How to Read the Bible
full article on substack
I was thinking about what I wanted to share as my first guide, and I thought a quick Bible reading guide could be helpful for anyone wanting to read more Scripture this year. I kept it simple, but there’s a lot more I wanted to include, so maybe a part 2 soon!!
Here’s what we’re covering today:
What is the Bible
A Quick Bible Guide
Bible Reading Plans
Bible Study Methods
Annotating the Bible
Tips & Resources
Bonus: Stationery
What is it?
The Bible is the Word of God. It was written over many generations by different authors, guided by God, and it tells one connected story: who God is and how He loves His people.
It’s not a textbook or just information.
The Bible is:
God speaking to humanity
A record of real people learning to walk with Him
A revelation of Jesus
A guide meant to shape how we live
A Quick Bible Guide
Start with Jesus
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
This is where you meet Jesus. Everything else connects back to Him.
Go to the beginning
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
This helps you understand how the story started and why it matters.
What faith looks like lived out
James
1 John
Galatians
Ephesians
Colossians
Philippians
These are very practical. They talk about love, obedience, and everyday faith.
Prayer, honesty, and emotion
Psalms
Open one when you don’t know what to say. Every feeling shows up here.
For everyday wisdom
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Good for real-life questions and simple guidance.
When life is hard
Job
1 Peter
Lamentations
These sit with you in suffering. They don’t rush you.
The story of the early church
Acts
What happened after Jesus. Real people, real faith.
The story of God’s people
Joshua
Judges
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Stories of messy people and a faithful God.
God calling His people back
Isaiah → Malachi
These are God’s reminders when people wander.
Save for later
Hebrews
Isaiah
Revelation
Beautiful books that make more sense when read slowly.
Bible Reading Plans
Reading plans give structure without pressure. You don’t have to follow them perfectly. Here are some great options!
One-year or chronological plans
A Year In The Bible
·
December 30, 2025
This is a one-year journey through the Bible, read every day, about 3–4 chapters a day. But if you miss a day or only read a chapter, that’s okay too!
Themed plans
Starting With Jesus: A 365 day Bible Plan for New Believers
·
Jan 1
This reading plan is designed for anyone new to faith, returning after a time away, or seeking to establish a solid foundation in the Bible without feeling rushed or lost.
Bible Study Methods
You don’t need a complicated system. Here are a few gentle approaches. I always pray before asking God to clear my heart and mind so that I can receive His word. So before anything, spend some time in conversation with Jesus!
Read & Sit
Read a passage once
Sit quietly
Ask: What stands out?
SOAP Method
Scripture: What does it say?
Observation: What do I notice?
Application: How does this meet my life?
Prayer: Talk to God about it
Verse Focus
Choose one verse
Read it slowly
Rewrite it in your own words
Annotating the Bible
Annotating isn’t about making your Bible “pretty.” It’s about making it personal.
Ways to annotate
Underline repeated words
Circle verses that stand out
Write questions in the margins
Date your notes
Write short prayers next to verses
The journaling bible I use (there are many other styles too! I like ESV but NIV or NLT are great too ~) Journaling Bible
Tips & Resources
Tips
Read out loud sometimes
It helps you concentrate!
Ask honest questions
There is so much to learn, even the most “theologically sound” professor asks questions about the bible day to day.
Pray before and after reading
Don’t rush to apply everything
Helpful resources
Devotionals
Personal Favorite: New Morning Mercies - Paul David Tripp
Study Bibles
Bible apps with audio
Simple commentaries
The Bible Project - They’re great at summarizing books of the Bible
Enduring Word - One of the most reliable verse by verse commentaries
Christian podcasts and sermons
Journaling alongside reading
Bonus: Stationery 🤍
Some of My favorites!
Helpful tools
Highlighters or mildliners
Fine-tip pens
Tabs or sticky notes
A separate Bible journal
Index cards for verses
Click to check out my Amazon Storefront
It’s a good day to Glorify!
- Grace
