Bible Reading Plans
by Pastor Tommy Bailey
Bible reading plans can be helpful tools for Christians seeking to grow in their love of God and His word through a regular rhythm of engaging with the scriptures. Below are three Bible reading plans that could benefit you as you seek to cultivate patterns and practices of Bible reading in the year ahead.
1. The One-Year Bible Reading Plan
The One Year Bible Reading Plan is designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days. This plan provides a well-balanced approach to daily scripture reading:
- Each day includes passages from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.
- This structure provides variety and helps readers see connections across different parts of the Bible.
- The plan is available in various formats, including printed Bibles specifically arranged for this reading schedule. You can also access it on the TVC Church Center app.
2. The M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
Developed by Scottish minister Robert Murray M’Cheyne in the 19th century, this plan consists of four daily readings from different sections of the Bible.
- Readers go through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice a year.
- The plan is designed to highlight the internal unity of Scripture and help readers see how different parts of the Bible connect.
- It can be adapted for a two-year reading schedule, making it flexible for different reading speeds.
- D.A. Carson has also written a helpful series of devotionals to accompany the M’Cheyene reading plan.
- You can download a PDF of the reading plan here.
3. The 5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan
This plan focuses on the New Testament and is particularly helpful for those new to daily Bible reading:
- Readers go through the New Testament in one year, reading Monday to Friday.
- Weekends are left open for reflection or catching up on missed readings.
- The plan’s structure makes it less intimidating for beginners while still providing a comprehensive study of the New Testament.
- You can access a PDF of the reading plan here.
For a broader list of Bible reading plans, here is a helpful article from The Gospel Coalition.
