(And be consistent with it)
When I turned to Christ many years ago, I wanted to know everything about Jesus. I was eager to learn. I was even excited when I got a Bible. But when I opened it to read, it overwhelmed me.
Such a big thick book, with small print, and no pictures. And that was just the beginning. Each time, I sat down to read God’s Word, I would feel bored, sleepy, and distracted.
The enemy perhaps was discouraging me from advancing in my faith. It took a lot of will power and discipline for me to continue reading the Bible. And then there were books like Numbers and Leviticus which fueled my disinterest further. These were books that I had to push through. There were certain portions of the Bible that interested me, but then there were many other portions of the Bible where I felt extra-bored. But I had made up my mind to read the Bible cover to cover within a year and I finally did it. Yay! celebration time, you’d think. But NO!!
I was determined to go through the Bible within a year and I did. But I now know, it is not half as important for you to go through the Bible as it is for the Bible to go through you. It is far better to read Gods Word slowly, taking as much time as needed and allow God’s Word to cut through your heart and transform you. And if that takes 5 years, so be it. I’ve seen far too many self proclaimed Christians who know a lot but have no evidence to show a transformed “born again” life.
Secondly, when you finish a chapter in the Bible, read a few verses into the next chapter before you close for the day. This is because there were no chapters and verses when God’s Word was first written. Therefore, each chapter of a book in the Bible is connected to the previous chapter. When you read a few verses into the next chapter, you get a clear understanding of the context. Else, you will start each new chapter as a fresh beginning and fail to understand the context.
The Bible isn’t a book to get through; it’s God’s voice to live by. Read it to know Jesus, understand His teachings, obey Him, and be changed day by day.
I will try and give you some practical tips to follow on how to read the Bible. These habits have transformed me over the years.
Quick-Start (today in 15 minutes)
- Pray (1 min): “Lord, open my eyes. Speak to me. I really want to know you.”
- Read (10 min): John 1 (or the next chapter in your reading plan).
- Respond (4 min): Write one sentence: What will I do? Then pray it back to God.
That’s it. Tomorrow, pick up the next chapter.
A Simple Framework That Works
S.O.A.P. (easy for daily use)
- S – Scripture: Read a short passage (10–20 verses).
- O – Observation: What stands out? What does it say about God/people?
- A – Application: What will I do differently today?
- P – Prayer: Ask God for power to obey.
3R Method (for beginners & groups)
- Read the text slowly.
- Reflect: one truth, one promise, one command.
- Respond: one action before the day ends.
Tip: Don’t chase more; chase meaning. Depth beats speed.
Where to Start (choose one path)
- New to the Bible: Read the Gospel of John, then Acts, then Philippians and James.
- Returning after a break: Do Luke → Acts → Romans.
- Looking for a 90-day plan: Read the New Testament in 90 days (4 chapters/day). But take your time. It is more important for the New Testament to go through you than for you to go through the New Testament.
- Whole Bible in a year: 3–4 chapters/day (mix OT/NT + Psalms/Proverbs). As I said before, if it takes 5 years, so be it. Don’t make it your goal to finish the Bible in a year. Make it your goal to understand what you read.
Pro move: Pair narrative with wisdom. Example: Genesis + Matthew + Psalms. This is what I did. I read one chapter from the Old Testament, One Psalm (and then moved on to Proverbs), and one chapter from the New Testament.
Make It Stick (habits that last)
- Same chair or same place, same time. I am not being superstitious here. It’s just that your brain loves cues and helps with consistency.
- Paper & pencil nearby. Write one sentence you’ll obey today. Or highlight the verse in your Bible. So that when you visit that verse again later, it reminds you of your thoughts when you first read it.
- Phone on Do Not Disturb. This is important. Keep your phone away. You can’t imagine the good it does on the long run.
- Read with a buddy. Share your one action by text each day with a friend you trust. If you are using a Bible Reading plan on an App such as YouVersion, then you can add a friend and do the plan together.
- Sundays are for catch-up & review. Re-read your notes; thank God for progress.
My first bible is now in tatters. Many verses are underlined, highlighted, and the entire bible has my scribbled notes all over its sides. It is amazing how your own notes teach you as you grow in faith over the years, because the Holy Spirit leads you. Nowadays, I use my iPad and/or Kindle which is super helpful. I can highlight verses, add notes, and revisit them whenever prompted. I can share notes with others and do small group studies or just go through a plan with one trusted friend.
How to Read Different Bible Genres
- Gospels/Acts: Look for Jesus’ words and works. Ask: What does following Him look like today?
- Letters (Romans–Jude): Spot the command and the why. Obey one thing.
- Narratives (Genesis, Samuel, Kings, etc.): What reveals God’s character? What example to follow/avoid?
- Poetry (Psalms): Turn verses into prayers in your own words.
- Wisdom (Proverbs, James): Pick one proverb—practice it before sunset.
- Prophets/Revelation: Note God’s heart for holiness and hope; ask how to live faithful now.
Common Roadblocks (and simple fixes)
- “I don’t understand everything.” Read what’s clear, obey that, and the fog lifts. Use a simple translation.
- “I get bored.” Read aloud. Change location. Try an Audio Bible while you walk.
- “I forget what I read.” Write one line daily and review weekly. Teaching one friend about what you read locks it in.
- “I miss days.” Don’t quit. Pick up where you stopped. No guilt trips—just continue.
Tools That Help (keep it simple)
- A readable translation you’ll actually use.
- A notebook (or notes app) for S.O.A.P./3R.
- A reading plan (print it; tick boxes).
- Optional: a study Bible for background after you’ve read the text yourself.
Read to Obey, Not to Impress
Information without obedience hardens the heart. Every time you read, ask:
- What is God saying?
- What will I do today?
- Who needs this encouragement from me?
Obedience is the bridge from hearing to transformation.
Sample 7-Day Starter Plan (John 1–7)
- Day 1: John 1 — Who is Jesus? What changes if this is true?
- Day 2: John 2 — Where do I need Jesus to transform “water to wine” in my life?
- Day 3: John 3 — What does it mean to be “born again” for me today?
- Day 4: John 4 — Who is my “Samaritan” that I can reach out to?
- Day 5: John 5 — What “mat” (old excuse) do I need to pick up?
- Day 6: John 6 — Where am I hungry for lesser bread?
- Day 7: John 7 — What step will I take to come to Jesus and drink?
For Families & Groups
- Read one chapter aloud.
- Each person shares: One verse, one takeaway, one action.
- Pray 1–2 minutes each. Keep it simple and consistent.
FAQ
Q: Which translation?
A: The best one is the one you’ll read daily. Pick a clear, trustworthy translation and stick with it. I prefer the NLT, New Living Translation. It is in an easy to read modern spoken English style which makes it easy for me to understand. I also compare different versions during my study time.
Q: How long should I read?
A: Start with 10–15 minutes. Consistency beats marathon days followed by droughts.
Q: Study notes now or later?
A: Later. Let Scripture speak first, then check notes to confirm/clarify.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, speak to me through Your Word.
Open my eyes, shape my heart, and guide my steps.
Help me read to obey, not just to know.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
For more, check out bible study techniques for beginners.