9 top tips for reading the Bible in a year

The perks are great – daily inspiration; light bulb moments as you see how the whole thing fits together; the big achievement fist pump at the end. But reading the Bible all the way through can be tough.

To help you on your way, I did a sweep of the Bible Society office to get advice from people who’ve been where you are and made it through.

Some managed to complete their Bible reading plan in a year, for others it took a bit longer. One person spent 1 year and 8 months on their Bible-in-a-year plan, but they persevered. And the perks were just the same!  

As I heard from more people, I realised there was one key thing that had gotten them to the end: perseverance. However much they had to 'catch up on' they just kept going.

So if you’re taking on the challenge of reading the whole Bible, make that your end goal – even if it means stretching your deadline... 

But if you want some other tips, here’s the list of advice I gathered from my colleagues…

1. Find a regular time slot

Finding a regular time to sit and read the Bible will help it become habit. This will prove particularly helpful when you hit the harder (or, er, less exciting) bits.  But also…

2. Make use of spare moments

If you’re reading a pocket Bible or have the Bible on your phone, make use of spare moments in the day, like queueing, travelling or waiting for a meeting.

3. Keep a notebook for jotting down the tough questions

You’ll inevitably come across things that leave you perplexed, but don’t let the tough questions stop you – save them for later.

4. Use an audio Bible when you need to go hands-free

You might not want the whole Bible through someone else’s voice, but listening to the Bible while you’re in the car or preparing dinner can help you keep up if you’re pressed for time.

5. Talk to others taking on the challenge

The encouragement, accountability, and exchange of ideas will keep your enthusiasm for the challenge alive. And what’s a bit of healthy competition between friends? 

6. Try a different translation

If you’re familiar with the Bible in one translation, why not try reading it in another? The variety can shed new light on passages you know well – and not so well.

7. Don’t worry if you miss a day

I’ve said this already: the greater achievement is getting through the whole thing; not consistently reading (though that helps!) so don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or so. That said…

8. Try not to get more than three days behind

That’s a handy amount to catch up on at a weekend and you won’t feel too discouraged.  

9. But finally: don’t worry if takes you longer than a year

Getting through the whole Bible has loads of benefits which you can still enjoy, even if you don’t complete it within 365 days. Keep going!

We’d love to hear from you if you’ve finished, or begun, a Bible in a year plan. Tell us about it in the comments box below.

Not following a Bible-in-a-year plan? Check out these resources instead…