Choose a Reading Plan
There are a lot of great reading plans out there to choose from. Some will work better than others for your particular situation. For more tips on choosing a reading plan, see our Strategies for Success page.
There are a lot of great reading plans out there to choose from. Some will work better than others for your particular situation. For more tips on choosing a reading plan, see our Strategies for Success page.
OPTION 1: Read the whole Bible.
It's a big commitment, but it's doable! We recommend this challenge for kids who have already read some of the Bible and are hungry for more, and who have one or more grown-ups to guide them through the toughest parts. Don't give up when you get to Leviticus! Press on. You'll come to more exciting stories before long.
It's a big commitment, but it's doable! We recommend this challenge for kids who have already read some of the Bible and are hungry for more, and who have one or more grown-ups to guide them through the toughest parts. Don't give up when you get to Leviticus! Press on. You'll come to more exciting stories before long.
Custom Whole-Bible Reading Plan
Our own custom-made, one-year chronological reading of the Bible. All the events of the Bible in the order they occurred. Readings take 20-30 minutes a day. |
Great Whole-Bible Reading Plans Online
Bible Gateway's collection of reading schedules - Includes sveral excellent, whole-Bible reading plans: chronological, front-to-back, historical, etc. The Bible Project Reading Plan - A semi-chronological plan for reading the Bible in a year. Includes a psalm daily, and lists Bible Project videos that you can watch in coordination with your reading. |
OPTION 2: Read one section or book of the Bible.
The Bible's 66 books make for good reading individually or in groups. They also allow for shorter-term commitments than a whole-Bible reading plan. Here are some suggestions on where to start, along with links to some partial-Bible reading plans we've found online.
The Bible's 66 books make for good reading individually or in groups. They also allow for shorter-term commitments than a whole-Bible reading plan. Here are some suggestions on where to start, along with links to some partial-Bible reading plans we've found online.
Some of Our Favorite Starting Places
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) - The story of Jesus, each told in its own style. Start with one or all. If you're reading these books with kids for the first time, consider beginning with Mark, which is the shortest and most action-packed. Luke + Acts - The story of Jesus and the story of the early church, in a two-volume account by Luke. Genesis* - The creation, Adam & Eve, Noah's Ark, Abraham & Sarah, Jacob, and Joseph are all found here. Genesis sets the stage for the whole rest of the Bible. Esther - The short, engaging story of Queen Esther, a Jew who became queen of Persia and saved her people from annihilation. Jonah - When this prophet got swallowed by a huge fish, the lesson God was teaching him was only beginning. Brief and to the point. Psalms* - Ancient Israel's songs of worship, joy, grief, teaching, Israelite history, and exploration of God's character. It's very long! Start with just a few or jump in and read them all. Colossians^ - A sample of the teaching of the apostle Paul. Short and upbeat, with important teachings about Jesus and proper Christian behavior. * Parents, watch out for some R-rated sections in these books. See our Content Ratings page for details. ^ Parents, watch for some PG-13 lines in this book. See our Content Ratings page for details. |
Partial-Bible Reading Plans Online
Bible Gateway's collection of reading schedules - Includes plans for reading the New Testament, the Gospels, or the book of Proverbs, among others. |
OPTION 3: Read a Bible story!
If you're just starting out, especially with younger children, focusing on the Bible's best-loved stories might be the way to go. Even with older children and adults, these stories are rich and powerful, highlighting the power and character of God and the experiences of people of faith who trusted in him.
With younger kids, consider use a children's Bible story book, which will come fully stocked with a selection of age-appropriate stories. Make sure it comes with excellent pictures! Or check our Best Bible Stories for Kids page for a list of great Bible stories and where to find them. If you read straight from the Bible, make sure you use a translation that makes sense to your kids. (We recommend the New International Reader's Version, which is a rephrasing of the New International Version for children.) And preview your reading for any material that might not be appropriate for your kids. (Check out our content ratings page.)
For older kids and adults, our Best Bible Stories for Kids might still be a good fit. These timeless stories are a good starting point for all ages. Or search online for lists of great Bible stories.
If you're just starting out, especially with younger children, focusing on the Bible's best-loved stories might be the way to go. Even with older children and adults, these stories are rich and powerful, highlighting the power and character of God and the experiences of people of faith who trusted in him.
With younger kids, consider use a children's Bible story book, which will come fully stocked with a selection of age-appropriate stories. Make sure it comes with excellent pictures! Or check our Best Bible Stories for Kids page for a list of great Bible stories and where to find them. If you read straight from the Bible, make sure you use a translation that makes sense to your kids. (We recommend the New International Reader's Version, which is a rephrasing of the New International Version for children.) And preview your reading for any material that might not be appropriate for your kids. (Check out our content ratings page.)
For older kids and adults, our Best Bible Stories for Kids might still be a good fit. These timeless stories are a good starting point for all ages. Or search online for lists of great Bible stories.
OPTION 4: Let someone else do the reading.
"Read" while you're on the go or when you're resting or working by listening to one of these audio recordings of the Bible.
"Read" while you're on the go or when you're resting or working by listening to one of these audio recordings of the Bible.
The Bible on Audio
Bible Gateway's Audio App - Free app (with in-app purchase options) for listening to the text of the Bible.
Daily Audio Bible - Reading of the Bible online or via their app.
Daily Audio Bible, Kids Version - Reading of the Bible by and for kids.
Bible Gateway's Audio App - Free app (with in-app purchase options) for listening to the text of the Bible.
Daily Audio Bible - Reading of the Bible online or via their app.
Daily Audio Bible, Kids Version - Reading of the Bible by and for kids.