Reading Plans for 2022
Originally published on the Navigator's Website.
God can’t wait for you to join Him in Scripture and discover how relevant it is to what you’re going through today. Time in His Word is always beneficial because it’s transforming us to be more like Jesus.
“The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63b, ESV).
Here are three Bible reading plans to choose from, so you may select one that best fits your needs.
My (Pastor Bill's) Discipleship Group plans to do the 5x5x5 Plan together and discuss it over text throughout the week.
Navigators Bible Reading Plan
You may remember, if you’ve journeyed with us before, the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan. We’ve refreshed this plan, now known as the Navigators Bible Reading Plan (CLICK HERE) so you can adapt it to your Bible study needs.
Here are five reasons our “Navigators Bible Reading Plan” might be your next step to deepen your time in God’s Word:
- Provides flexibility with our new and refreshed format, you can begin whenever you like. You don’t have to wait for January 1 to start this plan; you can start whenever you like.
- Offers three to six free days per month. You’ll have 25 readings each month, which provides the space to catch up, if needed. Or you can return to passages where you want to spend more time.
- Adds variety in your daily readings as you daily journey through the Old and New Testament, offering four scripture passages daily. No more dragging your feet through a section of the Bible you find difficult to understand before you can move forward.
- Adapts to your Bible study needs. Does reading the entire Bible this year feel like too much? This plan promotes creating sacred space for you and the Lord to spend time together.
- Strengthens your next steps. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, ESV). Through His Word He will illuminate the path in every area of your life.
The Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan
The Navigators Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan (CLICK HERE) takes you through the entire Bible in one year, providing two readings for each day.
- The first reading alternates between Old and New Testament books with the Gospels spread throughout the year. The second reading takes you through a chapter of the wisdom literature and Isaiah.
- You can begin at any point of the year.
- Each month consists of twenty-five readings. You’ll have a few extra days each month to meditate more deeply on something that was significant to you in the past week, to catch up on missed readings, or to revisit favorite passages.
- If reading through the entire Bible in one year looms as too large a task, you can alter the plan to meet your needs. For example, you could read the first reading this year and the second reading next year.
In the year ahead, 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.
The 5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan
Read through the New Testament (CLICK HERE) in 5 days a week, 5 minutes a day.
5 minutes a day | If you’re not used to reading the Bible daily, start with this easy to use tool to read a chapter of the New Testament in 5 minutes a day. This reading plan will take you through all 260 chapters of the New Testament, one chapter per day. The Gospels are read throughout the year to weave in the story of Christ all year long.
5 days a week | Determine a time and location to spend 5 minutes a day for 5 days a week. It is best to have a consistent time and a quiet place where you can regularly meet with the Lord.
5 ways to dig deeper | Pause in your reading to dig into the Bible. Below are 5 different ways to dig deeper each day. These exercises will encourage meditation. Try a single idea for a week to find what works best for you. Remember to keep a pen and paper ready to capture God’s insights.
- Underline or highlight key words or phrases in the Bible passage. Use a pen or highlighter to mark new discoveries from the text.
- Put it into your own words. Read the passage or verse slowly, then rewrite each phrase or sentence using your own words.
- Ask and answer some questions. Questions unlock new discoveries and meanings. Ask questions about the passage using these words: who, what, why, when, where, or how. Jot down your answers to these questions.
- Capture the big idea. God’s Word communicates big ideas. Periodically ask: What’s the big idea in this sentence, paragraph, or chapter?
- Personalize the meaning. Respond as God speaks to you through the Scriptures. Ask: How could my life be different today as I respond to what I’m reading?