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How often should I read the Bible?

Carving out time for spiritual habits can feel overwhelming in today’s fast-paced world.

Whether you’re a young professional juggling work and parenting, a student navigating uncertainty, or someone seeking deeper meaning, the question often arises: How often should I read the Bible to truly grow in faith?

This isn’t just about routine. It’s about nourishment for the soul, clarity for life’s decisions, and strength for daily battles.

So let’s explore what the Bible says about daily reading, why frequency matters more than formality, and how to build a consistent and fulfilling Bible-reading rhythm.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

If you want to start your Bible-reading journey or maybe just recalibrate your current routine, let’s look at some biblical direction and practical encouragement tailored for your stage of life.

Why consistency in Bible reading matters

Many people view Bible reading as a religious duty or a checklist item. But the truth is, reading Scripture daily isn’t about earning God’s favour. It’s about building a vibrant, real, grounded, loving relationship with Him.

Just like any meaningful relationship, quality time is key. By reading the Bible regularly, we can discover what God wants us to learn, become familiar with His ways, and follow Jesus more closely daily.

Throughout the Bible, we see how people who walked with God consistently spent time in His word. From David meditating on the law day and night to Jesus quoting Scripture in moments of testing, we learn that consistency is not motivated by legalism. It’s life-giving discipline, just like we would put in place for anything we care about or prioritize. And prioritizing Scripture-reading helps us integrate its timeless principles into our lives, which can anchor us even when life becomes chaotic.

Now that we’ve seen why consistency matters, let’s explore what Scripture says about daily engagement.

What the Bible says about daily devotion

Scripture itself encourages a daily rhythm.

In Deuteronomy 17:19, kings were told to read from the Book of the Law all their lives to learn to respect and understand God’s power and keep His commandments. Similarly, Psalm 1:2 praises the one who delights in God’s law and meditates on it day and night.

(For clarity, this doesn’t mean reading or reciting Scripture constantly, all day long, never doing anything else. This is talking about keeping it in the forefront of your mind at all times.)

God designed His word to be a daily source of strength, wisdom, and joy.

And looking at the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament shows the value of regular instruction, while the New Testament reinforces this through Jesus’s example.

Jesus knew the Scriptures intimately and used them to teach, correct, and comfort (Luke 4:4, 8, 12, 18-19).

When we spend time in the Bible daily, we aren’t just reading words. We’re meeting God in a very real and personal way.

Knowing what the Bible says is helpful, but how do we turn that knowledge into an actual habit?

Creating a realistic reading rhythm

“How often should I read the Bible?” A better question might be, “How can I make Bible reading a consistent part of my life?”

For many, the idea of reading the entire Bible in a year feels daunting. But even so, that’s a plan many people have turned into a longtime practice.

But a sustainable habit doesn’t require hours a day. Even 10 to 15 minutes daily in God’s Word can transform your heart and mind.

Start with a plan that fits your lifestyle. You could read a few chapters daily, focus on different portions like Psalms and Proverbs, or alternate between the Old and New Testaments.

Consider a topic-based bible study or a Scripture daily devotional guide. The key is to set aside a specific time, perhaps in the morning or before bed, and make it a sacred appointment.

Remember, it’s not about speed but depth. Reading slowly and prayerfully can often be more impactful than rushing through several books.

Also remember, however, that even the best-laid plans sometimes go awry. What then?

What happens when you miss a day (or more)

Let’s face it: life happens.

Between work, family, and responsibilities, skipping a day or even a week is possible. But missing time in the Bible doesn’t mean God will ignore us. He invites us back with grace. Rather than giving up, simply pick up where you left off.

Avoid viewing Bible reading as a performance. It’s a conversation. If you haven’t talked to a friend in a while, you won’t stop being friends. The same goes with God. He desires a relationship, not rituals. What matters is the heart, your desire to know Him, understand His will, and draw closer each day.

Are you wondering how to make your Bible reading consistent and engaging? Here are some tools that can help.

Tools and formats that help you stay engaged

A Bible and an iPhone with a Bible app.

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Thanks to technology, engaging with God’s Word is easier than ever.

Here are a few ways to keep your bible reading fresh and meaningful:

  • Bible apps: Many offer reading plans that help you explore different books or topics.
  • Audio Bibles: Perfect for people on the go—listen while commuting or working out.
  • Devotionals: Short reflections paired with scripture daily to make the Bible relevant to everyday life.
  • Study Bibles: Offer commentary and historical context that deepen understanding.
  • Reading with others: Joining a Bible study group or discussing Scripture with a friend helps you stay accountable and gain new insights.

Whatever works best for you, just remember that the goal is to spend time with God.

To follow Jesus more intimately, try reading different portions, such as Proverbs for wisdom, Psalms for comfort, and the Gospels to get to know Jesus’ character more deeply.

Embracing a life rooted in God’s word

Reading the Bible daily is less about ticking a box and more about cultivating a life-giving relationship with God.

Whether you read a few verses or several chapters, what matters is that you spend quality time with God through His Word. The Bible isn’t just a book. It’s God’s living voice, ready to guide you in all areas of life (2nd Timothy 2:15, 3:16).

Ready to take your next step?

Choose a Bible reading plan today and begin with just a few minutes. You’ll be surprised at how God speaks when you make time to listen.

Also, find impactful articles on faith on our HFA Faith Hub.

Start this journey with this article, “How Can I Read My Bible More?”

  1. BetterHelp, ‘What Are The Short- And Long-Term Psychological Effects Of Yelling At A Child?’ October 9th, 2024. https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/childhood/what-are-the-short-and-long-term-psychological-effects-of-yelling-at-a-child/ [↵]
  2. Golding, Kim. (2015). “Connection Before Correction: Supporting Parents to Meet the Challenges of Parenting Children who have been Traumatised within their Early Parenting Environments.” Children Australia. 40. 1-8. 10.1017/cha.2015.9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276500716_Connection_Before_Correction_Supporting_Parents_to_Meet_the_Challenges_of_Parenting_Children_who_have_been_Traumatised_within_their_Early_Parenting_Environments [↵]

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