How to Read Through the Bible
I remember the moment several months ago when I asked myself: Have I ever actually read through the Bible cover to cover? Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing.
Like me, you might have started one of those “Read the Bible in a Year” plans. They’re everywhere, and I’ve begun more than one. But finishing? That’s another story. I don’t think I’ve ever made it all the way through.
Now, after years of being a believer, I’ve read quite a bit of the Bible through studies, devotionals, and those half-finished plans. But still—I wasn’t sure if I’d ever read every single chapter. And I wanted to.
Here’s the thing: just reading doesn’t keep me motivated. I need something that feels interactive, creative, and personal. That’s when I thought about the study styles I love—like Bible Verse Mapping—and realized I could design a plan that fits my personality (the one the Lord gave me!).
So here’s my simple, doable plan. You and I can read the Bible all the way through—and keep a record of it too.
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My Chapter-by-Chapter Plan to Read through the Bible
I created a tracker called the Faith Notes Chapter by Chapter Bible Journal. The idea is beautifully simple:
- Read one chapter per day.
- Write a short summary, just one line for that chapter in your journal.
- Mark off the chapter number in your tracker.
- If you’d like, also highlight verses in that chapter that speak to your heart.
That’s it. No pressure, no deadlines, no guilt. Just steady, meaningful progress.
Why This Plan Works
Here are some of the benefits I’ve discovered:
- No timetable stress — You don’t have to finish in a year.
- Clear progress — You’ll know at a glance what you’ve already read.
- Flexible order — Read the Books of the Bible in any order you like.
- Easy to blend with studies — If your church or small group Bible Study is studying a specific book of the Bible, just fold it into your plan.
- Personal record — Your summaries become a treasure when you’re searching for a verse or theme later.
- Simple daily rhythm — One chapter a day is manageable and faith-growing.
Tools That Make It Easier
Here are a few resources I use that make my Read through the Bible experience even more enjoyable:
- Large print Bible — Perfect for early mornings when your eyes aren’t quite wide awake yet. I love this extra large print Bible for this Bible Reading Method.
- Highlighters — I love these unique ones that don’t bleed through thin Bible pages.
- A favorite pen — Mine is a fine-line black pen. I’ve used this brand for years. Their colorful pens work well too.
No Rush, Just Steady Reading
Did you know there are over 1,100 chapters in the Bible? If you read one chapter a day, it would take more than three years to read through the Bible completely. And that’s perfectly fine. You can read more than one chapter a day if you wish. This plan isn’t about speed—it’s about savoring Scripture.
The best part? It travels with you. With the Bible on your phone, you can read anywhere. If you’re on the go, jot down your summary and the number of the verses you want to highlight and transfer them to your journal later.
Ready to Try It?
If you’d like to try this method, you can sign up for the freebie, Faith Notes Chapter by Chapter – The Gospel Chapters. Just print the pages at home and give it a try. See if this style works for you.
And if you’re ready to dive in, you’ve got two options:
- Faith Notes Chapter by Chapter Bible Journal — purchase the printed book, ready to use.
- Digital pages — Old Testament and New Testament sets are available in our Etsy shop. Just purchase, download, and print at home.
This plan has been such a gift to me, and I believe it can be for you too. Imagine looking back one day and knowing you’ve read every chapter of the Bible—with your own notes and reflections. That’s a faith journey worth taking.
Whichever path you choose, remember: there’s no rush. Just steady steps, gentle notes, and the joy of knowing you’re walking through Scripture with intention.
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