Reading the Bible can feel intimidating because of its size and ancient origins, but it is actually designed to be accessible to everyone. To read the Bible effectively, start by choosing a readable translation like the NLT, pick a consistent time and place, and begin with the New Testament—specifically the Gospel of John. By approaching the text with a prayerful heart and a simple plan, you can discover how God’s Word applies to your life today.
Start with a Plan and a Place
Many people fail at reading the Bible because they try to “wing it” or start on page one of Genesis without a map. Because the Bible is a library of 66 books, jumping in at random can lead to confusion. Instead, choose a specific book to read through from beginning to end. Most mentors suggest starting with the Gospel of John in the New Testament. This book provides a clear, beautiful picture of who Jesus is and why he came, which is the heart of the entire Bible.
Consistency is also key to building a spiritual habit. Pick a quiet spot where you won’t be distracted and set aside a specific time each day—even if it’s just ten or fifteen minutes. You don’t have to read chapters at a time to hear from God. A single paragraph read slowly and thoughtfully is often more impactful than a whole book read in a rush.
Use a Readable Translation
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Unless you are a scholar in ancient languages, you will be reading a translation. For beginners, the translation you choose makes a huge difference. While the King James Version is historic and poetic, its “thee” and “thou” language can be a barrier to understanding.
Modern translations like the New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Version (NIV) use contemporary English while staying true to the original meaning. These versions are much easier to digest and help the biblical stories feel alive and relevant. Remember, the goal of reading the Bible is transformation, not just information, so use a version that speaks clearly to your heart and mind.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Pray Before You Read
The Bible is unique because its Author is still alive and available to talk to you. Before you open the pages, take a moment to pray a simple, sincere prayer: “God, please show me something today that I need to hear.” This shifts your mindset from merely checking a task off a list to engaging in a conversation with your Creator.
When you pray, you are asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand the spiritual truths behind the words. You might not have a “lightbulb moment” every single time you read, but over time, this prayerful approach softens your heart. It allows the Bible to do its work of correcting, encouraging, and guiding you through life’s ups and downs.
Ask the Right Questions
As you read through a passage, it helps to have a simple framework for processing what you see. You don’t need a seminary degree to interpret the Bible; you just need to be observant. A great method used by many small groups is to ask three basic questions of any text: What does this say about God? What does this say about people? And how should I change my life because of what I just read?
This practice keeps the Bible from becoming just a history book. It forces you to look for the “so what?” in every story. If you read about Jesus showing mercy to a stranger, you might realize that God is merciful, people are often hurting, and you should look for someone to encourage today. This turns reading into “active listening,” where you are ready to put God’s instructions into practice.
James 1:22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
The Takeaway
Learning how to read the Bible is a lifelong journey, but it starts with simple, intentional steps. By choosing a clear translation, starting with the story of Jesus, and asking God for guidance, you move from being a spectator to an active participant in God’s story. Don’t worry about understanding every single detail right away. The more you show up with an open heart, the more the Bible will become a source of strength, wisdom, and peace for your daily life.
