Prayer
Lord, open my heart to Your Word. Help me understand what I read, receive truth with humility, and grow closer to You as I begin. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Starting to read the Bible can feel intimidating. It is a large book filled with history, poetry, prophecy, letters, laws, prayers, miracles, warnings, promises, and teachings that span thousands of years. Many people want to begin, but they do not know where to start. Should they open to Genesis? Should they read straight through? Should they begin with Jesus? What if they do not understand what they are reading?
The first thing to know is this, you do not have to understand everything at once. Reading the Bible is not about mastering a religious textbook. It is about learning to hear from God, understand His character, see His plan of salvation, and follow Jesus more faithfully.
Start With the Gospels
For most beginners, the best place to begin is with one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. These books tell us about the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
My recommendation to new believes is to start with the book of John. John is deeply spiritual, but also clear about who Jesus is and why He came. John 20:31 says the book was written so that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name.
Then after John, read Mark. Mark is shorter and moves quickly through the life and ministry of Jesus. Then you can read Luke, which gives careful detail about Jesus’ compassion for sinners, the poor, women, outsiders, and the broken.
Read Slowly, Not Perfectly
Many people quit Bible reading because they try to do too much too fast. They begin with a plan to read several chapters a day, then feel guilty when they miss a day. But Bible reading is not a race.
Start with one chapter a day, or even one short passage. Read slowly. Notice repeated words. Ask what the passage teaches about God, humanity, sin, faith, obedience, and Jesus.
A simple way to read is to ask four questions:
What does this passage say?
What does it teach me about God?
What does it reveal about people, sin, faith, or obedience?
How should I respond?
You do not need to have deep answers every time. The goal is to pay attention and let Scripture shape you over time.
Use a Translation You Can Understand
Choose a Bible translation that is accurate and readable. Good options include the NKJV, ESV, NIV, CSB, or NLT. The best translation to start with is one you will actually read and understand.
You can also compare translations when a verse feels confusing. Sometimes reading the same verse in two versions helps the meaning become clearer.
Keep the Big Story in Mind
The Bible is not just a collection of disconnected religious sayings. It tells one big story: God created the world, humanity fell into sin, God called a people to Himself, Jesus came as Savior and King, and God is making all things new.
Every part of Scripture connects to that larger story. Some passages show human rebellion. Some show God’s holiness. Some show His mercy. Some point forward to Christ. Some teach the church how to live as God’s people.
When you feel lost, come back to the big picture: the Bible is ultimately about God’s redemptive work through Jesus.
Pray Before and After You Read
Because the Bible is God’s Word, we need God’s help to understand it. Before reading, ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding. After reading, talk to God about what you read.
You might pray, “Lord, help me believe this.”
Or, “Show me where I need to obey.”
Or, “Help me understand what this means.”
Or, “Thank You for what this passage reveals about You.”
Prayer turns Bible reading from information gathering into relationship.
Do Not Be Discouraged by Hard Passages
Some parts of the Bible are difficult. You may come across genealogies, laws, judgments, symbols, or prophecies that are hard to understand. Do not let that discourage you.
Keep reading. Write down questions. Use a good study Bible. Ask a mature believer or pastor. Over time, things that once felt confusing will begin to connect.
Spiritual growth happens slowly. You are not failing because you have questions.
Build a Simple Habit
Choose a time and place where you can be consistent. Maybe morning before your phone. Maybe lunch break. Maybe before bed. Keep it simple.
Start with 10 minutes a day. Read a passage. Write down one sentence that stood out. Pray one honest prayer. Do that consistently, and over time, Scripture will begin to take root in your heart.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word. Help me not only read the Bible, but receive it, believe it, and live it. Teach me who You are, show me the truth of Jesus, and shape my life through Scripture. In Jesus name, Amen.
