Bible Reading Plans

[Tea]

With the new year approaching, one of my goals is to read the entire Bible in the 2026 calendar year. While I'm used to reading the books in a random order, I’ve decided to shake things up by following a specialized reading plan. I’ve explored several options, and it would seem that each one offers its own advantages and disadvantages.

A chronological plan helps to see the story of Scripture unfold in the order events actually happened. It gives a strong sense of history and context, but it can feel a bit jumpy since you move between different books.

A cover-to-cover plan goes straight from Genesis to Revelation. It’s simple and easy to follow, but many readers struggle to stay motivated through the slower or more complex sections of the Old Testament.

A multi-track plan includes readings from several parts of the Bible each day—like the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms. This keeps things fresh and balanced, but it can be harder to follow one consistent storyline.

A thematic or topical plan focuses on specific themes such as love, prayer, or faith. It’s encouraging and practical, but it can sometimes pull verses out of context or overlook the bigger picture of God’s Word.

A one-year plan provides a clear goal and helps build daily consistency. However, it can feel rushed at times and may lead to guilt if you fall behind.

Have any of you utilized these plans and found one to be more engaging than the others?

 

[KenH]

A cover-to-cover plan goes straight from Genesis to Revelation. It’s simple and easy to follow, but many readers struggle to stay motivated through the slower or more complex sections of the Old Testament.

That is what I have just completed in calendar year 2025.

 

[Scarlett O.]

I am familiar with them all. This past year, I read the Chronological and have done it before. It's good, but like you say, "jumpy" in parts. And exactly like the cover-to-cover plan - you can get bogged down in the heavier parts.

This year, I am going to do a 2-year plan. I study and make notes and look up words and I just can't get it all in my mind in a year anymore. I'm getting too old.

All of those plans are good ones. The point is to read, study, and apply.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

I have been following a reading plan for about 30 years. I read about 2-3 chapters of the O.T. and one chapter of the N.T, every day. and it takes me through the whole Bible in a year.
There is a good plan, developed by Robert Murray M'Cheyne, a Scottish Presbyterian, which will take you through the O.T. in two years and the NT & Psalms in one year, or if you're keen, you can double up on it. M'Cheyne Reading Plan

 

[Ben1445]

I have been following a reading plan for about 30 years. I read about 2-3 chapters of the O.T. and one chapter of the N.T, every day. and it takes me through the whole Bible in a year.
There is a good plan, developed by Robert Murray M'Cheyne, a Scottish Presbyterian, which will take you through the O.T. in two years and the NT & Psalms in one year, or if you're keen, you can double up on it. M'Cheyne Reading Plan

“the New Testament and Psalms twice a year, and through the rest of the Bible once each year.”

I copied that from your link.
I was quite certain that it was not a two year stretch.

 

[Ben1445]

I will use a variety of reading schedules.
One for the sake of a reading schedule.
Another “reading” schedule, or two that I listen to when I have time for listening.
Audio books, specifically the Bible, are great for saturation of the brain.

Neither of these are study. That is a different ball game.

 

[Ben1445]

There is a ten chapters a day schedule. It is not as much as it sounds.
The link comes with an explanation and bookmarks to keep track. It is extremely helpful for a Christian, the way it works out.
ten chapters a day schedule.
ten chapters a day schedule.


I don’t know what is going on. From scrolling without my doing anything, to randomly inserting links,
Here’s the post. I hope the links work.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

I will add that in addition to reading through the Bible, it's a good idea to take a book or a portion of Scripture and study it in depth, perhaps with the help of a commemtary.