Top Bible-in-a-Year Devotionals to Help You Stay Consistent in Scripture
Reading the Bible in a year can feel overwhelming, especially when life fills up with work, family, and everything in between. But having the right plan—and the right tools—can turn Scripture reading into a habit that strengthens your faith, deepens your understanding, and draws you closer to Jesus every single day. At Discover Church, we believe Scripture is our standard, and choosing a plan that fits your personality and learning style can make all the difference. If you’re looking for a Bible reading plan, an app, or a devotional that will keep you engaged through the entire year, these trusted resources can help you build a rhythm that lasts.
Why a Bible-in-a-Year Plan Helps You Grow
A structured plan does more than help you “keep up”—it creates momentum. Many Christians start strong in January but lose steam by February. A clear, organized route through Scripture gives you a sense of direction and progress as you grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Reading the entire Bible gives you a fuller picture of God’s story. It helps you see how the Old Testament points to Jesus, how the New Testament builds the church, and how every passage fits into God’s redemptive plan. As Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). A year-long plan ensures you encounter all of it—yes, even the books you tend to skip.
Here are some of the most trusted, accessible, and well-designed Bible-in-a-Year plans available today.
1. Bible in One Year — Nicky & Pippa Gumbel
Best for: Beginners, busy schedules, audio learners, and anyone wanting daily guidance
Official Website:
Official YouVersion Page:
https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/
Nicky and Pippa Gumbel’s Bible in One Year is one of the most popular Bible-in-a-year devotionals in the world. This plan includes Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms/Proverbs readings each day, along with a short commentary that brings clarity and encouragement. It’s perfect for anyone who wants Scripture explained without feeling overwhelmed.
The official Bible in One Year website also includes daily audio options and multiple reading tracks (Classic, Express, and Youth), making it easy to follow a plan that matches your pace.
2. The Bible Recap — Tara-Leigh Cobble
Best for: People who want context, structure, and deeper understanding in chronological order
Official Website:
https://www.thebiblerecap.com/
Official YouVersion Page:
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/42399-the-bible-recap-with-tara-leigh-cobble
Tara-Leigh Cobble’s Bible Recap is beloved for its clarity and chronological structure. Reading Scripture in the order events actually happened helps the entire biblical storyline click into place. Tara-Leigh’s daily podcast episodes break down themes, context, and the heart of God behind each passage.
The Bible Recap is especially strong for readers who want “why” behind the text—not just daily chapters. If the Old Testament has ever felt hard to understand, this plan helps you see God’s character from Genesis to Revelation.
3. Life Journal Reading Plan — Wayne Cordeiro
Best for: Journaling, leaders, and anyone wanting a balanced plan of both old & new testament
Official Website (New Hope Oahu):
https://enewhope.org/life-journal-reading-plan
Official YouVersion Page:
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/3-life-journal-reading-plan
Wayne Cordeiro’s Life Journal plan is one of the most widely used Bible-in-a-year plans in church discipleship. It follows a balanced reading structure and integrates the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Many people find the journaling component helps them reflect more deeply and hear God speak through Scripture.
This plan is great for leaders, small groups, and anyone who wants both structure and intentional space for reflection.
4. She Reads Truth
*Not a one-year reading plan, but a fan favorite of Pastor Kara’s
Best for: Women who want beautifully designed devotionals and Bible-centered studies
Official Website:
Monthly Subscription Box:
https://subscriptions.shereadstruth.com/
While She Reads Truth does not follow a traditional Bible-in-a-year format, their devotions keep you in the Bible consistently throughout the year. The studies rotate through books of the Bible, seasonal themes, and topical plans—all rooted in Scripture and theology.
Many women love their printed study books and subscription boxes for the thoughtful design, reflection questions, and deep scriptural focus. If your goal is daily Bible time—without necessarily reading cover-to-cover in one year—this resource is a great choice.
5. YouVersion Bible App
Best for: Flexibility, community, and multiple reading plan options
Official Website:
YouVersion offers dozens of Bible-in-a-year plans (including the ones listed above) with reading reminders, audio Bibles, highlighting tools, and the ability to read with community. One of the biggest advantages is being able to invite friends or small groups to track progress together.
If accountability is important for you, the community feature makes it easier to stay committed, even when certain passages feel challenging. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Reading Scripture together can help you stay consistent all year long.
How to Choose the Right Plan
Choosing the “best” plan depends on your needs and learning style. Ask yourself:
Do I prefer audio, reading, or both?
Do I want commentary or just Scripture?
Do I enjoy chronological order or a traditional sequence?
Do I want a journaling component?
Do I stay more consistent with structure or flexibility?
The goal is not perfection—it’s daily presence with Jesus.
Tips for Staying Consistent
Consistency is possible with simple habits:
Choose a set time to read each day
Use audio when mornings get busy
Read with a friend or spouse
Don’t quit when you get behind—start again today
Pray before reading for clarity and understanding
Remember: every time you open the Bible, you open your life to the voice of God.
Reflection Questions
Which plan best fits my lifestyle and learning style?
When am I most focused during the day?
Who could I invite to read with me for accountability?
What do I want God to teach me through Scripture this year?
Further Resources
“How to Read the Bible” - The Bible Project
“How to Choose the Best Bible Translation for You” - biblegateway.com
“A Beginners Guide to Reading the Bible” - newlife.com
