Bible Reading Plan
Read Through the Bible in a Year
A simple, chapter-based plan to read through the whole Bible in one year — two passages each day.
Published: 9 June 2026
The goal of reading through the Bible is not merely to complete a plan, but to hear God's Word with faith, humility, and obedience. These simple plans help establish a consistent daily habit without becoming a burden.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV
Which plan should I choose?
Three options are offered below. Choose the one that fits your current season.
| Plan | Daily reading | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 1 chapter | ~5–8 min | Those new to daily Bible reading or short on time |
| Standard | 2–3 chapters | ~10–15 min | Most readers — covers OT once, NT + Psalms twice |
| Extended | 3–4 chapters | ~15–20 min | Those with more time who want broader coverage |
All three use the same daily portions from each section, just at different paces. Pick one and stay consistent.
Plan 1: Essential — One chapter a day
Read one chapter each day, following this rotation:
- Mon–Sat: Sequential reading through the Old Testament
- Sunday: One psalm or one chapter from the New Testament
This takes you through the whole Bible in approximately two years, but is the easiest to maintain if you are establishing a new habit.
Beginning the habit
If you have never read through the Bible before, this is where to start. The single chapter per day is small enough that it will not feel burdensome, but consistent enough that it will bear much fruit over time. Read slowly, and ask the Lord to give understanding before you begin.
Plan 2: Standard — Two to three chapters a day (recommended)
Read two to three chapters each day following this pattern:
- Old Testament: Two chapters per day, Monday through Saturday
- New Testament or Psalms: One chapter per day, including Sunday
Schedule
| Day | Reading |
|---|---|
| Monday–Saturday | 2 OT chapters + 1 NT chapter |
| Sunday | 1 psalm + free catch-up or review |
This plan takes you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament + Psalms twice in one year.
How to read
- Pray before you begin: “Lord, open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.”
- Read the passage slowly. Pause at verses that stand out.
- Write one verse that spoke to you, and one sentence of application.
- Pray back to God from what you have read — confess, thank, ask, or praise as the text leads.
Plan 3: Extended — Three to four chapters a day
Read three to four chapters each day:
- Old Testament: Three chapters per day, Monday through Saturday
- New Testament: One chapter per day (every day)
- Psalms: One psalm per day, woven in
This gives the fullest coverage: Old Testament once, New Testament twice, and the Psalms twice.
Monthly reading schedule
Below is the reading schedule by month. Each month lists the OT and NT readings for that period.
January
- OT: Genesis 1–60
- NT: Matthew 1–28
February
- OT: Genesis 31–60, Exodus 1–30
- NT: Mark 1–16
March
- OT: Exodus 31–60, Leviticus 1–27
- NT: Luke 1–24
April
- OT: Numbers 1–36
- NT: John 1–21
May
- OT: Deuteronomy 1–34
- NT: Acts 1–28
June
- OT: Joshua 1–24, Judges 1–21, Ruth 1–4
- NT: Romans 1–16
July
- OT: 1 Samuel 1–31, 2 Samuel 1–24
- NT: 1 Corinthians 1–16, 2 Corinthians 1–13
August
- OT: 1 Kings 1–22, 2 Kings 1–25
- NT: Galatians 1–6, Ephesians 1–6, Philippians 1–4, Colossians 1–4
September
- OT: 1 Chronicles 1–29, 2 Chronicles 1–36
- NT: 1 Thessalonians 1–5, 2 Thessalonians 1–3, 1 Timothy 1–6, 2 Timothy 1–4, Titus 1–3, Philemon
October
- OT: Ezra 1–10, Nehemiah 1–13, Esther 1–10, Job 1–10
- NT: Hebrews 1–13, James 1–5
November
- OT: Job 11–42, Psalms 1–30
- NT: 1 Peter 1–5, 2 Peter 1–3, 1 John 1–5, 2 John, 3 John, Jude
December
- OT: Psalms 31–60, Isaiah 1–12
- NT: Revelation 1–22
Note: This is a rough monthly division. Adjust the pace as needed — the goal is steady progress, not rigid adherence. If you fall behind, simply pick up where you left off.
Printable checklist
A simple printed checklist can help track progress. Here is a suggested format:
Checklist template
Create a list of all 66 books. As you finish each book, mark the date completed. This gives a clear sense of progress and encourages consistency.
Sample entry
| Book | Chapters | Date started | Date completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis | 50 | Jan 1 | Jan 25 |
| Exodus | 40 | Jan 26 | Feb 15 |
Practical encouragement
If you miss a day
Do not try to catch up by reading double portions. Simply resume today's reading where the plan says you should be. Guilt over missed days often leads to giving up entirely. Grace covers this.
If a passage is hard to understand
Mark it, pray over it, and move on. Many difficult passages become clearer as you read more of Scripture. Consult a trusted commentary or ask a pastor or teacher if confusion persists.
If a passage feels familiar
Do not skim. Ask the Lord to give fresh eyes. Even familiar verses can yield new insight when read with expectation and humility.
If you finish early
Congratulations. Start again. The Word of God is inexhaustible, and a second or third reading will bring new depth.
Resources to help
- A KJV Bible with cross-references
- A notebook for observations and prayer responses
- A concordance for tracing words and themes
- The daily devotion on this site — pairs naturally with daily Scripture reading
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105, KJV
Lord, give us love for Your Word. Help us to read it not as a duty but as a delight, not for knowledge alone but for life. Open our eyes, incline our hearts, and keep us faithful day by day. Amen.