This weekend I finished what has become a regular practice in my life. I read the Bible in 90 days. Actually, this time it took a little longer, but I kept up the practice of a long read of scripture in a rhythmic fashion. I believe all Christians benefit from frequent 90 day bible reads.
I usually keep to it 4 times a year, so it would get done every quarter. I love reading the Bible this way. A good friend challenged me to try it out and I have never stopped. I also have a different reading strategy at night (I read one book a month and pray through it). For the last several years I sit down every morning and spend some time reading scripture. I do around 12-15 chapters a morning. I use the plan on youversion or a print out this PDF.
It isn’t for everyone. One of my best friends and I argue about it. For me, it works great.
I know some of you are thinking “Of course..shouldn’t preachers be reading the Bible that much?”
I would be doing it no matter what. I love how it consistently orients and prioritizes my time towards God.
I want to share with you a few reasons why I love reading the bible this frequency and speed.
1. I like a longer, frequent read.
I like the connect the dots of the biblical narrative. This is easier to do when you read through the entire Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) in around 2 weeks. Many of the New Testament letters can be read in one sitting. After I did this several times I found myself realizing the large scope of the biblical narrative in ways I had never seen it before.
2. It draws me to Biblical Theology.
I believe the Bible matters. It is the word of God and the story of redemption drawn over thousands of years. I also think the Bibles construction with purposeful. It is hard to see this when we are always reading small and often unrelated pieces. My 90 day read builds Biblical familiarity. I can’t think about worship in Chronicles without thinking of the Exodus or visions of St. John in Revelation.
3. It’s a great way to start the day.
I love making my coffee and sitting down to read familiar words. I have done this enough to where I can anticipate what will happen next. It’s like having a conversation with a friend. If I miss my reading early in the morning I am thinking about finding the time for it all day.
4. It’s handy as I build sermons and studies.
This last read I kept a small notebook as a placeholder. Every day if anything struck me I would write it down. I know there are several sermons in a formation stage in the notebook. The repetition and frequency of my read also help me see the large chunk of scripture and how sections interpret other sections. If I am preparing a message and I see something helpful, I can make a quick note in Evernote where I collect sermon notes.
No matter what you do for a living, I would encourage you to try the 90 day read. It will be one of the most spiritually beneficial practices you have experienced.
I’m just in the middle of doing this for the first time. I love the way I’m being so immersed in so much of Scripture every day. Reading OT narrative quickly was especially helpful, I thought, because you see so much of the bigger story come together instead of focusing on all the little details. Like you, this is a practice I plan to keep up.
Jake-It has been an amazing practice for me. I remember the first time I did it how quickly I was going through the OT and how much I loved it.
How long does it take each day?
I found that it took me about an hour a day. So, you could possible ready 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon, but I’m a slow reader as well, because my mind wonders.
The first time I tried this I failed, but I’m going to try again to see how it goes. I like to read through the bible yearly.