Getting into the Word and praying daily has been my saving grace in some of my life’s darkest valleys and even in the brightest moments. When I began reading my Bible, I would start by randomly opening it and reading what was right before me.
While that may not sound like it would produce much fruit, I was always surprised at how my reading was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. In this article I will discuss five easy steps on how to improve Bible Study habits.
I have worked on building my Bible Study habits over the years. Now, I work through a one-year Bible Reading plan every year. I am also a Bible Study author.
Even though I feel my habit is consistent, I know there is always room to grow. The key is to create a daily Bible study habit.
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Table of Contents
Step 1: Set Clear and Achievable Goals
If you are a beginner in studying the Bible, it is not a good idea to try memorizing an entire chapter or reading through the Bible in a year.
Having goals will improve your bible study. However, starting small and building your studying habits over time is a good idea! Here are some bible study tips and goals based on your level of Bible Study habits.
Beginner Bible Study Goals:
- Read one chapter per day: Start small so you can begin building a Bible Study habit.
- Complete a short devotional plan: Here is a 7-day devotional plan on Faith.
- Memorize one verse per week: Here is a Bible Memory reading plan on Peace of Mind designed to help you memorize one new scripture verse each week.
- Attend a weekly Bible Study group: Most churches have small groups or Bible Studies you can join. If not, you can search for a D-Group near you.
Intermediate Bible Study goals:
- Read through an entire book in the Bible: Pick a book you would like to learn more about and read it through. Romans is a great place to start!
- Memorize an entire passage per month: This is more in-depth and requires memorizing several related Bible verses.
- Complete a thematic or topical Bible Study: This expands on doing a short devotional. Most thematic and topical Bible Studies include reading a short devotional and doing homework. Our Faith Four-Week, short Bible Study provides a brief devotional, life application questions, and a weekly memory verse with homework. You can view all of our thematic and topical Bible Studies on Amazon.
Advanced Bible Study goals:
- Read through the entire Bible in a year: There are a lot of helpful resources out there to help you read the Bible in one year. The key is to find a reading plan that works for you. Here are a few one-year Bible reading plans: 365-day Bible reading plan PDF (FREE), Bible Recap, the One-Year Bible, and the Bible Project: One Story That Leads To Jesus.
- Conduct an in-depth Bible Study of a specific book: There are so many Bible Studies out there that focus on just one book. Here are a few you can start with: Ruth Bible Study, James Bible Study, and Romans Bible Study.
- Lead a Bible Study group or teach a class: This would be an excellent opportunity to share what you have learned!
Step 2: Create a Bible Study Schedule
It is challenging to fit Bible Study into a busy lifestyle. The key is to make studying your Bible a priority. Once you start seeing the benefits of reading your Bible, you will find your day is much better when you do Bible Study. Here are a few tips on how I fit Bible Study into my daily schedule:
- I listen to my Bible in the morning and at night. I will follow a daily Bible reading plan in the app and listen to my daily readings. I used to listen to it in the morning, but recently, I started adding reading to my nighttime routine and found it helpful. Now, I am several days ahead of my reading plan instead of several days behind, which is how I started 2024. But now I am finishing strong!
- Just have a plan. If you don’t want to follow along with a reading plan in your Bible App or listen to the Bible, you can download reading plans based on a specific topic. With reading plans, you can read the particular passage for the day, journal your thoughts, and even write the scripture down. Having a plan will help you avoid having to decide what you are going to read each day.
- Find the best time for you: I recently tried changing my entire quiet time routine from the morning to the evening, and that did not work. However, listening to my Bible Study, journaling my prayers in the morning, and listening to my Bible again at night has been my best routine. I used to think it had to be one or the other, but that’s not true.
Step 3: Choose the Right Study Tools and Resources
It is essential to pick the right Bible Translation—this is the most crucial Bible Study tool you will use. There are many Bible Study translations out there; most can be read online at Bible Gateway or through the Youversion Bible App.
Choosing the right study tools and resources will include looking for resources that complement your Bible Study. You should use multiple resources for Bible Study, such as Bible Commentaries, Study Bibles, Dictionaries, Concordances, and Cross-Reference Tools.
Bible Study worksheets are also helpful and will guide you through the Bible Study process.
Step 4: Find a Study Method that Works for You
Bible study methods are wonderful tools for helping you through a personal Bible Study. You can use the scripture you are reading and specific techniques to help you dive deeper into scripture.
Here are a few Bible Study Methods you could use:
Step 5: Stay Accountable and Track Your Progress
The Bible is alive and will change your life if you let it. Make Bible Study a daily and refining your study habits will transform your life.
It is essential always to ask yourself how you can apply scripture to your life. Don’t just read for knowledge; make it your goal to read the Bible to live a transformed life.
Stay accountable by sharing your journey with a group of fellow believers. You can help each other stay on track with your goals.
Journaling through your process and keeping a Bible reading journal will help keep you motivated.
How do you develop a Bible study habit?
Develop a Bible study habit by setting aside a consistent time each day, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. Start with a simple plan, like reading a chapter or verse per day. Use study aids like commentaries or devotionals to deepen your understanding. Prioritize applying the lessons to your life.
How can I memorize the Bible and study it more effectively?
To memorize the Bible more effectively, read passages repeatedly, break down verses into smaller chunks, and associate verses with visual cues. Spend time meditating on the meaning and application of each verse.
How to create a practical Bible study plan?
Create a schedule with specific study times. Focus on one book or topic at a time. Apply what you learn to your life. Discuss with others in a small group.