Bible Reading
Maybe you decided that in 2010 you want to read the Bible more consistently. I know January always catches me in a more fervent mood… (now June is another story).
I want to give you 3 suggestions for spending daily time reading the Bible. Disclaimer– I’m the kind of guy who needs a plan. In this particular situation, I like someone telling me what to do and not having to think about it. So when I stumble downstairs, juggling a cup of coffee, I just turn to ‘what’s next’ rather than having to figure out ‘what should I read, today?’
- In my opinion the Gold Standard for Bible Reading Plans is the one written by Robert Murray Mc’Cheyne in the 1800s. 4 readings a day take you through the New Testament twice, the psalms twice, and the Old Testament once every year!! I have been using this plan for the last 5 years and I love it. Sure, I’ll miss days, skip readings, but every morning I know where I am and what I have to do. You can find the plan here.
- The Daily Bible is a unique assembly of Scripture by F. LaGard Smith. He has ordered the whole Bible chronologically so you can read it like a novel in 365 sections. Smith offers some commentary along the way to fill in background and narrative. I have an extra copy and I’ll give it to the first person who asks for it in the comments below.
This year, I am reading through the Book of Common Prayer Daily Office. You can find it on pages 934-1001. We are in Year 2 (because 2010 is an even year). The plan hits all of the books, but not every verse of the Bible. So far, I have really enjoyed it. My current pattern is to pray the Collect of the Day from Sunday (p. 214 BCP) and then to read the Scripture appointed for the day (currently, p. 943 BCP). The stuff from Colossians has been particularly encouraging. If you like to have your Quiet Time ‘on-line’, you can find the reading for each day in the ESV right here. How cool is that?
Over the past week, I have been praying these verses for our church:
…asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Col 1.9-10)
January 9, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
I think the Smith book would be perfect for Amy Wilcox. She is looking for something like this. She might just want it on her new Kindle though….
January 9, 2010 @ 7:21 pm
Thanks for The Daily Bible recommendation. I wish I had purchased that one instead of another chronological Bible I bought for 2010, without commentary. It is kinda tough reading. Nine days of reading so far. 356 more days to go!
If Amy doesn’t want it, I’ll take it.
January 11, 2010 @ 9:47 am
David, you forgot to mention a feature of the online QT in option #3, you can listen to the passages being read to you if reading isn’t your thing.
Thanks for compiling these resources!
January 11, 2010 @ 1:04 pm
Daniel–thanks for drawing attn. to the audio option. I love that.
Big fan of audio versions. I used http://www.thebiblepodcast.org to read along with Exodus during the summer series.
January 12, 2010 @ 1:56 pm
Thanks David – I would love to borrow The Daily Bible (thanks Christine for thinking of me). (I checked on the Kindle and The Daily Bible is not an option – I should talk to their purchasing agent!)