This Bible Reading plan has been adapted from a plan called The Navigators Bible Reading Plan from navigators.org
This plan encompasses the whole bible, placing a ‘Gospel’ reading, a ‘Poetry/Wisdom’ reading, an ‘Epistle’ reading and a ‘Law/History’ reading all side by side in one day. However, we will be accomplishing this over two years. The adapted version places ‘Gospels’ alongside the ‘Poetry/Wisdom’ books across the year. Then the following year, we will read ‘Law/History’ books alongside the ‘Epistles’.
There are so many benefits to creating a Bible reading habit. Psalm 19 talks about how the Scriptures refresh us, provide wisdom, and give us a deeper understanding of God’s heart.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes” Psalm 19:7-8 (NIV)
As we journey through both Old and New Testament passages, each month provides 25 days of reading, allowing a few days’ space for catching up and/or reflection. You might choose to use your extra ‘free’ days each month all together in one block, or you might like to leave one day a week set aside (e.g. Sunday) to either not read at all and just reflect, or to catch up on the readings through that week.
As you read…
Look out for moments you can really sense the unity of the Scriptures. The way God’s ‘big picture’ story comes together to show His love for us and plan to rescue and be with us.
See if you can find common themes throughout. Mentions of the same things or concepts (e.g. lamb, substitute, garden, offspring, kingdom, garments etc.) and see what understandings you can connect.
Ask God each day to speak directly to you from the Scripture portions you read. Be expectant, and let your continual exposure to God’s Word reshape your attitudes and behavior as you gain a better understanding of every part of His written testimony to us.
Be sure on Sundays and other times you meet together to discuss interesting new understandings the Lord has shown you, ask questions, and share revelations.
Most importantly, try to set aside time with the Lord as you read. Don’t just hurriedly read and then move on with your day. Supplement your reading with some time of:
Memorisation
Worship / Thanksgiving
Prayer
This model of combining prayer and bible study comes out of Barry Chant’s book “Praying in the Spirit” and it is outlined inside the PDF download of the Bible Reading Plan should you wish to utilise it.
I pray that this Bible Reading Plan and suggested Bible Reading and Prayer Programme will cause us to continually grow in our hunger and love for God’s Word.