Are you looking for a Bible reading plan to read through the Bible in the coming year? These five plans are excellent resources to help you create a daily habit of reading Scripture all year long!
As January approaches, most of us start thinking about a fresh start and begin making resolutions for the new year. Each December, I like to use the “quiet” days between Christmas and New Year’s to select a Bible reading plan I will start on January 1st. (Let’s face it—without a plan, I’m unlikely to start anything new!)
Below are a handful of Bible reading plans we recommend if you need a place to start. This year, I plan to follow this chronological reading plan, whereas in past years I’ve used the various schedules provided in the ReadingPlan app.
5 Free Bible Reading Plans for the New Year
- Tabletalk Bible Reading Plan: This plan by Ligonier Ministries consists of two daily readings, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Readings average between 3-5 chapters per day to complete the entire Bible in one year.
- 5-Day Bible Reading Program: In this chronological reading plan, you’ll complete reading the entire Bible in one year’s time. With reading assignments only five days per week (rather than daily), you’ll have built-in time to reflect, catch up on missed readings if you get behind, or focus on other readings. This popular plan is also available in Spanish!
- She Reads Truth / He Reads Truth: Encouraging women and men to be “in the Word of God every day,” these ministries provide both free and paid Bible reading plans online and through the corresponding apps. I thoroughly enjoy reading my hardcover She Reads Truth Bible, which includes one reading plan for each book of the Bible, as well as a one-year Bible reading plan (see #4) in the back of the Bible.
- Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s Reading Plan: In one year, you’ll read through the New Testament and the Psalms twice, and the Old Testament once. Daily readings are approximately four chapters (M’Cheyne intended two chapters for reading together as part of your family devotion time, leaving two chapters designated for private reading). You may also adapt the plan to a two-year reading schedule by reading only two chapters per day. (Note: M’Cheyne’s plan is the one-year plan printed in the back of the She Reads Truth Bible.)
- Two-Year Bible Reading Plan: Who says you need to conquer reading the entire Bible in just one year? Maybe you’d like a bit more time to study and meditate on what you’re reading. The two-year plan by Stephen Witmer guides you through the Old and New Testaments once, and Psalms and Proverbs four times.
Regardless of which Bible reading plan you choose, your commitment to study God’s Word daily is a worthy discipline which will, with consistency over time, boost your affection for Christ and bring him glory. As John Piper writes, you will “use the Scripture to adore and worship God in Christ for who he is and for all he has done for [you].”
I pray your time in God’s Word this new year will lead you to rejoice, “How I love your instruction! It is my meditation all day long.” -Psalm 119:97
Original post published: December 29, 2018 | Updated: December 18, 2023
Lindsey Cover is a chaplain’s wife and stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of four sweet boys. She and her husband, Matt, have served in various church ministries over the past fourteen years. They currently live near the beach in southern Delaware.
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