One year, my church encouraged us to read the entire Bible as a congregation. I’m pleased to report that not only did I complete that goal, but I also finished early.
I celebrate my accomplishment and all that I learned about God in the process, but I’m also glad to put the task behind me.
Reading three or four chapters a day is simply a faster pace than I presently enjoy. Not that this was always the case.
I was a teenager the first time I read the entire Bible. By spending an hour a day, I read straight through from Genesis to Revelation in two and a half months during summer break.
This did much to help me see the Bible as a whole and not in disparate parts. I also saw the story arc from Adam to John, or more correctly, from creation in Genesis 1 and 2 to re-creation in Revelation 21 and 22.
Annual Bible Reading Goals
For many years since that time, I set an annual goal to read the entire Bible (which takes about 12 to 15 minutes a day). A few times, my annual plan was to read just the Old Testament (about 10 to 12 minutes a day).
Most years, however, I read through the New Testament (about 3 to 4 minutes a day – unless you want to take time to study and ponder the text).
Lately, my plan for the year has been to read through the Psalms on Sundays and focus on specific books or genres during the week. Yes, I take a break on Saturdays.
This is a rhythm that works best for me, and I’m excited to reclaim it for next year.
The point in sharing this is to encourage you to set a Bible reading goal for next year. The quantity isn’t the point but habitually directing our attention to God is.
Consider These Bible Reading Plans
- Read the New Testament in a year.
- Read the Old Testament in a year
- Read the entire Bible in a year.
- If these are too big a bite for you to take, start small with a monthly reading plan.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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