Scripture and Spiritual Formation
How to Read the Bible Every Day
Reading the Bible every day is a goal almost every Christian sets, and most of us struggle to keep it. The desire is usually there. What trips us up is the lack of a plan, and an all-or-nothing mindset that quits after one missed day. Here is a simple, sustainable way to make daily Bible reading a habit that lasts.
Aim for a Pace You Can Keep
Daily Bible reading works best at a pace you could keep for years. A few verses you actually take in will do more for you than three chapters you skim out of obligation. And a missed day is just a missed day. You pick back up wherever you are, even if a tracker says you should be further along.
6 Steps to Read the Bible Every Day
- 1
Choose a reading plan instead of reading at random
A plan removes the daily “where do I start?” question, which is the single biggest reason people stall. Begin with a Gospel like Mark or John, or a structured plan, rather than working front to back from Genesis.
- 2
Pick a pace you can keep
One short passage a day is plenty to keep the habit alive. You can always read more on a day when you have time, but build the habit around the smallest version first.
- 3
Attach it to an existing daily routine
Read right after your morning coffee, on the commute, or before bed. Tying it to something you already do every day is what makes it stick.
- 4
Use audio for the hard days
On days you are tired or rushed, listening to the passage still counts. Audio keeps the rhythm going when sitting down to read feels like too much.
- 5
Read slowly and ask one question
After the passage, ask one question: what does this show me about God? A single question like that helps the reading shape you.
- 6
When you miss a day, start with today
Skip the readings you missed and start with today’s. A growing backlog is the fastest way to lose heart.
What a Sustainable Week Looks Like
- Most days (5-10 min): one short passage at your set time, plus one reflection question.
- Busy days (2-3 min): listen to the passage as audio instead of reading.
- A missed day? No make-up reading. Pick up at the next day’s passage.
Most people start with a sprint and give up within a month. This plan is meant to be something you can keep for years.
How Bearing Fruit Helps
Bearing Fruit is a free Christian habit tracker built for reading like this. It has Bible Reading Plans you can follow at your own pace, a built-in Bible Reader with audio for busy days, and one daily reminder. Your reading adds up in a garden that never resets when you miss a day.
Explore the 12 Holy HabitsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best Bible reading plan for beginners?
Start with a single Gospel. Mark is short and fast-moving, and John is more reflective. A structured plan that gives you one short passage a day works well too. Try not to start at Genesis with the goal of reading straight through, since many people stall in Leviticus.
How much of the Bible should I read each day?
Less than you think. One short passage you actually take in is worth more than several chapters skimmed out of duty. A pace you can keep for years will do more for you than an ambitious one you abandon in a month.
What if I miss a day or fall behind on my reading plan?
Don’t try to catch up. The backlog is what makes most people quit. Just resume with today’s reading. Daily Bible reading is a years-long rhythm, and there is no streak here to protect.
Is there an app to help me read the Bible every day?
Yes. Bearing Fruit is a free Christian habit tracker with Bible Reading Plans, a built-in Bible Reader with audio, and reminders. Your progress never resets after a missed day.
Get a short letter about once a month
A devotional, one practice to try, and what's new. Unsubscribe anytime.
Read the Bible at a pace you can keep.
Bearing Fruit is free on iPhone, iPad, and Android. Follow Bible Reading Plans and listen on busy days. Missing a day never erases your progress.