You've decided to read the Bible. Great.
Now you Google "Bible reading plan" and find hundreds of options. Chronological. Canonical. Thematic. 90-day. 365-day. Old Testament and New Testament together. Or separate.
Suddenly, choosing a plan feels harder than actually reading.
Let's simplify it. Here are the most popular Bible reading plans, the pros and cons of each, and how to pick the right one for you.
Why You Need a Plan (And Not Just Good Intentions)
Opening your Bible and reading "wherever it falls" sounds spiritual, but it usually leads to:
- Reading the same favorite passages over and over
- Skipping the "hard" books
- Losing momentum and quitting
A plan gives you structure. You always know what's next. No decision fatigue, no guilt, no guessing.
The right plan turns "I should read my Bible" into "I know exactly what I'm reading today."
The 5 Most Popular Bible Reading Plans
1. The Chronological Plan
What it is: Read the Bible in the order events happened — not the order the books appear.
Pros:
- See the full story of Scripture unfold
- Understand how events and prophecies connect
- Great for history lovers
Cons:
- Can feel slow in the Old Testament
- Some days have heavier reading than others
- Easy to fall behind
Best for: People who want to understand the Bible as one continuous story.
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2. The Canonical Plan (Cover to Cover)
What it is: Start at Genesis 1:1, read straight through to Revelation 22:21.
Pros:
- Simple — no jumping around
- You'll read every word in order
Cons:
- Can get stuck in Leviticus or Numbers
- New Testament doesn't come until month 9 or 10
- High dropout rate
Best for: Disciplined readers who want the "traditional" approach.
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3. The Old Testament + New Testament Plan
What it is: Read a portion of the Old Testament AND New Testament each day.
Pros:
- You get the full picture — law, history, prophecy, and Gospel
- Variety keeps it interesting
- Never too long without seeing Jesus
Cons:
- More jumping around
- Can feel disconnected if you're not used to it
Best for: People who want balance and variety in their daily reading.
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4. The Thematic Plan
What it is: Study the Bible by topic or theme — like prayer, faith, forgiveness, or God's promises — rather than book by book.
Pros:
- Immediately applicable to your life
- Easier to remember and reflect on
- Great for journaling
Cons:
- You won't read every verse
- Requires more structure or a guide
Best for: People who want to apply Scripture to real life, not just "get through" the Bible.
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5. The Guided Study Plan
What it is: A structured study that tells you exactly what to read each day, with reflection questions and space for journaling.
Pros:
- No guesswork — everything is laid out
- Built-in reflection makes it stick
- Designed to fit busy schedules (usually 15-20 min/day)
Cons:
- You're following someone else's structure
- Usually requires purchasing a study guide
Best for: Beginners, busy people, and anyone who's tried other plans and quit.
👉 See our 52-Week Guided Study Plan
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How to Choose the Right Plan for You
Ask yourself three questions:
1. How much time do I realistically have?
Be honest. If you have 15 minutes, don't pick a plan that requires 45.
- 10-15 minutes/day: Thematic or guided plan
- 20-30 minutes/day: OT + NT plan
- 45+ minutes/day: Chronological or canonical
2. Have I tried (and quit) plans before?
If yes, you probably need more structure — not less.
A guided study journal takes the pressure off. It tells you what to read, asks you questions, and keeps you accountable. No willpower required.
3. What's my goal?
- "I want to read the whole Bible" → Canonical or chronological
- "I want to grow spiritually" → Thematic or guided
- "I want to build a habit" → Guided (start small, stay consistent)
Most beginners do best with a thematic or guided plan. You can always do chronological or canonical later.
Our Recommendation for Beginners
If you're new to Bible reading — or you've tried plans before and struggled — start with a guided study.
We created the Bible in a Year: 52-Week Guided Study for exactly this.
Each week includes:
- A theme (like faith, prayer, forgiveness, or grace)
- Daily readings from Old and New Testament (15 minutes or less)
- Reflection questions that help you apply what you've read
- Space for journaling and prayer
It's designed for busy people. It's structured but not rigid. And it takes the guesswork out completely.
👉 Shop the Bible in a Year Study Guide
Tools to Help You Stick With Any Plan
No matter which plan you choose, these help:
A dedicated journal or study guide — Writing things down helps you remember and reflect.
No-bleed highlighters — Mark key verses without ruining your pages.
Journaling pens — Take notes that won't bleed through thin paper.
A consistent time and place — Habits beat motivation every time.
Start Simple, Start Today
Don't overthink it. Pick a plan, set a time, and begin.
If you're not sure, start with a guided study. It's the easiest on-ramp to consistent Bible reading — and you can always switch to something else once the habit is built.
The best plan isn't the most impressive one. It's the one you'll actually finish.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." — 2 Timothy 3:16