A Simple, Rustic Plan to Read the Bible and Love It
This is for the person finding it hard to read the Bible.
You may be a new Christian and just do not know where to begin.
Or, this is an exceptionally challenging season, even though you have been living the Christian life for years. It feels like there is not enough time to read the Bible. You are wondering if it is even worth the trouble.
You may be having difficulty settling your mind to focus on a daily quiet time. The season of uncertainty we are living in can be distracting and draining of the energy needed to do the very things that were once most important.
Following a recent conversation with a young woman—a university student dear to our family—I created a simple plan to read the Bible.
This friend shared with me that it was incredibly hard for her to find privacy for alone time with God. Who remembers the days of early morning classes, books to read, endless assignments, dorm life distractions, lack of privacy, and late nights? I attended a Christian university, as does my friend. Even in that environment, maintaining a consistent, daily time of bible reading and prayer can be challenging.
After our conversation, I thought to simply jot down suggestions to help in her quest to read the Bible. As is often the case with me, jotting down suggestions got my mind to thinking and churning. Before I knew it, I had created what I now call a simple, rustic plan to read the Bible and love it.
My use of the word simple may make sense, but why rustic? One meaning of the word rustic is : made in a plain and simple fashion¹, which is exactly what I was seeking to create. I wanted to avoid the feel of a rigid, sometimes demanding schedule for reading all the Scripture within a specific timeframe. I did not create this plan with the goal of reading the whole of the Bible.
Instead, this plan should provide a low-key experience for users to read at their own pace. My hope is to encourage users to create space in the moments of their day to fall in love with God’s word, forming the habit of daily bible reading.
In this plan to read the Bible, you will read key books in the Old and New Testaments. It provides a path that enables individuals to read without feeling overwhelmed; to look forward to the daily journey in God’s word.
AUDIOBOOK READERS: If you prefer listening to audiobooks over reading, stay with me. I'll share an additional suggestion for you at the end of this post.
If you, or someone you know, needs help maintaining regular bible reading, here is the plan I created for my friend.
A Simple, Rustic Plan to Read the Bible and Love It
Before you begin, take a moment and pray. Ask God for patience and understanding as you read. Remember, His word is God-breathed instruction and truth for those who believe. Open your heart to all God has for you in the Bible.
#1 – Read Psalms
Read one chapter of Psalms each day. Start with chapter one. When you reach Psalm 150, you should be about halfway through the year. Now, go to #2 on this list.
#2 – Read John's Gospel
Beginning with chapter one, read a chapter of John’s Gospel every day. If reading a whole chapter is too much, read half of a chapter and finish it the next day. When you get to chapter twenty-one of John, move to #3 on the list.
#3 – Read Proverbs
Go back to the Old Testament and read one chapter of Proverbs daily. If you cannot manage a whole chapter, read half. Tomorrow, read the rest of that chapter. When you finish Proverbs 31, move on to #4.
#4 – Read Luke’s Gospel
Read one chapter of the book of Luke every day {or a half chapter}. When you've completed chapter twenty-four, move on to #5.
#5 – Read Acts
The books of Luke and Acts were both written by Luke. Acts is a continuation of what you just read. Continue by reading one chapter of Acts each day. After reading chapter twenty-eight, move on to #6.
#6 – Read Galatians
This short book is the first letter Apostle Paul wrote to the churches. Read one chapter a day, and you will finish the six chapters of Galatians in no time. Now, move on to #7.
#7 – Read Ephesians
This letter, also written by Apostle Paul, has only six chapters. Read one a day, then move on to #8.
#8 – Read Philippians
The book of Philippians, also credited to Paul, has just four chapters. Read it and move on to #9.
#9 – Read Colossians
Apostle Paul was the author of Colossians, as well. You have only four chapters to read, then move on to #10.
#10 – Return to Psalms
My suggestion is to circle back and read Psalms, again! Do not worry about the number of days left in the year. It will depend on how often you were able to read an entire chapter daily. This time around, Psalms will be familiar and mean so much more to you.
When you come to the end of the year, you can continue your daily reading of Psalms. Or, you may want to consider using a daily devotional book or different reading plan.
More importantly, by the year’s end, it is my prayer you will have developed a desire to read the Bible every day and love it—even if accomplished through a simple, rustic reading plan.
"...provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word." Psalm 119.169 (MSG)
Audiobook Readers
I promised a suggestion for those who prefer listening to audiobooks. I love the Dwell Scripture Listening App for the Bible on audio. Download Dwell to your device and sign up for their FREE version. You can use the Bible reading plan above and listen to the passages in Dwell. There are also hundreds of pre-set listening plans, devotions, and more. It really is worth checking out!
¹Oxford Languages. Link effective as of 2/11/2022.