20 Devotional Reading Plans

My Bible used to be more of a decoration than a guide.

For a long time, it sat on my nightstand collecting dust. I knew I should read it. I wanted to strengthen my faith and feel closer to God. But every time I opened it, I felt lost. Where do I even start? The sheer size of it was intimidating. It felt like another task on an already long to-do list, and honestly, distractions like video games or mindlessly scrolling were just easier.

I was stuck in a cycle of knowing what I should do but lacking the structure to do it. It reminded me of when I was trying to lose weight. I knew I needed to eat better and move more but the goal of losing 110 pounds felt impossible. Change only happened when I broke it down into small, manageable steps. One healthy meal. One short walk.

The same principle changed my spiritual life. Instead of trying to "read the Bible," I started using a simple reading plan. It gave me a starting point, a clear path, and a sense of accomplishment each day. It wasn't about a sudden, dramatic transformation. It was about building a quiet, consistent habit that slowly transformed my relationship with God.

If you’ve ever felt that same sense of overwhelm, I get it. You’re not alone. But you don’t have to stay there. A devotional reading plan can be the simple tool you need to get started.

Why a Reading Plan?

Think of it like a workout plan for your spirit. You wouldn't walk into a gym for the first time and try to use every machine. You’d follow a program. A reading plan does the same for scripture.

It provides structure. It removes the guesswork. And it helps you see how different parts of the Bible connect to tell one big, beautiful story. Most importantly, it helps build consistency which is the key to any meaningful change.

20 Simple Devotional Reading Plans

Here are 20 ideas to get you started. Don’t feel pressured to do them all. Just find one that speaks to you right now and begin there.

For When You're Just Starting Out

These plans are perfect if you're new to the Bible or returning after a long time away. They focus on foundational books and themes.

1. The Gospel of John: Spend a month getting to know Jesus. Read one chapter a day to see His life, hear His words, and understand His purpose.
2. Proverbs in 31 Days: This is a classic for a reason. Read one chapter of Proverbs each day for a month for a dose of practical wisdom.
3. The Book of James: Short, powerful, and incredibly practical. James teaches you how to live out your faith in everyday situations.
4. Genesis: The Beginning: Go back to where it all started. Read through the foundational stories of creation, the fall, and God’s first promises.
5. The Life of David: Read through 1 & 2 Samuel to follow David’s incredible journey from a shepherd boy to a king, and see his heart in the Psalms he wrote.

For When You Need Encouragement

Life gets hard. These plans focus on God’s promises, comfort, and unwavering hope during difficult seasons.

6. Psalms of Hope: Read one Psalm of hope each day. Focus on Psalms 23, 27, 46, 91, and 121 to start.
7. God’s Promises: Search for and write down verses about God’s faithfulness. You can find them in books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and 2 Peter.
8. Isaiah's Comfort: The later chapters of Isaiah (40-66) are filled with beautiful passages about God’s comfort and restoration.
9. Paul’s Letters from Prison: Read Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians to see how Paul found joy and purpose even while in chains.
10. The Beatitudes: Slowly read and reflect on Jesus’s words in Matthew 5:1-12. Take one beatitude a day.

For Understanding Key Themes

Want to go deeper on a specific topic? These thematic plans help you connect ideas across scripture.

11. The "I AM" Statements: Read through the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John to better understand who He is.
12. The Fruit of the Spirit: Spend nine days exploring each fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
13. The Armor of God: Take a week to study the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18.
14. Parables of Jesus: Read through the stories Jesus told in Matthew, Mark, and Luke to understand the Kingdom of God.
15. Love in Action: Dedicate a week to 1 Corinthians 13 and ask God how you can live out that kind of love.

For a Deeper Dive

Ready for a bit more of a challenge? These plans will help you dig into more complex and rewarding parts of the Bible.

16. The Book of Romans: Read through Paul’s masterpiece to get a deep understanding of the core of Christian belief.
17. The Sermon on the Mount: Spend a few weeks slowly working through Matthew 5-7, the greatest sermon ever preached.
18. Hebrews: Jesus is Greater: This book beautifully connects the Old and New Testaments showing why Jesus is superior to all that came before.
19. The Minor Prophets: Don’t be intimidated. Pick one short book like Jonah or Habakkuk and read it in one sitting.
20. Creation to Christ: Follow a chronological reading plan that takes you through the key stories of the Old Testament leading up to the birth of Jesus.

Making It Stick: A Few Simple Tips

Choosing a plan is the first step. Sticking with it is where the real growth happens. Here’s what helped me.

• Start Small. Seriously. Five minutes a day is better than zero minutes a day. When I decided to overcome my unhealthy habits I didn't change everything at once. I started with one small win. The same goes for this. Consistency is more important than duration.
• Pick a Time and Place. Make it part of your routine. Maybe it's the first thing you do with your morning coffee before you check your phone. Or maybe it's the last thing you do before bed. Anchor the habit to something you already do every day.
• Keep a Simple Journal. You don’t need anything fancy. Just a notebook. After you read, jot down one thought. What verse stood out? What question do you have? What can you thank God for? This turns passive reading into an active conversation.
• Give Yourself Grace. You will miss a day. It’s going to happen. Don’t let it derail you. Guilt is not a good motivator. Just pick it back up the next day. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is connection.

This journey is about building a relationship not checking off a box. It’s about creating a quiet space in your day to listen to God and let His truth shape you.

So here’s my challenge to you. Don’t just read this list. Pick one plan. Just one.

Which one will you start tomorrow?