The Best Bible Reading Plans to Start in the New Year (2026 Guide)

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

The first week of January is a wonderful time. We feel motivated, disciplined, and ready to take on the world. For many Christians, this is the week we commit to the big one: reading the entire Bible in a year.

But we also know what happens next. You hit the book of Leviticus in February, life gets busy, you miss three days in a row, and suddenly you feel so far behind that you just give up.

The problem usually isn't your commitment; it is your plan.

Reading Scripture isn't a "one size fits all" activity. The best plan is the one that fits your life, your learning style, and your spiritual goals for 2026. Instead of forcing yourself into a mould that doesn't fit, why not choose a strategy designed for success?

Here are four of the best Bible reading plans to consider for the year ahead.

In short:

What are the best Bible reading plans for 2026?
The best reading plan depends on your time and experience. For beginners, the 5x5x5 Plan (5 minutes, 5 days a week) is ideal for building a sustainable habit. For those wanting to see the "big picture," a Chronological Plan reads events in the order they happened historically. For variety, the Robert Murray M'Cheyne Plan offers readings from four different parts of the Bible daily. For depth, a Book-at-a-Time Plan focuses on mastering one book before moving to the next.

1. The "Big Picture" Reader: The Chronological Plan

Best for: History lovers and those asking, "How does this all fit together?"

Most Bibles are organised by genre (Law, History, Poetry, Prophets), not by time. This can make the storyline confusing. A Chronological plan rearranges the scripture so you read the Psalms at the same time David is writing them in 2 Samuel, or the Prophets right alongside the Kings they were speaking to.

Why choose it for 2026? It turns the Bible into a single, cohesive narrative. If you have always felt the Old Testament was disjointed, this plan will change your perspective entirely.

2. The "Busy" Reader: The 5x5x5 Plan

Best for: New believers, busy parents, or commuters.

This is one of the most practical plans ever created. The concept is simple:

• 5 minutes a day
• 5 days a week
• 5 ways to dig deeper

It usually focuses solely on the New Testament. The genius of this plan is the "5 days a week" structure. It builds in "catch-up days" for the weekend. If you miss a Tuesday, you don't feel like a failure; you just use Saturday to catch up.

Why choose it for 2026? It removes the guilt. It prioritises consistency over volume.

3. The "Balanced" Reader: The Robert Murray M'Cheyne Plan

Best for: Experienced readers who want variety.

This is a classic plan from the 19th century that remains popular for a reason. It takes you through the New Testament and Psalms twice, and the Old Testament once.

Every day, you read from four different sections of the Bible (e.g., Genesis, Ezra, Matthew, and Acts). This prevents "dry spells." Even if you are slogging through a difficult genealogy in the Old Testament, your other readings for the day will be from the Gospels or a Psalm.

Why choose it for 2026? It keeps your spiritual diet varied and ensures you are always encountering Jesus in the Gospels while working through the older texts.

4. The "Deep" Reader: The Slow-Down Plan

Best for: Those who want to understand, not just finish.

Sometimes, the goal isn't to get through the Bible, but to get the Bible into you. Instead of racing against a calendar, you pick one book (say, Romans or John) and spend an entire month on it. You read it repeatedly, study the notes, and journal your thoughts.

Why choose it for 2026? If you are tired of skimming the surface, this approach allows for deep, transformative study.

Equip Yourself for the Journey

A plan is only as good as the tools you use to complete it. Whether you need a One-Year Bible that has the plan printed right on the pages, or a Study Bible to help explain what you are reading, we have the resources to help you stick the landing.

Find Your Perfect Bible with the Eden Bible Finder

Here is to a year of reading scripture not because we have to, but because we want to.

Still not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.