Bible Reading Plans: How to Choose One You Will Actually Finish

Choosing a Bible reading plan is easy. Finishing one is the challenge.

Many readers start the year with the goal of reading the Bible more consistently, only to lose momentum after a few weeks. Often, it isn’t because they lack motivation—it’s because they chose a Bible reading plan that didn’t fit their schedule, reading habits, or goals. The good news is that there isn’t one “best” Bible reading plan. The right plan is simply the one you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you’re hoping to read through the entire Bible, focus on the New Testament, or build a daily habit for the first time, there’s a plan designed to help you succeed.

Below are five popular Bible reading plans, who they’re best suited for, and what to expect from each one.

Bible in a Year Plan

A Bible in a year reading plan divides Scripture into daily readings so you can finish the entire Bible in 365 days. Depending on the plan, you’ll typically read 3–4 chapters each day, taking about 15–20 minutes for most readers. 

Best for:

• Readers who already have a consistent Bible reading habit.
• Those who want to read through all of Scripture in one year.

Where people usually struggle:
Many readers lose momentum in books like Leviticus or during long genealogies because the pace can begin to feel demanding.

Helpful tip:
Missing a day doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Simply pick up where you left off instead of starting over.

Chronological Plan

Rather than reading the Bible in canonical order, a chronological Bible reading plan follows the order in which biblical events occurred. This helps many readers better understand the historical flow of Scripture and see how different books fit together.

Best for:

• Readers who have already read through much of the Bible.
• Those interested in the historical timeline of Scripture.

Time commitment:
Most chronological plans require about the same daily reading as a Bible in a Year plan.

If you’d like to learn more about how the Bible’s timeline fits together, see our guide to the Bible’s chronological timeline.

New Testament in 90-Days Plan

If reading the entire Bible feels overwhelming, the New Testament in 90 Days is a great middle ground. Most plans involve reading about 3 chapters per day, usually taking around 15 minutes each day.

Here’s an example of how you could work through the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation over the course of three months.

• Days 1-40
  • Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
• Days 41-55
  • Acts
• Days 56-85
  • Paul’s letters and other general epistles
• Days 86-90
  • Revelation

Best for:

• Readers wanting a focused challenge.
• Those who want to better understand the life of Jesus and the early church.

Where people usually struggle:
The pace is faster than many expect. Staying consistent each day is more important than trying to catch up after falling behind.

30-Day Starter Plan

If you’re just beginning to read the Bible, don’t feel pressured to start with an ambitious reading schedule. A shorter Bible reading plan can help you establish a lasting habit before taking on a larger goal.

There are several ways to approach a 30-day plan.

• Read a Gospel
  • Reading through John or Mark is an excellent introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus.
• Focus on Wisdom and Prayer
  • Alternating between Psalms and Proverbs provides practical wisdom, encouragement, and daily reflection.
• Start Small
  • If you’re completely new to Bible reading, even one short passage or a few verses each day can help build consistency.

Best for:

• Beginners.
• Readers returning to Scripture after time away.
• Anyone wanting to establish a daily habit.

Gospels-Only

A Gospels-only reading plan focuses on Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Depending on your pace, you can complete it in 30, 60, or 90 days. Because the reading schedule is flexible, it’s easy to adjust the pace to fit your lifestyle.

Best for:

• Readers who want to focus on Jesus’ life and ministry.
• Beginners looking for a manageable place to start.
• Small groups studying the Gospels together.

Why Many Bible Reading Plans Fail

Even the best Bible reading plan won’t help if it doesn’t fit your routine. Here are a few common reasons readers struggle to finish:

• Starting too aggressively: Choosing a demanding plan before building a daily habit can quickly become overwhelming.
• Feeling discouraged after missing a day: Missing a reading isn’t failure. Simply continue with your plan instead of giving up.
• Reading for completion instead of understanding: It’s better to engage thoughtfully with Scripture than to rush through it just to stay on schedule.
• Choosing the wrong plan: A plan should fit your available time and current reading habits—not someone else’s.

How to Actually Finish a Reading Plan

Building a consistent Bible reading habit is usually less about discipline and more about creating a routine you can realistically maintain. Here are a few practices that can help:

• Start Small
  • If you’re new to Bible reading, begin with a plan you know you can complete. It’s better to finish a shorter plan than to quit halfway through a more ambitious one.
• Use Audio When You’re Busy
  • Some days you may not have time to sit down and read. Listening to an audio Bible during your commute, while exercising, or doing household chores can help you stay consistent.
• Set Daily Reminders
  • A simple reminder can make a big difference when you’re trying to build a new habit. Reading at the same time each day also helps make Bible reading part of your normal routine.
• Track Your Progress
  • Seeing how far you’ve come can be encouraging, especially during longer reading plans. Progress tracking can help you stay motivated and celebrate milestones along the way.

Reading Plans with Olive Tree

Olive Tree includes a variety of free Bible reading plans designed for readers at every stage, from first-time Bible readers to those working through Scripture in a year. You can choose a plan that fits your schedule, listen using audio Bibles when you’re on the go, set reminders to help build consistency, and track your progress as you work toward your goal.

The best Bible reading plan isn’t necessarily the longest or the most challenging. It’s the one that fits your life, keeps you engaged with Scripture, and helps you build a habit you’ll continue long after the plan is finished.