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Many of us start January with the plan to read the Bible every day, and many of us stop by February. It is rarely a lack of faith. It is usually a lack of a simple plan, and a place to write down what we learn. A reading plan tells you exactly what to read each day, and a journal helps the words stay with you. Here is how to read the Bible in a year in about 15 to 20 minutes a day, and the printable journal I made to help.
Can You Really Read the Bible in a Year?
Yes, and it is easier than it sounds. The Bible has 1,189 chapters. Divided over 365 days, that is about three to four chapters a day, which takes most people 15 to 20 minutes at a normal reading speed. You do not need to be fast. You only need to be consistent.
Tips to Stay Consistent All Year
- Pick a fixed time. Morning with your coffee, or at night before sleep. Link it to something you already do every day.
- Keep your Bible and journal together in a place you see, such as the kitchen table or your bedside.
- Do not panic if you miss a day. Do not try to read a week of chapters at once. Just continue with the next reading, or catch up on a quiet weekend.
- Choose a translation you understand. Clear language helps you keep going, especially in the longer books.
- Read with a friend. Sharing one verse by message each day makes the habit much stronger.
- Tick the day off. Seeing a row of ticks is surprisingly motivating.
Bible Reading Plans: Which One Is Best for You?
There is no single right way to read the Bible in a year. Here are the most common kinds of plans, so you can choose the one that fits you:
- Straight through (Genesis to Revelation): you read the books in the order they appear in your Bible. It is the easiest plan to follow, because you always know where to continue. This is the plan in my journal.
- Chronological: you read the events in the order they happened. It can help you understand the story, but you will jump between books, so it needs a bookmark and a little more attention.
- Old and New Testament together: each day has a reading from both. It keeps the plan fresh, since the New Testament comes up all year, and not only at the end.
- Short, focused plans: if one year feels like too much, begin with one Gospel or with Psalms and Proverbs. A small win builds the habit.
The best plan is the one you will actually finish. If you are new to the Bible, a short plan or the straight-through plan with a friend is a gentle place to start.
Common Questions About Reading the Bible in a Year
How long does it take each day? About 15 to 20 minutes for 3 to 4 chapters at a normal pace. Some days, such as the long genealogies, are quicker. The poetry in Psalms feels slower, and that is fine.
What if I fall behind? Nothing is lost. Continue with today's reading, and use a weekend or a quiet day to catch up on what you missed. The goal is to know God better, not to be perfect.
Can I start in the middle of the year? Yes. Begin on any day and read for 365 days, or just follow the dates and join the plan where you are.
Which Bible translation should I use? Use the one you understand and enjoy. The plan lists only book and chapter, so it works with any translation.
My Printable 2027 Bible Reading Plan & Devotion Journal
I made a 23-page printable journal in deep burgundy and gold, US Letter size, that you print at home and fill in by hand:
- 12 monthly reading plan pages for 2027: the whole Bible in order, from Genesis to Revelation, with the date, the reading and a box to tick for every day.
- Daily Devotion pages (S.O.A.P.): Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer.
- Prayer List and Answered Prayers pages.
- Sermon Notes for Sunday service.
- Scripture Memory page for the verses you want to learn by heart.
- Gratitude Journal and Monthly Reflection pages.
- Reading Notes for questions and thoughts.
The plan lists only the book and chapter, not the text of the Bible, so you can use any translation. Print as many copies of the journal pages as you need.
Get the Bible Reading Plan & Devotion Journal on Ko-fi or on Payhip.
How to Use the S.O.A.P. Method
S.O.A.P. is a simple way to turn reading into a conversation with God. After you read, write four short parts:
- Scripture: copy or note the verse that stood out.
- Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, and to whom?
- Application: what does it mean for my life today?
- Prayer: write a short prayer in your own words.
Two or three lines for each part are enough. You do not need to do it every day. Choose the verse that touched you most that week.
Simple Supplies for Bible Journaling
Pens That Do Not Bleed Through
Thin pages need pens with fine tips and no bleeding. These are also great for the journal pages.
Bible Highlighters
Dry, soft highlighters made for thin paper mark your favourite verses without showing through the page.
Sticky Tabs for Bibles
Small tabs help you mark your place and find your notes quickly.
3-Ring Binder
Keep your printed journal pages together in a binder, and add new pages when you need them.
Cardstock for Printing
Print the pages you will use every day on 65 lb cardstock, so they stay in good condition all year.
How to Print Your Journal
- Download the PDF after purchase and open it.
- Print on US Letter paper at "Actual size" or 100% (not "Fit to page").
- Print the monthly plan pages once, and the journal pages as many times as you like.
- Punch holes and place them in your binder.
Whether you start on 1 January or any other day, remember that every day of reading is a good day. Grace first! Prices and availability on Amazon can change, so check the current price on the product page. Wishing you a peaceful year in the Word. 🙏
Katerina, Wilhelmina Digital Studio
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