of the Bible at a time. 

However, a working professional may find that reading a chapter works fine on most days, but a busy mom with kids may just need to read a paragraph to consistently meet with God.

I recommend setting aside some time to read (and it doesn’t have to be the same amount of time every day).

Whatever you read during that time, trust that the Lord will nourish your soul and it will be sufficient for you.

How can I track my reading?

Because you may not read the Bible cover to cover, you may need a bible reading tracker to help you keep a record of what you have read.

You can simply have a list of all the books of the Bible and the chapter in each. 

As you read, all you have to do is cross off the chapters you have read – whether it is one chapter or four in one sitting.

What can a simple Bible reading plan for beginners look like?

Below, you can see the Bible reading tracker that I designed and use each day.

Tracking your Bible reading can also be helpful to know where you left off the day before.

Imagine…

Having read a few books of the Bible and having a better understanding of who God is, His relentless love for us, and being empowered by the Spirit to obey His Word.

You find your heart and mind being changed by encountering the Lord each day and you are motivated to keep reading. 

You will no longer be motivated by the fear of falling behind on your plan.

Your motivation to continue reading will be the fact that you see progress spiritually and on your bible reading tracker!

 

Free Printable Bible Reading Plan

As you read through the Bible, consider keeping a record of what you learn during that time.

You can mark in your Bible or use a Bible reading journal. 

I have included a printable journal in the #1 simplest Bible Reading plan that you can download below. 

You don’t want to forget how the Lord speaks to you as you read each day!

So, are you ready to get started with a simple Bible reading plan for beginners?

Download your FREE digital bible reading plan which includes the following:

• Bible Reading Tracker with all 66 books of the Bible
• Getting Started Reading the Bible Guide
• Printable Bible Reading Journal pages
• 4-Color Bible Markings Guide

Start using the #1 Simplest Bible Reading plan to begin your new grace-filled journey to reading the bible today!

If you find this simple Bible reading plan helpful for you, please share this post with your friends and family! 

XOXO,