How to Choose a Bible Reading Plan: Beginner, One Year, and Topical Options

Updated June 8, 2026 · 8 min read min read

A reading plan answers the question "What should I read today?" so you spend your time in Scripture, not deciding where to go. The best plan is one you will actually finish, or happily return to when life interrupts. Here is how to choose.

Why use a reading plan?

Without a plan, many readers default to familiar passages, Psalms, a favorite Gospel, occasional Proverbs, and rarely explore the full breadth of Scripture. A plan:

• Removes daily decision fatigue
• Balances Old and New Testament over time
• Keeps pace manageable with fixed daily portions
• Tracks progress so you see how far you have come

Plans are tools, not contracts. The goal is encounter with God, not checking boxes.

Types of Bible reading plans

Most plans fall into a few categories. Knowing the type helps you choose:

• Chronological or blended whole-Bible plans: cover Genesis through Revelation over months or a year.
• Beginner journeys: slower pace, reflection days, curated order for first-time readers.
• Single-book or testament plans: e.g., New Testament in 110 days, Gospels in 30 days.
• Topical plans: 7–30 days on faith, love, anxiety, purpose, or the Kingdom of God.
• Psalm packs: themed collections for specific seasons (grief, strength, morning prayer).
• Custom plans: you choose a book, topic, or saved verses (often a Pro feature).

Plans for beginners

If you are new to the Bible or returning after years away, avoid plans that assume you already know the storyline. Look for:

• 356-day beginner journeys: all 66 books over roughly a year, starting with John (not Genesis), with built-in reflection days so you never feel "behind."
• Gospels in 30 days: meet Jesus before tackling Leviticus or Revelation.
• Psalms & Proverbs in 31 days: one chapter per day, highly approachable.

Beginner plans often introduce law, history, prophets, letters, and Revelation in an order that builds understanding instead of dumping you into the hardest material on day three.

Whole Bible in one year: two paths

Daily Bible App offers two whole-Bible plans that both cover all 66 books in roughly a year. The difference is where you start and how the journey is arranged:

• Whole Bible in 1 Year (365 days): starts in Genesis, classic cover-to-cover order through the Old Testament, then the New. Roughly three to four chapters daily, about 15–20 minutes for most readers.
• 356 Days for Beginners: starts in John, meets Jesus first, then carries you through the full Bible in a phased structure with reflection days built in.

Choose the 365-day Genesis plan if:

• You have an established daily reading habit already
• You want the traditional biblical order from creation onward
• You have read much of the Bible before and want a structured year-long refresh

Choose the 356-day John-first plan if: you are new to the Bible, returning after years away, or want the full 66 books without opening Genesis on day one. For a detailed comparison, see our Bible in a year app guide.

Topical and seasonal plans

Topical plans gather verses and passages around one theme. Examples:

• Faith, 30 days
• Love, 30 days
• Anxiety & Peace, 30 days
• Purpose, 30 days
• The Kingdom of God, 7 days

These work well when you are going through a specific season, stress at work, a new chapter in life, or a desire to grow in one area of faith. They also make strong bridge plans between longer commitments.

Psalm packs

Psalm packs are shorter, emotionally tuned collections:

• Psalms for Heavy Hearts: grief, sorrow, and honest lament
• Morning Psalms: start the day with praise and trust
• When You Need Strength: courage for hard weeks

Pair a Psalm pack with your main plan on difficult days, or use one as a low-pressure entry point if a long plan feels like too much right now.

How to pick the right plan for you

Ask yourself four questions:

1. How much time do I have daily?: 5 minutes → Psalm pack or one chapter. 20+ minutes → whole-Bible or NT plans.
2. What is my experience level?: First time → beginner journey or Gospels. Veteran reader → one-year or topical depth.
3. What is my goal right now?: Know Jesus → Gospels. Entire Scripture → whole Bible. Peace in anxiety → topical or Psalm pack.
4. What happens when I miss days?: Pick a plan and app that let you resume without shame. Reading plans should feel achievable, not like a checklist you are already behind on.

When in doubt, start shorter. Finishing a 30-day plan builds confidence for a 356-day journey.

Common questions

Should I do more than one plan at once?

One main plan plus a daily verse or short Psalm is fine. Two full plans running in parallel often leads to burnout. Master consistency with one before adding another.

What if I fall behind?

Skip the guilt. Resume with today's reading in the app, or spread catch-up over a few days if you prefer. The point is ongoing engagement, not a perfect calendar.

Can I create my own plan?

Yes, many readers create custom plans around a book they want to study, a topic they are exploring, or verses they have saved. This works best once you know how much you can read per day.

Which plan do you recommend for absolute beginners?

A 356-day beginner journey or Gospels in 30 days. Both prioritize clarity and momentum over speed.

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