How can I read the Bible?

Reading the Bible

Reading the Bible regularly is an important way to grow in Christian faith, but it can seem a bit daunting.


It’s good to do it together with others – including on Sundays or in a Growth Group, but it’s also a good habit to get into on our own. You can start by just taking a few minutes each day. You’ll develop your own pattern, but here’s a suggestion:

1. Ask God to speak to you – and keep listening out for what he’s saying.
2. Read a Bible passage (suggestions on finding a Bible below)
3. Read some notes on the passage (suggestions below)
4. Pray – One simple pattern is Thank you, Sorry, Please (see ‘How can I Pray’)

Extra Tips

  • Reduce interruptions by choosing a good time and place and turning off phone alerts.
  • It can be helpful to jot down thoughts, ideas or what you think God is saying as a journal.
  • Don’t beat yourself up with guilt if you miss a day – just pick up where you left off next time.
  • It’s better to do something than nothing, and a great way to get to know God better. 

What Bible to use?

We strongly recommend using a Bible in a modern translation – which are easier to understand and generally more accurate. Try the NIV (New International Version UK) which is the version we use in our SUnday Services. You can buy one from any bookshop, including Eden or Amazon (The Bible is the world best seller!)

A lot of people like to have the Bible on their phone or tablet. You can get it free on an app for any device at YouVersion (over 500 million downloads!).

Help with Reading the Bible:

  • Try the YouVersion Bible App . It includes over 2,500 different translations of the Bible. We recommend NIVUK – which you can also download to use offline. The Bible App also has Reading Plans to help you explore the Bible.
  • Try the challenge of Bible in One Year (even if you don’t complete it in a year!) which is available in its own App or via YouVersion here.
  • Try Lectio 365 from 24-7 Prayer
  • You can subscribe to a daily WordLive email from Scripture Union
  • Try some printed notes from Scripture Union, CWR or UCB – or you can order paper versions of their notes. Many are free.
  • If notes aren’t for you, then you could just start reading a bit of the Bible each day. If you do, we recommend starting in one of the gospels – which tell the story of Jesus. You could try Luke, then move on to Acts (which is Luke’s second book). Remember to also pray!

If you need more ideas or help – just ask or get in touch. We’d love to help you!

What’s the Bible about?

Here’s a video from The Bible Project who produce a lot of great videos about how to understand different parts of the Bible, which you might find helpful. You can find more by subscribing to their YouTube channel. Click here

How can I pray?

HOW CAN I PRAY?

If you’d like more help on how to pray, click here