I’m a big proponent of Bible reading plans. Sticking to one has helped me to intentionally plan and prioritize Scripture reading, grow my familiarity with the Bible, and find treasure in every book of the Bible. I’ve tried various plans over the last few years; I particularly enjoyed this one-year plan with readings in roughly chronological order for five days per week.
Last year, I wanted a slightly slower pace than a one-year plan. I couldn’t find an existing one that fit all my preferences, so I sat down and made my own pseudo-two-year plan with readings for five days a week. After using the plan for a year, I’m making it available to anyone who wishes to use it. You can download it here.
Here’s how the plan is structured:
Each day includes a reading from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and either Psalms or Proverbs.
The plan goes through the Old Testament in two years. It completes the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs in one year (which means twice in two years).
Readings are organized in five days per week―which affords more flexibility to catch up if you miss a day or to read something else on the weekends (e.g. the sermon text or a passage for memorization).
There are already many good articles that detail the benefits of following a plan and compile various reading plans (see The Gospel Coalition, Ligonier, and Desiring God). But if I can humbly offer one more piece of advice: find someone who will commit to a reading plan with you. Start together. Hold one another accountable. Talk about your reflections. I’ve followed the same plan as my mom for the last three years, and both of us have enjoyed discussing what we’re noticing and learning from our reading. Sharing has enriched our knowledge of Scripture and deepened our conversations with each other. I’m looking forward to finishing this two-year plan with her in 2024!
Bible reading plans aren’t always easy and don’t make Bible reading entirely frictionless. But even if you’ve never tried one before (or if you’ve tried many times and given up somewhere in Leviticus), I encourage you to have some kind of reading schedule for 2024. It doesn’t have to be a one-year or two-year plan, but it is good and wise to think realistically about reinforcing a consistent time in the Word. You won’t regret it.