If you’re wondering how to read the whole Bible in a year (without getting overwhelmed), I can help! But I confess, it’s not because I’ve ever done it before. I can help because I’ve wanted to do it and never stuck to it, but now I am. At the time of writing this, I am catching up on some days I missed and will end the day having completed 97 days of 365 in my journey of reading the whole Bible in a year.
When it comes to the “without getting overwhelmed” part of how to read the whole bible in a year, I think it’s really important to highlight that I have gotten behind a couple of times. But no worries, I just catch up the next day or over a few days if I missed more than one day. The point is not to check off a habit every day. It’s simply to read the entire Bible in a year.
So if you’ve decided you want to read the whole Bible in a year, first off—amazing decision. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, reading the entire Bible is one of the best ways to deepen your spiritual life, understand God’s Word, and see the big picture of salvation history unfold.
But let’s be real: reading the whole thing can feel like a big deal. Sixty-six books of the Bible, a number of chapters that can seem intimidating (spoiler alert: there are 1,189 of them), and life being life—it’s no wonder a lot of people give up halfway through Leviticus. (Oh my gosh, Leviticus. I almost didn’t make it.)
So how do you actually stick with it and read the entire Bible in a single year? I’ve got you covered.
How to Read the Whole Bible in a Year
1. Pick a Daily Bible Reading Plan That Fits You
There are so many year reading plans out there, and that’s a good thing! You don’t have to read straight through from cover to cover (unless you want to). Here are a few popular daily Bible reading plan options and the one I am currently using:
Chronological Bible Reading Plan
This one follows the Bible in the order the events happened, which is awesome for seeing the big story unfold. Great for history lovers and big-picture thinkers! You can find this option in a ton of different places, but I like CSB translations, so I would try this one. Get it here.
Old Testament/New Testament Daily Readings
You read a little bit of each every day. Keeps things fresh and balanced. Get a free plan like this here.
Bible Recap
This is the plan I’m using and I love it. If gives you a daily reading plan along with a commentary to help you understand what you read. It’s available on the YouVersion Bible App for free, which includes daily readings AND helpful audio guides or you can listen to the podcasts to go with it! Get the book here.
If you’re a pen-and-paper person, a Bible reading chart or chapter checklist can help you keep track of your progress. If you’re more techy, apps like the YouVersion app (a.k.a. one of the favorite Bible apps out there) make it super easy.
2. Choose a Bible Translation You Can Understand
There’s no “perfect” Bible translation—just pick one that makes sense to you and encourages you to keep reading. Here are some great options:
- ESV – Great for study.
- NIV – Easy to read and great for all ages.
- NLT – Super reader-friendly and conversational.
- CSB – A nice middle ground between accuracy and readability.
Bonus tip: Pick up a new Bible or one of those year Bibles that are pre-divided into daily scripture readings. Makes life simpler!
3. Set a Specific Time and Stick With It (When You Can)
Treat your daily Bible readings like an appointment—because it’s time with God. Whether it’s morning quiet time, a lunchtime break, or just before bed, consistency builds the daily habit of Bible reading. With that said, if you need to move your reading time sometimes, don’t worry about it, just get it done!
Even 15–20 minutes a day is enough to read the entire Bible over the course of a year. That’s about 3–4 chapters a day, depending on your plan. Not bad, right?
4. Use Tools to Stay Engaged
Need some motivation? Here are a few things that can help:
- Bible Study Notes – Grab a Bible with built-in study notes or use a companion resource like Tabletalk Magazine.
- Facebook Group – Join an online community doing the same plan! Social media isn’t just for scrolling—it can help you stay accountable.
- The Bible Recap Podcast – Seriously, if you haven’t listened to this yet, check it out. It gives a quick summary of the day’s reading and is packed with interesting facts.
- Audio Bible – Let the YouVersion Bible App read to you while you walk, clean, or drive!
5. Don’t Sweat It If You Miss a Day (or a Week)
Life happens. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I have missed some days here and there. The good thing? You can always catch up. Use weekends to double up or extend your plan into the next year. It’s about spending time with the Holy Spirit and diving into God’s Word, not checking off boxes.
Some people even take a couple of years to go through the Bible. That’s okay! Don’t let guilt stop your daily walk with God.
6. Think Big Picture, Not Just Daily Reading
Remember, this isn’t just about reading a number of pages or finishing a new year’s resolution. It’s about understanding the plan of salvation, connecting the dots from Old Testament history to the Gospel of Luke, the Book of Acts, and beyond.
Some people mix in intensive study days with their daily habit of Bible reading, digging deep into a book of the Bible that stands out. That’s another great way to grow. I love using my James Method Verse Mapping Journal to get deeper into verses that stand out to me.
7. Keep a Journal (or Start a Social Media Thread!)
Write down questions, prayers, or scripture passages that stand out. Or share your journey on social media. A post a week about what you’re learning might encourage someone else to start their own journey through the whole Bible!
Final Thoughts
Whether you started in January, last month, or you’re kicking off next week, reading the whole Bible in a year is one of the best spiritual disciplines you can commit to.
It might be challenging, especially those times you’re reading through genealogies, but the big picture of God’s love and faithfulness is 100% worth it. So grab a plan, pick a time, open that free Bible (or app), and take that first step.
