How to start reading the Bible

For anyone who has a Bible but has never got past the first page, this builds a clear daily habit that lets the story make sense.

IJR · Sep 27, 2026 · 2 min read

1 merit1 reads

Reading the Bible is meeting the story of God and his people in plain words on a page. You do it by taking one short, understandable section each day so the narrative can pull you forward.

Have a readable Bible or free Bible app, a quiet chair, and ten free minutes ready.

1: PICK a modern translation that uses everyday words you already know. — **1: PICK** a modern translation that uses everyday words you already know.

Flip to the title page or open the app menu and choose a version such as one marked New International or easy-to-read. Try reading three sentences out loud. Switch if you still stop to decode; keep it when the words flow like ordinary speech.

2: CHOOSE the Gospel of Mark or John as the first book you will finish. — **2: CHOOSE** the Gospel of Mark or John as the first book you will finish.

These two tell the life of Jesus in short scenes that move quickly. Turn to the contents list and mark the page. You are set when the chapter heading says Mark 1 or John 1 and the next pages stay in that book.

3: SET the same quiet chair and the same ten minutes each day. — **3: SET** the same quiet chair and the same ten minutes each day.

Sit where no one will interrupt and silence your phone. If ten minutes feels long, stop at eight; if it feels short, add two more. The spot is right when you can open the book without moving again.

4: OPEN to chapter 1 of the book you marked and rest the pages flat. — **4: OPEN** to chapter 1 of the book you marked and rest the pages flat.

Use a bookmark or the app highlight so you return to the exact spot tomorrow. Smooth the page so both sides stay visible. You know the place is ready when your eyes land on the first verse without hunting.

5: READ aloud one short section of about twelve verses without stopping. — **5: READ** aloud one short section of about twelve verses without stopping.

Speak at normal talking speed. If the section runs long, break at the next paragraph; if it ends too soon, add the following few verses. The length is good when you finish still knowing what happened.

6: NOTE one sentence about what the passage shows of God or people. — **6: NOTE** one sentence about what the passage shows of God or people.

Write it in the margin or a small notebook right away. Keep the sentence under fifteen words. You have done it when the note names one clear action or trait you just saw.

The most common mistake

Most beginners open at Genesis and stall in the early lists of names. Turn instead to Mark 1 and keep reading from that story.

Pro tip

Leave a pencil in the Bible and underline the one phrase that stands out before you close it.

Say it every time

Pick the words, choose the Gospel, set the time, read then note.

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The most common mistake

Pro tip

Say it every time

Comments

Rankings the crowd is fighting over