Starting a Bible reading habit is one thing. Keeping it going is another. Here are proven strategies to help you stay consistent with your daily Scripture reading.
Choose a Specific Time
The most successful Bible readers tie their reading to a specific time each day:
- Morning: Start your day grounded in Scripture before distractions hit
- Lunch break: A mid-day spiritual reset
- Evening: Wind down with God's Word before bed
Pick the time that works for your schedule and protect it fiercely.
Create Environmental Triggers
Make Bible reading the path of least resistance:
- Keep your Bible (or phone/tablet) in a visible spot
- Set it on your pillow so you see it before bed
- Place it next to your coffee maker for morning reading
- Use our bookmark feature to always know where you left off
Start Smaller Than You Think
If you're struggling to stay consistent, your portions might be too large. It's better to:
- Read for 5 minutes every day than 30 minutes sporadically
- Finish one chapter consistently than abandon a lengthy reading plan
- Build momentum before increasing volume
Our daily readings are designed to take just 15-20 minutes—long enough to be meaningful, short enough to be sustainable.
Use Accountability
Reading with others increases follow-through dramatically:
- Join a Bible reading group at your church
- Share your progress with a friend
- Use our streak tracking to motivate yourself
- Commit to reading with a spouse or family member
Expect and Plan for Misses
Life happens. You will miss days. The key is having a plan:
- Don't try to "catch up" with double readings—this leads to burnout
- Just pick up where you left off the next day
- If you miss several days, consider whether your current plan is sustainable
- Grace over guilt: God isn't keeping score
Remove Friction
Every barrier between you and reading is an opportunity to quit:
- Use a Bible app so you always have access
- Bookmark your current reading
- Turn off notifications during reading time
- Keep your reading device charged
Connect Reading to Application
Reading becomes more compelling when you see its impact:
- Jot down one insight or question each day
- Share what you're learning with someone
- Pray about what you read
- Look for ways to apply it that day
Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge your progress:
- Celebrate completing each book
- Note your reading streaks
- Mark the halfway point of your annual plan
- Reflect on what you've learned each month
When You Feel Like Quitting
Every Bible reader faces seasons of dryness. When motivation wanes:
- Remember why you started
- Try a different translation for fresh perspective
- Read a different genre (switch from epistles to narratives)
- Listen to an audio Bible instead
- Read with a commentary for deeper understanding
The goal isn't perfect consistency—it's persistent returning. Keep showing up, and the habit will take root.