I’ll be honest — for years, I thought I could just open the Bible and read it straight through. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus… Numbers… By chapter three of Numbers, I was completely discombobulated and ready to throw in the towel. None of it made sense.
Then in 2020, I got serious. I needed to truly know God. So I started on January 1, 2021 with Ascension Press’s Bible in a Year (BIAY) podcast, reading plan, and a copy of their Bible. Following a structured plan — daily readings, reflections, and a little nudge from Fr. Mike Schmitz — completely changed the trajectory of my faith.
Here’s the thing: the Bible is not meant to be read like a novel. It’s a sacred library, written over centuries, telling the story of God’s love and salvation. Without guidance, it’s easy to feel lost, confused, or overwhelmed. That’s why reading plans exist — to order the readings, pace the journey, and make the story of salvation understandable.
Why a Bible Reading Plan Matters
A reading plan isn’t a rigid schedule; it’s a helpful tool to:
- See the Big Picture – Understand how the Old and New Testaments connect in the story of salvation.
- Stay Consistent – Daily readings keep you moving, even when life gets busy.
- Reflect Deeply – Pacing your reading gives space to pray, ponder, and apply Scripture to your life.
Think of it as training wheels for Scripture: it helps you navigate the vast landscape of God’s Word without crashing or giving up.
Recommended Catholic Reading Plans
Here are some Catholic-approved reading plans that make engaging with the whole Bible manageable and meaningful:
Bible in a Year (Ascension Press)
Daily readings (2–3 passages), reflections, and prayers. You can follow along with the BIAY podcast. Perfect for understanding salvation history day by day.
The Great Adventure Bible Timeline (Jeff Cavins)
Organizes Scripture into 12 time periods and 14 narrative books, showing how events and prophecies connect. Available via Ascension Press.
90-Day Overview Plan
For a shorter commitment, covers the big picture of the Bible in three months. A fast-paced but manageable survey of salvation history. Check it out here.
Coming Home Network: Bible + Catechism Plan
Comprehensive approach guiding you through Scripture and the Catechism in one year. Access it here.
Customizable App Plans
Apps like Verbum and Amen let you create a plan tailored to your pace and preferences — perfect for integrating Scripture into your daily rhythm.
Recommended Catholic Bible Editions
Pair your reading plan with a Bible edition that works for you:
- Ascension Press Catholic Bible – Perfect for BIAY; includes study notes and references.
- Great Adventure Catholic Bible – Color-coded sections make the story easy to follow; pairs with Timeline study.
- Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (RSV-CE) – Deep commentary for reflection and study.
- The Didache Bible – Modern commentary, devotional notes, and practical application.
A Final Encouragement
Reading the Bible is a journey, not a sprint. You don’t have to finish it in a year — the goal is to engage, understand, and let God speak to you through Scripture.
