Why did I want to do this?
Reading the whole Bible is the best way to understand what it is I believe and to get to know Jesus better. It is hard however to read it and see it’s full glories when you’re always preparing a lesson or a study. Also I wanted to remind myself that even as a teacher I don’t know it all and still need it for myself.
How was it?
I used the Read Scripture app which was perfect for me in terms of reminding me every day to read, but it also allows you to choose to read at your own pace and includes videos from the Bible Project which highlight important themes and structures. It was super helpful and I only missed three days out of the year but I definitely still struggled with actually reading it well not just reading so that I could get it done (especially the genealogies!) it was tricky not to be legalistic about it and to enjoy reading it - it certainly wasn’t a daily struggle but often a joy.
Read Scripture
What’s the end result?
I’ve enjoyed it, and it has definitely benfited my relationship with God. I’m excited about reading the Bible again, not only to teach others but to learn from it myself. I’m desparate to spend more time in a passage than was on the reading plan this year, and to study the books that are less well known to me. It’s been a long time since I’ve been excited about reading although I’ve wanted to do it more regularly.
Is it recommended?
I will do it again, but not next year. It helps me to keep a perspective on the stories I know well, that they fit into a wider context and that I don’t know them perfectly and as deeply as they can be known. But I equally find that reading such big chunks in one go means that I don’t see the details or spend as much time in a passage at as I’d like. If it’s not something you do regularly I would definitely try a one or two year reading plan.
P.S. I’m not quite finished with my year yet, but yesterday was the last day of my Bible reading plan which means I have read the whole Bible in within a year and that I’ll be reading a psalm a day until the 31st.
P.P.S You can find the Read Scripture app in the Apple Store and on Google Play.