10 Best Ways to Enjoy Reading the Bible

Have you ever wondered if one small habit could make Scripture feel fresh again?

This list promises practical, heart-level approaches that make reading engaging, doable, and life changing.

Across short, actionable tips you will find a mix of time-tested spiritual practices and modern tools. Each idea helps you build a steady rhythm that strengthens faith and love for God.

We preview a clear story arc: start with prayerful pages in the New Testament, then weave in Old Testament books so you see God’s big story. Expect guidance on choosing a translation, mapping a book, and simple reflection prompts.

Small changes done consistently yield big growth. Every tip can stand alone or combine into a personal plan that fits your schedule today in the United States.

Try one new practice this week and notice how your time with God shifts. The steps here aim to remove overwhelm and invite lasting love for Scripture.

Start with prayer: turn verses into conversations with God

Begin your time with Scripture by turning a single verse into a direct conversation with God. This simple shift moves bible reading from information intake into a relationship that touches the heart.

Pray-read the Word is a modern name for an old practice called Lectio Divina. Pastor Mike Bickle teaches this as a way to pray God’s word back to God.

Pray-read the Word (Lectio Divina) to move truth from head to heart

Try this short pattern: read a few verses slowly, pause, and speak the verse back to God as your own prayer. Then listen and respond. Let the verse lead, not your agenda.

Example prayer from a verse to personalize God’s word

Take Philippians 4:13 (NLT): “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” A personal prayer could be:

“God, thank you that I can do everything through you.”
“I feel weak and tired—give me strength to ______.”
“Help me depend on you, not my strength. I’m sorry for relying on ______.”

Tell God when a verse feels hard, ask honest questions, and keep a running list of short prayers you can return to during the day. Start small: five minutes, one verse, one honest prayer.

Practice this week: pray-read one verse and journal how your heart responds. Small, sincere habits build trust and a deeper love for scriptures.

Set a simple schedule you can actually keep

A simple map for a book keeps bible reading from feeling overwhelming. Start with a short plan that fits real life, not a perfect ideal.

Pick a book, count chapters, and map your days

Map your month: choose one book, count its chapters, pick a finish date, and assign one chapter per day. This removes decision fatigue and makes time with Scripture a clear habit.

Example: Proverbs has 31 chapters. Read one chapter a day and finish in a month. That simple pace gives steady progress and a natural rhythm for daily reading.

Protect a time block—morning coffee, lunch break, or before bed. Start small (10–15 minutes) and build up if you like.

Build buffer days for busy stretches.
Use a calendar with checkboxes for each chapter; visual progress motivates.
Note context (author, audience) in one line to deepen understanding.

One-chapter rule: if you miss a day, don’t double up. Resume the next day and keep the plan sustainable. A schedule should serve you; adjust it and celebrate small wins as you refine the plan.

Choose a translation that fits your season and purpose

Picking the right English rendering can change how Scripture connects with your heart this season. Translations sit on a spectrum from formal equivalence (word-for-word) to free paraphrase. Each choice affects how words, rhythm, and nuance reach you.

Literal (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV) keeps close to original words. Great for careful study and deeper bible study.
Functional (NIV, NLT, CSB) balances accuracy and clarity. Use this version for steady reading and devotion.
Paraphrase (The Message, The Passion) rephrases ideas for readability. It helps hear familiar passages with fresh life or when introducing someone to faith.

Try a simple practice: read a Psalm in ESV, then NLT, then The Message. Note which phrases hit you and which clarify the passage’s intent. A study bible or app can help by showing footnotes and alternate words for tricky verses.

Tip: pick one primary translation for continuity and add a secondary for comparison. If your routine stalls, switching a translation often helps you read bible with new curiosity and renewed focus.

Write while you read: journaling, questions, and highlighting

Writing as you read turns short moments with God into a visible story you can revisit. Use a study Bible or a simple notebook and capture what stands out. Jotting notes helps your heart process verses and builds a record you can scan later.

Use a study Bible or a notebook to track insights and questions

Bring a pen. Mark key verses, write questions in margins, or use cards and post-its if you prefer not to write in a paperback Bible. A dedicated page creates a searchable trail of study notes.

Write a short template: date, passage, what I learned about God, how it applies, and one question.
Color-code highlights for character, commands, promises, and response so themes pop on repeat readings.
Jot one sentence each session about what moved your heart; depth grows without long entries.

Minimize phone distractions during reading. A paperback copy helps you linger on verses away from app alerts.

Practice: try a one-week experiment with a notebook. Each day write one line and one question. At week’s end, skim your notes, circle one takeaway, and pray it back to God.

Use your phone for good: Bible apps, audio, and reading plans

Make your phone a tool that invites short, steady encounters with God. A few trusted apps can protect your time and help people build a habit that sticks.

Top app options include YouVersion, The Bible Project, She Reads Truth, He Reads Truth, and Sprinkle of Jesus. Install one and enable gentle reminders that guard a short daily slot.

How a book club builds accountability and joy

Invite a few friends, pick one book, and set a weekly pace. Meeting regularly lets the group track progress through the story and celebrate small wins.

Start simple: agree on a chapter goal and a fixed time to meet.
Rotate roles: host, facilitator, question-asker, and note-taker share responsibility.
Try online options: church groups or Christian Facebook groups work well when meeting in person is hard.

Consider the Community Bible Experience for an immersive eight-week New Testament read that reads more like a continuous narrative. Begin each meeting with a brief prayer, a short summary, and two open questions. Text one friend today and propose a trial month with a short Gospel—community helps you return, understand more, and grow in love.

Focus on the New Testament first, then weave in the Old

Start with the Gospels and Epistles so the story of Christ and the early church shapes your reading. This gives immediate clarity about Jesus, grace, and the mission that frames the rest of scripture.

Read the Gospels and Epistles with audience and authors in mind

Ask who wrote this and who received it. The Gospels present Jesus’ life for you; Epistles answer real community questions. Noting author and audience turns words into pastoral help for your heart.

Link themes across Testaments to see one unfolding story

Track themes—promise and fulfillment, law and grace, temple and presence—so you see a single story across years. Use a one-sentence summary for each passage, one clarifying question, and one application for your life today.

Old Testament habit: read one chapter a day and note what it shows about God, people, and how it points to Christ.
Watch development: mark how writers change across years—Paul in Acts vs. later letters, John as elder in 1–3 John.
Cross-check: glance at another translation or version when a passage feels dense; keep the main point central.

Keep a running list of recurring words (faith, covenant, kingdom) and where they appear. Try a four-week plan: two weeks in a Gospel, one week in selected Epistles, and one sampling Old Testament chapters. Record one insight each day and let the god word shape your heart as you study and read word by word.

Try a reading challenge to rekindle your zeal

Join a short, focused reading challenge when your regular rhythm feels flat. A defined plan gives clear steps for each day and frees up decision energy so you actually make time for Scripture.

Why a challenge helps: it supplies structure and fresh energy when motivation dips. Pick a scope that fits your life—seven days in a Psalm set, thirty days in a Gospel, or an eight-week New Testament read.

Example: the “Word before World” 30-day plan focuses on why we read, where we read, and building a daily habit.
Invite one or two people for accountability and quick check-ins when things feel hard.
Plan a simple schedule: list each chapter for each day with one takeaway and one short prayer.

Practical tip: use a calendar or tracker to see streaks, pair the challenge with the same cue (same time and place), and celebrate small wins. Pick a start date this week and text a friend to join you.

Create space: trade screen time for Scripture time

Trade a little screen time each day for a quiet block with Scripture and notice how your rhythms change. Social feeds and TV can eat hours through autoplay and habit loops. That leaves many people saying they lack time for what matters most.

Make a simple swap: set aside a portion of phone or streaming time each day and use it first for a short reading. Try one chapter before your shows or 15–20 minutes at your morning coffee.

Set clear boundaries: no social feeds until after your reading, turn off auto-play, or create a tech-free corner with a chair, a Bible, and a pen. Small changes reset how your day and life feel.

Use your phone as an ally: alarms, Focus Mode, and scheduled do-not-disturb windows.
Swap late-night scrolling for a short psalm to improve rest and reflection.
Invite others at home to cheer you on or join for shared accountability.

This shift isn’t about guilt but love. Choose one boundary today and make room for Scripture tomorrow. Even trimming 15 minutes each day can reshape your reading habit and renew a calm, centered way of life.

Support your journey with trusted books and resources

A single reliable book or plan often unlocks clearer rhythms and renewed joy in daily study. Start with one practical book that deepens your study habits and journaling practice.

Helpful titles: try The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordeiro for daily time, Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin for a clear study method, and Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown if you connect more through story.

Choose a study bible with concise notes and maps so context is available without overload. If you want steady progress, try a one-year reading Bible or a dated plan that moves you through Scripture over the years.

Use one solid translation and one comparison version when a passage feels dense.
Supplement with apps like YouVersion or She Reads Truth for plans and audio help.
Rotate resources occasionally to keep your practice fresh while Scripture remains central.

Try one resource this month: test how it supports your pace, clarity, and joy. Then share favorites with a friend or group and build a small, trusted library of books that encourage regular reading and study.

Let simple reflection turn a passage into living guidance. End each session with two or three heart-level questions that move the word from idea into action in life today.

Ask heart-level questions and live one verse at a time

Use a three-question frame: What did I learn about God? What did I learn about people? What will I do differently because of this verse?

Choose one verse to carry through the day—memorize a phrase, pray it at meals, or share it with a friend for accountability. Keep a short application journal with the verse, the one thing God highlights, and the next step.

End reading with two quick questions that push the word into daily choices.
Record one small obedience. Small, faithful things build deep roots of faith over time.
Share a takeaway with your group or family; speaking it aloud clarifies conviction and spreads love for Scripture.

Try the Ruth approach: note God’s character, your response, and one practical step that shows trust today. Revisit the chosen verse at night and write how God met you—this closes the loop between morning intent and daily practice.

Conclusion

, Short, focused time with Scripture invites God’s voice into ordinary hours. Start in the New Testament for clarity, then weave in the Old so one story of redemption becomes clear. A simple schedule or a short plan protects quiet minutes and makes steady progress in reading.

Use clear translations and compare a translation now and then. This refreshes insight without adding confusion. Let the god word shape your heart and guide small choices that grow faith and love.

Pick one practical step today: set a time, try pray-read one verse, or text a friend. Write one takeaway and turn it into a short prayer.

There is no perfect method—only faithful steps that change life. Open your Bible, ask God to speak, and start now.

FAQ

How can I start each reading time with prayer?

Begin by asking God to open your understanding and help you apply what you read. Try a short Lectio Divina routine: read a verse slowly, meditate on a phrase, pray the verse back to God, and rest in silence for a minute. This turns scripture into conversation and moves truth from head to heart.

What’s a simple schedule I can keep for daily reading?

Pick one book, count its chapters, and divide them over a realistic number of days. For example, read one or two chapters each morning or set a 10–15 minute window after breakfast. Consistency beats quantity—small daily rhythms build long-term habit.

How do I choose the best Bible translation for my purpose?

Match the translation to your goal. Use literal versions like the English Standard Version (ESV) for study, functional ones like the New International Version (NIV) for clarity, and paraphrases such as The Message for fresh perspective. Switching versions can revive familiar passages.

What are practical ways to journal while reading?

Keep a notebook or use a study Bible to jot questions, phrases that jump out, and personal applications. Write one insight, one question, and one action step per session. Highlight sparingly so important verses stand out later.

Which Bible apps and audio options are worth using?

Strong options include YouVersion, Bible Gateway, and Olive Tree. Use reading plans, verse-of-the-day features, and audio narration for commutes or chores. Audio helps you hear rhythm and emphasis—good for “word before world” moments on busy days.

Join or start a small Bible book club, a women’s or men’s study group, or an online community. Discussing context, questions, and life application builds accountability and joy. Meet weekly and focus on a chapter or theme to keep conversations focused.

Should I begin with the New Testament or the Old Testament?

Many find the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and Epistles easier entry points. Start there to learn about Jesus and early church teaching, then weave in Old Testament stories and themes to see how the whole story unfolds across Testaments.

What is a reading challenge that can rekindle interest?

Try a 30-day plan: read a Psalm each morning and a Gospel chapter each evening, or follow a themed plan like faith, prayer, or grace. Small, focused challenges keep momentum without overwhelming your schedule.

How do I create space in my day for scripture instead of screens?

Set a fixed time—morning, lunch, or before bed—and put your phone in another room unless you’re using it for a Bible app. Replace 15 minutes of scrolling with 15 minutes of reading or listening. Use a timer to stay consistent.

What books and resources support deeper Bible study?

Trusted tools include study Bibles (NIV Study Bible, ESV Study Bible), commentaries by authors like N.T. Wright and John Stott, and devotional collections. Bible dictionaries and maps also help you understand people, places, and historical context.

How do I reflect and apply scripture in daily life?

Ask heart-level questions after each reading: What does this reveal about God? What does it say about me? What one action can I take today? Pray for courage to live one verse at a time and share insights with a friend for accountability.

Can I use multiple translations in one reading session?

Yes. Read a passage in a literal version first for accuracy, then a functional or paraphrase version to catch fresh phrasing. Comparing translations often uncovers nuances and deepens understanding without overwhelming you.