How to Develop a Bible Reading Routine

Reading the Bible is an essential part of the Christian life. So how does one get started? Maybe you’re a new Christian and you have no idea how to get started. You may feel overwhelmed trying to get through all 66 books, and the thought of reading Leviticus makes you want to run screaming through the streets. Hope is part of the Christian faith, and there is hope for you and reading the Bible. You just have to find a way to make reading the Bible work for you. Read on to learn how to develop a Bible reading routine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bible
• Daily devotional book or magazine

1. Choose a Bible that you’ll feel comfortable reading. Try the New Living Translation or the Message Bible because these Bibles are written in understandable everyday language. There are so many different translations that you’re sure to find something that you’ll like. You can find Bibles at Christian bookstores, regular bookstores, online, and now even Wal-Mart sells them.
2. Choose a daily devotional book or magazine. This is one that has different scripture readings for everyday. Some have lively vignettes about everyday people; others are doctrinal. By reading a devotional, you are not locked into one book of the Bible. This adds variety to your daily reading.
3. Decide on a time that works best for you. If you are a morning person, you can read as soon as you get up, or while eating breakfast. Do you take the train to work? The number of people who are reading their Bibles may surprise you. Maybe you’d rather read your Bible at lunch, or before you go to bed. Whatever time of day or evening you choose, just make sure it will be a quiet time of no distractions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to read the entire Bible in one year, choose the One Year Bible. You will read a passage from the old and New Testament, as well as a Psalm and Proverb for each day. There are several translations available.
• Some ministries publish wonderful daily devotional magazines that are free of charge.
• Don’t have to feel you need to spend hours reading. The point is to actually read and make it an enjoyable time, because that’s what it should be.
• You also can read the Bible and get daily devotionals online.