Simple Reading Plans to Grow in Your Faith
Many people want to read the Bible regularly, but they struggle with one simple question:
“Where should I start?”
The Bible is a large collection of books written over thousands of years. Without a clear structure or plan, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and eventually lose consistency. That is where Bible study plans can help.
A Bible study plan gives you a simple daily structure so that reading God’s Word becomes part of your everyday life. Instead of randomly opening the Bible, you follow a guided path that gradually builds understanding, discipline, and spiritual growth.
If you are new to Bible study, you may also want to read this guide on how to begin studying Scripture:
Read: Bible Study for Beginners
Why a Bible Study Plan Is Helpful
Studying the Bible becomes much easier when you follow a clear and simple plan. Without a plan, many people start with good intentions but lose consistency or feel unsure about what to read next. A Bible study plan provides structure, direction, and steady progress in understanding God’s Word.
A good Bible study plan is not about finishing quickly. It is about learning steadily and applying what you read.
A Bible study plan gives you a clear path instead of random reading. It helps you stay focused and prevents discouragement when you are unsure where to continue.
A simple plan helps you:
- Build a consistent Bible reading habit
- Cover Scripture in a balanced way
- Reflect more carefully on what you read
- Avoid skipping difficult or unfamiliar passages
- Track your progress over time
Consistency matters more than speed. Even short daily study with a plan produces long-term growth.
My Personal Bible Reading Habit
When I first came to faith, I did not have Bible apps or structured reading plans.
My pastor gave me a simple daily pattern that helped me build a habit of reading Scripture.
Every day I read:
• One chapter from the Old Testament
• One chapter from the New Testament
• One Psalm
• One Proverb
This rhythm helped me slowly understand the Bible and stay consistent with reading.
Today we are blessed with many digital tools that make this even easier. Bible apps now offer hundreds of structured reading plans that guide you through Scripture step by step.
My Favorite Bible Study App
One of the easiest ways to follow Bible study plans today is through the YouVersion Bible App.
I personally use this app on my phone and iPad because it allows me to read the Bible anywhere — while traveling, waiting for a meeting, or during quiet moments of the day.
The YouVersion app offers:
• Hundreds of Bible translations
• Audio Bible options
• Thousands of Bible study plans
• Daily reminders to help build consistency
If you want to explore other helpful tools for studying Scripture, you may find this guide useful:
Best Bible Study Apps for Beginners
You can also explore additional tools in this article:
Recommended Bible Study Plans
There are many types of Bible study plans available depending on your goals and the amount of time you want to spend reading each day.
Here are some of the most helpful types of plans.
1. One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Many believers enjoy reading through the entire Bible in one year.
This plan usually requires reading three to four chapters per day and often combines passages from both the Old Testament and New Testament.
One of my favorite plans is the BibleProject One-Year Bible Plan, which also includes helpful video explanations of major themes in Scripture.
Benefits of a one-year plan:
• Helps you understand the overall story of the Bible
• Builds a strong daily reading habit
• Exposes you to every part of Scripture
2. Short Devotional Reading Plans
Not everyone can read several chapters a day.
Short devotional plans usually last 5 to 14 days and focus on specific themes such as:
• Trusting God in difficult times
• Overcoming fear
• Developing a prayer life
• Finding peace in stressful seasons
These shorter plans are especially helpful for beginners who want to develop a daily habit of reading Scripture.
3. Topical Bible Study Plans
Another helpful way to study Scripture is through topical Bible study plans.
Instead of reading through entire books of the Bible, topical studies focus on specific themes such as:
• Faith
• Prayer
• Holiness
• Gratitude
• Spiritual growth
These studies bring together different passages from throughout the Bible to help you understand what Scripture teaches about a particular subject.
If you are interested in this approach, you may enjoy this guide:
Bible Study Topics That Will Draw You Closer to Jesus
Topical studies can be very powerful because they help you apply Scripture directly to everyday life.
4. New Testament Reading Plans
Some people prefer to start by reading only the New Testament.
This is often recommended for new believers because the New Testament focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
A typical New Testament reading plan takes 90 days and involves reading three to four chapters per day.
Many people begin with:
• The Gospel of John
• The Book of Acts
• Romans
• The letters of Paul
If you want practical guidance on how to read the Bible consistently, you may find this helpful:
How to Read the Bible (and stay consistent)
How to Choose the Right Bible Study Plan
Not every reading plan works for every person.
When choosing a plan, consider three simple questions:
1. How much time do you have each day?
If you only have 10–15 minutes, start with a short devotional plan.
2. Are you new to the Bible?
Beginners often benefit from reading the Gospels first, especially the Gospel of John.
3. What do you want to learn?
If you are struggling in a specific area of life, a topical Bible study may be the most helpful place to start.
The goal is not to rush through Scripture, but to allow God’s Word to shape your heart and life.
A Simple Daily Bible Study Routine
If you are unsure where to begin, try this simple routine:
1 minute — Pray
Ask God to help you understand His Word.
10 minutes — Read
Follow your chosen Bible study plan.
4 minutes — Reflect
Ask yourself one question:
“What is God teaching me today?”
1 minute — Respond in prayer
Even a short daily routine like this can lead to deep spiritual growth over time.
Final Thoughts
Bible study plans are one of the easiest ways to develop a consistent habit of reading God’s Word.
Instead of feeling lost or overwhelmed, a simple plan gives you a clear path to follow day by day.
Whether you choose a one-year plan, a short devotional plan, or a topical study, the most important thing is consistency.
The Bible was never meant to be a book we simply finish reading. It is a message meant to transform our lives as we walk with God daily.