We’ve all said this before: I’m going to read the Bible cover to cover, starting with Genesis, every day, starting…now! You sit down with your bible, a cup of coffee the size of your head, pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks, all ready to go. A month later, you haven’t made it past Genesis…chapter 2.
I've tried reading the Bible cover to cover many times, but have failed. I would forget a day, be lazy, or just was having a difficult time understanding the scriptures. It’s pretty easy to get frustrated and discouraged. I used to think Bible reading plans were for the weak or made things more complicated, but now I am so thankful for them!
With all the technology these days, we can get anything with snap (or should I say swipe) of a finger! We can read the Bible on our computers, tablets, phones, etc. If you’re tech savvy, you probably have the YouVersion Bible app downloaded on some device. It’s fantastic and super easy to use! The Bible app is great, but the key to its success is that you actually have to use it! It’s nice to have it downloaded, but if you are just reading the Verse of the Day and nothing else, you are missing out on this awesome resource that is full of…..Bible. Reading. Plans. Yes, I said it! This app has hundreds of plans to keep you fed and focused on God. Especially with the nice daily reminders it sends you.
I've done some research and found tons of reading plans that you should consider doing. I actually will be working though some of them myself!
Click on each plan to begin your reading plan on your computer! Download the app on your smartphone or tablet to take each plan on the go!
1. Ownit365
This plan takes you through the entire Bible in a year, with two readings per day, six days a week. OWN is an acronym that outlines the reading plan. Every day you will have a reading from the Old Testament, in conjunction with one from the Wisdom Books or New Testament. This plan focuses on balance, letting you work though the Bible, while at the same time including daily, easier to understand passages that you can apply to your life. In addition to YouVersion, downloading the OWNit365 app will give you access to their videos, reading plan guides, discussion questions, etc.
This plan was provided by OWNit365.com.
2. Discipleship Journal 5x5x5 Reading Plan
Not ready to tackle the whole Bible in a year? No problem. This plan allows you to just work through the New Testament: 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Giving you 5 ways to dig deeper. You will read through one chapter each day.
This plan was provided by NavPress.
3. Before the Cross: The Life of Jesus
If you are looking for an efficient way to get through the Gospels and gain a complete understanding of the life of Jesus, this plan is it! This is an 80 day reading plan that walks you through the four gospels in order, outlining his life from His birth to His death and resurrection.
This plan was provided by Before the Cross.
4. Major People, Major Themes, Major Beliefs, Major Events
These are four separate reading plans that will take you through the major people, themes, beliefs, and events of the Bible in only 65 days. They are beneficial when used separately or when all four reading plans are done at once. It’s also a great way to focus on one aspect of the Bible at a time.
These plans were provided by LCBC Church.
YouVersion has awesome seven day devotionals written by some of Christian music’s biggest artists, such as Lecrae, Newsboys, Tenth Avenue North, for KING & COUNTRY, and Hawk Nelson. Each week, you can work through a devotional written by each artist that features music from their albums. Their songs aid understanding each week’s topic.
These plans were provided by The OverFlow.
This plan helps you get an overview of the Bible without getting overwhelmed. In 100 days, you will have read 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. The goal of this plan is to help you develop a daily habit of getting into the word, while at the same time, giving you an overall view of the Bible.
This plan was provided by Scripture Union.
7. Project 345
This plan takes a unique approach to reading the entire New Testament in one year. Five days a week you will read a chapter a day, using the weekends to catch up if need be. The name Project 345 was inspired by the average time is takes to read one chapter in the New Testament (3 minutes 45 seconds). If you are looking for this approach plus a little extra, check out Project 345 Plus which adds a Psalm or Proverb each day, along with passages from the Old Testament.
This plan was provided by The Ark Church.
If you are feeling ambitious, this plan will help you get through the Bible in just three months! Perfect one to do in the summer! Maybe even this summer? Every day’s readings average to about 12 pages each day. This plan takes more commitment, but is very worthwhile.
This plan was provided by Bible Gateway.
These are just a few of hundreds of thought out readings plans that YouVersion provides. Go grab some coffee and a quiet place, and get going! Happy Reading.