How to Choose Your First Bible Reading Plan
By Bible Plan Generator Team
You’ve decided to read the Bible more consistently—that’s an amazing and life-changing decision! But as you stand at the starting line, a new question quickly emerges: with so many options, how do you choose your first Bible reading plan? The right plan can be the difference between building a sustainable habit and fizzling out after a few weeks.
Choosing a plan isn’t about finding a “perfect” one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding the one that perfectly fits you—your schedule, your goals, and your current season of life. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, helping you select a plan that sets you up for success from day one.
Why Your First Plan Matters So Much
The goal of a Bible reading plan is not to conquer a book, but to consistently connect with its Author. Your first plan is foundational. It’s where you build the rhythm and discover the joy of daily engagement with God’s Word.
A well-chosen plan feels achievable and motivating. It respects your time, matches your interests, and provides a clear path forward. In contrast, picking a plan that is too ambitious or poorly structured can lead to guilt and discouragement, reinforcing the false idea that reading the Bible is too hard. Let’s make sure you start on the right foot.
Key Factors in Choosing Your Bible Reading Plan
Think of yourself as the architect of your new reading habit. You get to design a structure that works for you. Here are the three main blueprints to consider.
1. Your Time Commitment (Duration and Pace)
The most common reason people fall off track is by overcommitting. Honesty about your schedule is your greatest asset.
- How much time can you realistically set aside each day? Be specific. Is it 10 minutes during your morning coffee? 15 minutes on your lunch break? Starting small and being consistent is far more effective than aiming for an hour and only doing it once a week.
- What duration feels achievable? A year-long plan can feel daunting. Maybe a 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day plan is a better starting point. Completing a shorter plan builds incredible momentum for your next one.
- How do you want the reading paced? Most plans are broken down by chapters, but sometimes that can result in very long readings (like Psalm 119!). Some plans balance the reading by verse count, ensuring a more consistent time commitment each day.
2. Your Reading Goal (Scope)
What do you hope to gain from your reading right now? Your goal will help determine which part of the Bible you focus on.
- Getting to know Jesus: If you’re new to the faith or want to reconnect with the heart of the Christian story, a plan focused on the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) is a perfect start.
- Seeking practical wisdom: A plan that walks you through Proverbs and the Wisdom Books (like Psalms, Ecclesiastes) can provide daily guidance for life.
- Understanding the big picture: If you want a broad overview, a New Testament plan is less intimidating than the whole Bible but still provides a comprehensive look at Christian beliefs and the early church.
- Tackling the whole story: Reading the Whole Bible is a worthy goal! Just be sure you’re ready for the commitment. A one-year plan is classic, but two- or three-year plans are also great options that allow for a slower, more reflective pace.
3. Your Preferred Order (Canonical vs. Chronological)
How do you want to journey through the text? There are two primary ways to structure a plan.
- Canonical Order: This is the order the books appear in your Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. It’s straightforward, easy to follow, and the most common starting point. You read each book as a complete work before moving to the next.
- Chronological Order: This order arranges the readings according to the historical timeline of events. For example, you might read a Psalm written by David right alongside the narrative of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel. This can provide rich context and a new perspective on the overarching story of Scripture. (For more on this, check out our guide on chronological plans).
For most beginners, we recommend starting with a canonical plan. It’s simple and helps you become familiar with the Bible’s layout.
How Bible Plan Generator Helps You Choose the Perfect Plan
We built Bible Plan Generator specifically to solve this problem of choice. Our tools are designed to be flexible, empowering you to find or create the exact plan you need for your spiritual journey.
Here’s how our free features help you apply these principles:
- Not Sure Where to Start? Try a Curated Plan. We offer over 20 predefined plans that are perfect for beginners. You can instantly start a “Gospels in 40 Days,” “Proverbs in 31 Days,” or “New Testament in 90 Days” plan without any guesswork.
- Build a Plan Tailored to You. Our custom plan generator is your personal architect. You can directly control all the key factors we just discussed:
- Scope: Select the exact books you want to read, from a single book like John to the entire Old Testament.
- Duration: Set any timeframe you want, whether it’s 21 days or two years.
- Pace & Schedule: Choose to read every day or only on weekdays. You can even balance your daily readings by chapter or by verse count for a consistent time commitment.
- Order: Easily switch between canonical and chronological ordering.
- Stay Motivated. Once you’ve chosen your plan, our simple progress tracking helps you see how far you’ve come. And with one-click links to read in your favorite Bible app (YouVersion, BibleGateway, or Blue Letter Bible), starting your daily reading is seamless.
Choosing your first Bible reading plan is a powerful step in taking ownership of your spiritual growth. The right plan provides the structure you need to build a habit that will nourish your soul for years to come.
Find the perfect plan for your journey. Whether you pick one of our curated options or build your own from scratch, the important thing is to begin.