Kick-start a Bible-reading habit
It’s the beginning of a new year and traditionally a time when most people start thinking about all the new year’s resolutions they’ll probably never keep more than a few weeks, e.g. eat less, exercise more, take up knitting.
As a disciple of Jesus, it’s a particularly good time to reflect on some of the ways we would like to grow spiritually in the year ahead. So maybe, it’s time to kick-start your Bible reading habit to be better equipped to serve God and others in 2026?
As the Apostle Paul reminds his ministry apprentice Timothy (and us):
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
TEN TIPS
Here are ten tips to help get you started:
1) Pray first – Before you even think about reading the Bible, pray. There are a million reasons to not read the Bible. Pray that God will ‘incline your heart’ to listen to his word and be disciplined in reading it regularly, so that you can grow spiritually in your knowledge and love of him.
2) Start small – Bible reading is a form of spiritual exercise. So kicking off a Bible reading habit is hard work. If you start with too high an expectation of yourself, you may simply burn out and give up. Instead, begin with just a few verses for a few minutes a day and then build up your reading habit from there. (See the ‘Swedish Method’ below for a simple way of reading and praying through a passage.)
3) Get regular – Find a time and place each day that works for you and that is free from distraction, e.g. first thing in the morning or last thing at night. If possible, build it into your normal daily routine, e.g. over breakfast or lunch or as you ride the bus each day. Like any habit, the key to regularity is routine. The more you stick to the habit, the more likely it will stick to you.
4) Plan it out – For some people, simply reading a few verses or a chapter from Genesis 1 through to Revelation 22 will work. But for most us, some sort of organised reading plan will really help us be focussed. It could be in the form of a Bible with passages set out for each day, or a written plan of reading for a year, or an app for your phone or tablet. (See below for some suggestions on reading plans and methods.)
5) Meditate on it – You may want to memorise verses that have really gripped you, or write them down in a journal. But whatever you do, try to take each passage into your day. Chew it over as you work or study or rest. Let it shape your thoughts and actions and infuse your life.
6) Listen to it – Redeem long drives or bus rides or walks by listening to an audio Bible. Or simply read it out aloud to someone else. As well as studying short passages intently, sometimes it’s good to simply immerse yourself in whole slabs of the Bible.
7) Share it – One of the best ways of retaining knowledge is by sharing it. When you see a Christian friend at the shops or after church, let them know what you’ve been reading and how it’s helped you live for Jesus. Alternatively, write a card or a letter to someone who has been sick or away from church and let them know how God has been speaking into your life through his word.
8) Forgive yourself – Life gets hectic and out of control. Don’t kid yourself. You will miss days of Bible reading. But don’t beat yourself up and give up. Dust yourself off and just get back on the proverbial horse.
9) Pray often – Pray each day that you won’t just listen with your mind, but with your heart and your life engaged also. Bible reading isn’t simply about being informed. It’s about being transformed as a disciple of Jesus, for your good, the good of others, and the glory of Jesus.
10) Don’t delay – Today is a great day to start reading the Bible every day!
THE SWEDISH METHOD FOR BIBLE READING
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Prayer - As you read the passage, pray that the Spirit would help you understand God’s word and help you live for Jesus.
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Questions (?) - What don’t you understand about this passage? Write down any questions you have or a question you’d like to ask the author of the book.
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Big Ideas (!) - What do you think are some of the big ideas of this passage? What grabs your attention? What stands out or surprises you? What key words or phrases are used?
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Application (->) - How do you think God is speaking to you through this passage? Is there a belief, attitude or action you need to change as a result of what you have read?
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Prayer (A-C-T-S):
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Adoration – What can you praise God for (i.e. his character)?
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Confession – What do you need to be forgiven by God for?
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Thanksgiving – What can you thank God for (i.e. his actions)?
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Supplication – What needs can you bring before God?
BIBLE READING RESOURCES
Bibles | visit Koorong in store or online:
www.koorong.com
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ESV Scripture Journals (English Standard Version, Crossway)
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Once-a-day Bible (New International Version, Zondervan)
Bible reading progress chart
Bible reading apps & plans
Yours in Christ,
Mark Barry
Assistant Minister
Community Connections
1 January 2026