The Easist Bible Reading Plans For Beginners
Reading the Bible can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to faith or returning after time away. Many people want to read Scripture consistently but feel overwhelmed by where to start or how to stay on track. The good news is that Bible reading does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. Simple, realistic plans can help you grow spiritually without pressure.
As pastors, we often hear people say they want to read the Bible more but feel unsure about how to begin. God’s Word is meant to be accessible, life-giving, and transformative. When you choose a plan that fits your season of life, consistency becomes possible.
Why a Simple Bible Reading Plan Matters
A good Bible reading plan removes guesswork. Instead of deciding each day what to read, you follow a clear path that keeps you moving forward. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” God’s Word guides us best when we engage with it regularly.
Simple plans help eliminate guilt and burnout. Reading smaller portions consistently allows Scripture to shape your thinking over time. Spiritual growth is formed through faithfulness, not intensity.
The Best Beginner-Friendly Bible Reading Plans
If you’re just starting, these plans are designed to be approachable and sustainable.
1. The Gospel Reading Plan
Start by reading one of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. These books focus on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. John is often a great starting point because it emphasizes who Jesus is and why He came.
2. The One-Chapter-a-Day Plan
Reading one chapter a day allows you to build consistency without feeling overwhelmed. At this pace, you’ll develop a habit that fits into almost any schedule.
3. The 5-Day-a-Week Plan
This plan gives you flexibility by building in rest days. Reading five days a week creates space for grace when life gets busy.
4. The Bible App Beginner Plans
The YouVersion Bible App offers short, guided reading plans with devotionals and reminders. Some plans are short (7-14 days long), and some offer a guide to reading the Bible all year long. These plans help explain what you’re reading and keep you engaged. We love these because you can choose the plan based on the topic you want to explore, character or theme in scripture, or book of the Bible you want to engage in.
5. (MORE OF A CHALLENGE) A YEAR-LONG READING PLAN
Scripture is to become our “daily bread” - one of the most transformational ways we hear directly from God each day. So we encourage you, as you get more comfortable reading, to find a plan that takes you through the whole year. Here is an article we wrote on a few Year-long plans we love.
How to Choose the Right Plan for You
The best Bible reading plan is the one you will actually follow. Consider your current schedule, attention span, and spiritual background. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a season for everything.
If mornings are busy, choose a plan that works at night. If reading feels hard, start with shorter passages. God honors consistency more than volume.
Trying to figure out what version of the Bible is right for you? Here’s an article that can help you with that —> “How to Choose the Right Bible Reading Plan For You”
What to Do When You Miss a Day
Missing a day does not mean you’ve failed. Spiritual habits grow over time, and grace is part of the process. Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning.
When you miss a day, simply pick up where you left off. Avoid the temptation to quit entirely. Progress comes through returning, not restarting perfectly.
Practical Tips to Stay Consistent
Read at the same time each day
Use a physical Bible or app you enjoy
Write down one verse that stands out
Pray before and after you read
Start small and build slowly
Reflection Questions:
What has made Bible reading feel difficult in the past?
Which plan feels realistic for my current season?
How can I remove distractions during reading time?
