Here are 7 tips for reading the Bible through in a year
Pray – Ask God to give you the motivation and strength to accomplish this goal. You can’t read the Bible like any other book. You need God’s Spirit to help you.
Pick an easy to read version – Ask your pastor for help if you are having trouble deciding what version to read.
Find a plan – You could simply read three chapters a day and do fine, but a printed checklist often promotes discipline. Purchasing a “One-Year Bible” works for many. Using one of the many programed reading lists that gives you a section from both Old and New Testaments are also effective. Visit https://www.christianity.com/bible/year/ for a great selection of reading plans.
Find a place – Choose the time and place that works best and that you will most likely stick with through the year. I find mornings work best for me. I travel frequently, so I can’t have just one place, but when I’m home, I have a certain chair. I’m moving this year to the dining room table, because I know I’ll be less distracted. For me, I need to turn off everything else and simply concentrate on the Bible reading.
Document your reading – People often get more out of Bible reading if they journal along the way. Even if you don’t understand it completely, writing the questions you have down helps you process them later and eventually something else you read will likely help answer your questions.
Discipline yourself – It will take you on average about 15 minutes per day to complete this. Once you’ve done it consistently for 30 days or so, you’ll be well on your way to having a habit formed.
Catch up when needed – If you miss a day, don’t sweat it … and don’t quit. Spend a little extra time and play catch up on what was missed. Of course, if you do this too many times you’ll eventually give up, so the key is discipline, but extend grace to yourself as you move through the year. Also, if you didn’t start on the first, start on the 2nd, or the 22nd, and go through the same time next year. You can begin today. There’s no legalism here … just encouragement! You can do this!
Keep the goal in front of you and follow through. This time next year you’ll be glad you accomplished your goal.