How to Establish a Consistent Bible Reading Habit That Sticks
- Deborah Port
- Mar 23, 2025
- 5 min read
Let's be honest, creating a habit of reading our bibles can be challenging. Why is something so straightforward so difficult? From changing schedules, being tired, or being distracted, many people struggle to incorporate this practice into their daily lives. Let's take a look at how you can build this habit in your life.
Selecting a Bible
Translations- Reading Levels
First things first. It is important to make sure you have something you can read easily. To read the bible in its original languages requires the study of dead languages. Not your thing? Not to worry, there are many translations of bibles out there. Each translation is a little different. Translations have different reading levels! For example, the King James translation is beautifully worded and as far as accurate representation of the original language, it is outstanding. However, it is a very high reading level, consists of a lot of old English words, and would be the equivalent of reading Shakespeare. If you are really into this kind of writing and can understand it easily, great. If not, you may want to consider some other translations. Another end of the spectrum is the NIrV which is commonly found in children's bibles. Still a great translation, this version focuses on English words that are around a 2nd-3rd grade reading level. This is a great translation not just for kids but for individuals for whom English is not their first language. There are so many translations in between. You can do a quick internet search to check reading levels. You can also look into the goal behind the translation.
Translations vs. Paraphrases
A translation works to create a word-for-word account of the scriptures by finding the English words to best capture the meaning of the Hebrew or Greek word. There are also Bibles that are a paraphrase. The goal of a paraphrase is to capture a thought-for-thought account of the original text. So, if the original writer was alive and writing to an audience today, how would they say the same thing in the modern language, dialect, and cultural context? A paraphrase can be a great way to understand the main message of the Bible, but you will also want a translation on hand if you are wanting to take a closer look at individual verses or words.
Study Bibles
There are study bibles available in various translations. Study Bibles have notes (often at the bottom of the page) that have information on things like cultural knowledge of the time that help you get context and understanding for what you are reading, cross references for times another place in the Bible is being quoted or referenced, and may even include some reflection type questions related to the text you are reading. While nothing can replace the experience of studying the bible with other people, a study bible can be a great benefit when you hit questions as you are reading.
Step 1: Where is your Bible?
Okay, this may seem so obvious that you wonder why it is even on the list... but you would be surprised. Find your Bible you want to use for your reading. Where is it? Where will you keep it? Start to move it around the house with you. If you are enjoying your morning cup of coffee, is your Bible beside you? You can carry it to the bathroom with you, have it on your nightstand before bed, and you can even take it with you to appointments in case you find yourself in a waiting room. Take time to hold your Bible and casually page through it. Get used to having the feel of it in your hand.
Step 2: What will you read?
This is where we often get stuck. Some people jump in and think, "I'm going to start at the beginning and read the whole thing!" If this works for you, great. Chances are you will start off strong, hit some of the long law codes and get discouraged. There are many ways you can decide what you are going to read. Some people like to get a devotion book that gives certain verses to read every day and has a short reflection and prayer (see below for some of our favorite). Some people like to pick a book of the bible they are interested in and read one book at a time. There is no right or wrong way, but you do want to have a plan.
What's in the Bible?
The bible is not one book. The bible is a collection of books including historical writings, poetry, law codes, letters, ... Download and look over the Book of the Bible Menu pdf for some guidance on what books are in the bible and what you can expect. If you have never read a gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), we suggest you start there. Each gospel is written for a different audience in a different style. So, if you start reading and really aren't feeling the writing style, don't give up, just turn to a different gospel.
Step 3: When does it work for your schedule?
Setting reasonable and attainable goals is important. If you set a goal that you want to read your bible for an hour every evening before bed and your usual routine leaves very little time and you find you are very tired at that time of day, you are not setting yourself up for success. Take a moment to consider your schedule and start small. If you aren't reading at all right now, maybe start with 5-10 minutes. Will you read while you eat, in the morning, in the evening, on your lunch break,...? Does your schedule change often? Your reading time may need to be flexible depending on the day or week.
Step 4: Accountability and Kindness
Who will you tell? That's right, you will greatly increase your chances of success if you don't try to do it alone. Who can you ask to be praying for you as you work to bring this new habit into your life? Write down their name right now. Who can you ask to check in with you in a week or two to ask you how it is going? Who will you talk to about what you are reading, insights you are gaining, and any questions you have? Is there someone else in your house who would be willing to read with you?
You must be kind to yourself! Even people who have a well-established habit of Bible reading will have times where things come up in life or they fall out of the habit. If you say you want to read every day and on days three and four you don't read, chances are that day five will be filled with self-doubt, guilt, and a struggle to pick it back up. Be kind. Give yourself grace. Don't focus on the things you did not do. Shift your thinking to what you will do now. Call your accountability person/people and let them know you are struggling so they can offer encouragement and support.
Keep Going
Stay curious. Ask Questions. Share your experience with others. Whether you have been reading your Bible for years or have never read it before, building this habit is an amazing experience that can feed your spiritual needs. We are so excited for your journey of growth and are here to support you.
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