Reading the entire Bible can feel like a massive, overwhelming project. It is easy to get bogged down in the complex history and give up halfway through. The Ascension “Bible in a Year” reading plan was created to fix this problem by breaking the entire Bible down into a clear, manageable 365-day schedule.
Here is a plain-English breakdown of how the plan works and how to succeed at it.
Ascension Bible In A Year Reading Plan pdf
Most people try to read the Bible from the first page to the last page. This plan does something different: it organizes the readings based on Salvation History. This means you read the books in chronological order so the Bible flows like one massive, connected story.
The timeline is broken down into key historical eras, including:
- The Early World and the Patriarchs
- Egypt, the Exodus, and Desert Wanderings
- Conquest, Judges, and the Kingdoms
- Exile and Return
- The Messianic Fulfillment (The New Testament)
Your Daily Reading List To keep things balanced and engaging, each day gives you a mix of readings rather than just one long chapter. A typical day includes:
- A chapter or two from the Old Testament (the main historical story).
- A short reading from the New Testament.
- A Psalm or Wisdom reading (like Proverbs) for daily reflection.
Why People Love This Plan
- It Makes Sense of the Story: Because it is organized chronologically, you finally see how the Old Testament and New Testament connect.
- It is Bite-Sized: You are only reading a few chapters a day, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
- It Builds Discipline: Reading a little bit every day helps build a strong, consistent spiritual habit.
Tips for Making It Through the Year
Completing a 365-day goal is tough. Here is how to keep your momentum going:
- Use a Printed Checklist: Print out a physical copy of the plan. Physically crossing off days is highly motivating and helps you track your progress without needing a screen.
- Anchor Your Habit: Pick a specific, consistent time to read every day—like right after you pour your morning coffee or right before you turn out the lights at night.
- Do Not Panic if You Miss a Day: Life happens. If you skip a day, do not stress about being “behind.” You can either double up your reading the next day or simply pick up where you left off. Consistency is much more important than perfection.
- Find a Buddy: Join a church group, read with a friend, or follow along with a community online. Having someone to discuss the readings with drastically increases your chances of finishing.
- Use Outside Help: Some parts of the Bible are confusing. If you feel stuck, use a study guide or commentary to help explain the difficult passages.
