Inside: Want to start reading the Bible but don't know where to begin? Follow these five simple steps to get started today!
I know - it's a big book. And the words are tiny and the pages are thin...and there are a lot of words and a lot of pages.
The Bible is intimidating. At least it feels that way. But I promise, it's really not. Whether you're getting back into reading after a long break, or are cracking it open for the first time as a Bible reading beginner, this guide will make reading the Bible feel more simple.
But, first things first:
Why should I start reading the Bible?
You should read the Bible because God wrote it for you.
Yes, it was human hands that scribbled the words down. But the stories, prophesies, songs, and laws laid out in the Bible were inspired by God.
God loves you. He is wise. He is good. And this book is His letter to you, telling the story of His creation and plan. He wrote it for you.
And without the Bible, there isn't much we can hold on to as true.
Some other reasons to read the Bible:
- It is truth (and we all need to be rooted in truth in the midst of this emotional and ever evolving world)
- It reminds you of God's character
- It reminds you of who you are
- The Bible gives instructions for how to live
- It gives us a blueprint for how to pray
- It keeps you grounded when everything else seems to be spinning
- It lays out the story of God's creation and Kingdom (a story you are in the middle of right now)
How to read the Bible: 5 simple steps for beginners
1. Make reading the Bible a habit
If only building a habit was as easy as typing that sentence. Forming a new habit is hard. But if you are serious about making Bible reading a habit, here are some quick tips for you:
- Set an appointment with yourself (this is my best tip to help you make reading the Bible a consistent habit in your life!).
- Start small. Maybe just a few verses at at time. Don't go crazy. Baby steps here!
- Use a trigger: do you always get coffee first thing in the morning? Put your Bible by your coffee maker so you don't forget. Want to read before bed? Keep your Bible on your nightstand so you can't miss it when you slip under the covers.
- Track your progress visually (with a habit tracker or a printable Bible reading plan).
- Same time + same place. As much as you can, be consistent with the time of day you read, and the place you read.
2. Choose an easy-to-understand translation
If you Google "brownie recipe", about 1.5 bazillion options pop up. So how do you choose which one to make? I often go with the most simple - the one bowl, no melting, I-already-have-all-the-ingredients one.
Similarly, there are a lot of Bible translations out there. While many of them really are great, when you are a beginner Bible reader, choosing one that is easy to understand will make a world of difference in your Bible reading experience.
Here are a couple I like:
- NLT - this is a really simple translation to understand. So simple in fact, my husband and I got this translation for our 4 and 6 year old boys! I highly recommend the NLT for a beginner Bible reader.
- NASB - this is the one I use, and I find it straight forward and simple. It's a more literal, word-for-word translation than the NLT.
- CSB - while I have not used this particular translation, I've heard it's great for someone just getting started reading the Word.
For more info, here is a great graphic of some popular translations.
3. Start with prayer
This might seem like a no-brainer, but even as someone who has read the Bible for years, I sometimes forget this part.
When you read the Bible, you are opening the Word of God. So take a minute and ask God to help you read, understand, and be sensitive to the Truth.
I've recently started a habit of opening up my hands as I pray before reading. This simple, physical act reminds me of the great privilege it is to connect with God, and helps me reorient my heart before diving in.
4. Take notes and reflect on what you've read
Our minds are like jumbled balls of yarn. Writing serves as a way to unknot the yarn, and pull the strings free.
Reading the Bible isn't always fun. Sometimes it's confusing. If you're anything like me, it's easy to get sidetracked - mentally or otherwise.
Keep a notebook beside your Bible. Jot down notes or copy verses you find interesting. The act of writing activates our brain in a way that allows us to process and remember more effectively.
If you're not a notebook kind of girl, get a Bible with wide margins and write directly in it!
5. Join a Bible study group
As with any goal, it's always easier to accomplish something when you have accountability. Grab a few friends and start reading together. Or join a Bible study group at your local church to keep you motivated (if you lived near me I'd invite you to the women's Bible study at my church!).
If you don't go to a church, google some churches in your area and send them an email asking about a women's Bible study you could join. They'd love to hear from you!
How do I find the time to read the Bible as a busy mom?
So many of us genuinely want to be in God's Word, but finding consistent time to set aside feels impossible.
Can I be a bit harsh?
Being busy is not a good enough excuse. Being a mom with little ones is not a good enough excuse. We need the words in the Bible. We need the Truth in our lives.
If it's important to you, you'll carve out the time to make it happen. It's as simple as that! Here are a few suggestions for when to read the Bible:
- Wake up just 20 minutes early, before the kids are up.
- Read before bed (my brain has long since stopped working by then, but maybe night is a good time for you!)
- During nap-time
- In the carline waiting to pick up your kids
- While the kids watch a 20 minute show in the morning
There is nothing quite like reading the Bible first thing in the morning, when the house is quiet and everyone else is asleep. Giving God your first fruits in this way is both sacrificial and immensely rewarding.
While I'll support you reading the Bible anytime, I highly recommend starting a morning routine that involves spending time in God's word.
You will never regret starting your day in the Word of God.
>>> READ: Why Start a Quiet Time and How To Do It
Where should I start when reading the Bible?
This is a great question. While there are several opinions on it, here are three places I think would be great for any beginner Bible reader to kick off:
- At the beginning! Genesis is full of stories that reflect the character of God, and establish Him as our Creator and the ultimate promise keeper.
- One of the Gospels. Reading about the life of Jesus is fascinating. The Gospel of Mark is a great place to start!
- Romans is a fabulous place to begin your Bible reading journey. Paul, the author, lays out the basics of sin and our redemption in a beautiful way.
No matter where you start reading the Bible, remember this:
The Bible is not a book about you. It's a book about God. So while you're reading don't ask, "what should I do with this passage?" Instead ask "what does this tell me about the character of God?"
In conclusion:
The Bible was written for you. The Bible written to show you who God is, and the story He is authoring through His creation for His Kingdom. You are in that story, right now.
If you are not currently reading the Bible, this is my plea for you to start! It is rich in wisdom, goodness, the character + glory of God, and the story of our unbelievable redemption.
So, as a beginner Bible reader, here are the 5 simple steps to help you get started:
2. Choose an easy to understand translation
If you have any questions, shoot me an email at kelsey@mamasmornings.com. And remember,
I'm rooting for you!
