Top 5 Bible Reading Plans for 2024

Reading the Bible can be difficult, but it really doesn’t have to be. Using a Bible reading plan can help you consistently read and study God’s Word, and it’s important to read God’s Word because that is how we will get to know Him best!

Here we are, back again and gearing up for another year of Bible reading. Regardless of how well you feel like you have kept up with the spiritual discipline of Bible reading this year, you can start fresh whenever you want! Even right now! But if you’re looking for a good time to start and perhaps join others in reading through a Bible reading plan, why not start in the new year at the beginning of 2024?

Do you feel like the Bible is hard for you to understand? Do you struggle to love the Bible and reading it? Do you wonder if you need to read the Bible every day or why you should even read the Bible to begin with? Do you wonder which Bible you should read? Should you pray before or after you read the Bible…or both?

You can make the most of your Bible study in a bunch of different ways. One way is to use some Bible study supplies like highlighters and sticky notes as you read. Of course Bible reading plans help, too, because they take the guesswork out of deciding what to read and when.

So, without further ado, here are Bible to Life’s Top 5 Bible Reading Plans for 2024:

1. 52 Weeks in the Word With Trillia Newbell

Trillia Newbell’s 52 Weeks in the Word: A Companion for Reading Through the Bible in a Year was published just over a year ago, and tens of thousands of people have used her resource to help them read the Bible more consistently. In 52 Weeks in the Word, you’ll find the following:

• A reading plan—not too big or too small
• 52 Reflections—one per week
• Prayer prompts for each Scripture reading
• Built in rest and catch-up days
• Space for your own reflection or study
• Easy instructions so you can begin throughout the year!

This is the Bible reading plan included with that book, and you’re welcome to give it a try! Purchase the book for companion devotionals and prayer prompts.

2. 5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan

The Navigators is a nearly-century old Christian parachurch organization that works to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus through Life-to-Life discipleship, and this Bible reading plan is developed by them.

Here is a bit about the Navigators if you’re unfamiliar with them:

The Navigators is focused on developing disciples person-by-person-by-person and encouraging spiritual growth across life stages. A disciple is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, intentionally learns from Him, and strives to live more like Him. Discipleship means intentionally helping people learn from and live more like Christ by praying with them, spending time together in His Word, walking alongside them in everyday life, and equipping them to do the same with others. God is transforming lives through these spiritual generations.

You can learn more about the Navigators here.

The Navigators know that Bible reading is an integral part of discipleship, and they have developed what they call the 5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan. The goal of this Bible reading plan is to equip you to spend 5 minutes per day 5 days per week reading the New Testament throughout the year.

In addition to that, they invite you to explore 5 ways to dig deeper, which are:

1. Underline or highlight key words or phrases in the Bible passage. Use a pen or highlighter to mark new discoveries from the text.
2. Put it in your own words. Read the passage or verse slowly, then rewrite each phrase or sentence using your own words.
3. Ask and answer questions. Questions unlock new discoveries and meanings. Ask questions about the passage using these words: who, what, why, when, where, or how. Jot down your answers to these questions.
4. Capture the big idea. God’s Word communicates big ideas. Periodically ask: What’s the big idea in this sentence, paragraph, or chapter?
5. Personalize the meaning. Respond as God speaks to you through the Scriptures. Ask: How could my life be different today as I respond to what I’m reading?

This plan (like the next) is a great Bible reading plan to use if you’ve never tried a Bible reading plan before.

3. TGC Two-Year Bible Reading Plan

A lot of people get caught up in the idea of reading the whole Bible in a year. It’s understandable! It can be an intimidating prospect for some. If you find yourself in that spot, maybe you ought to give TGC’s Two-Year Bible Reading Plan a try.

The Gospel Coalition is an organization that supports the church by providing resources that are trusted and timely, winsome and wise, and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is most commonly known through its massively influential web presence and regular in-person conferences and events.

As described by the plan’s designer, Stephen Witmer, this Bible reading plan “is designed to take you through the Old and New Testaments in two years, and through the Psalms and Proverbs four times during that period.”

Get out this Bible reading plan if you want one with a nice, comfortable pace.

4. The Five Day Bible Reading Plan

This is one of the more intense Bible reading plans on this list (but it isn’t quite as intense as the one that follows). The Five Day Bible Reading Plan was created by a man who just wanted to help himself and others be more consistent with Bible reading. He and his wife worked together to build the plan, and it helps users read the whole Bible in a year reading just five days per week.

Of course, because this plan has readers engaging with the whole Bible in a year with just five days of reading per week, each day’s reading assignment is a bit longer than many other Bible-in-a-year plans. However, the benefit of the Five Day Bible Reading Plan is that many people have a different routine on Saturdays and Sundays, and being able to skip those days (or use them as makeup days for missed readings during the week) help keep them on track.

There is grace built into this reading plan, and though each day has a lot of reading, it provides space to make up or take a break if you need.

5. Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan

Robert Murray M’Cheyne was a Scottish pastor who ministered in the middle of the 19^th century. He is often remembered today for his personal devotional life, so it is no wonder that the Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan continues to be popular today. Because he is remembered for his fervent personal holiness and devotional life, it is no wonder also that his personal Bible reading plan is quite robust.

The M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan leads readers through the New Testament and Psalms twice per year, and the rest of the Bible once per year. The plan calls for about four chapters of reading every day with no days to catch up. If you’re looking to jump into a Bible reading plan for the first time, this would be the deep end of the pool!

The plan is unique in that it has readings labeled “Family” and “Secret.” The “Family” readings were, for M’Cheyne, meant to be read in family devotional time, and the “Secret” readings were meant for his private daily devotional time.

Bible Reading Is Central to the Christian Life

The Bible is God’s Word. The Bible has the power to change you if you’ll read it, and especially if you decide to dig deeply and study it. Navigating the Bible can feel intimidating, but if you figure out where to start, you can do it! Bible reading plans can help you do just that.