Read the Bible

Why read the Bible?

The Bible reveals to us:

– God’s character
– God’s love for us
– God’s plan to rescue us at the Cross
– God’s direction for our lives
– God’ intention to renew the world

Where do I start?

First, get a modern version of the Bible that uses contemporary English (like the NIV, which we use in church). See below for free online versions.

Then, take time to read your Bible and talk to God every day. A great place to start with your reading is in Mark’s Gospel, the shortest gospel account, or 1 Peter which is all about hope and holiness in a hostile world. Sometimes it helps to listen to God’s word, and the free YouVersion Bible App allows you to do this.

If you need help on where to start with all this you can find a simple 7 minute guide here: How to have a daily quiet time.

A few tips

– Establish a daily routine, taking time out at the same time and place
– Pray before you read
– Read carefully
– Think about what it means
– Ask what the passage tells you about God
– Ask what you need to do to believe and follow Him

Going Deeper

Why not take up the Bible in a Year reading challenge with Nicky Gumbel of Alpha (full and express versions below)? Or if you’d like video interaction and explanation of what you’re reading, try the Bible Project Reading plan (whole Bible) which includes daily devotional content, reflection questions, and more than 150 animated videos to bring biblical books and themes to life, or just the New Testament in a year.

For more Bible reading helps and plans, click on the links below, and if you’re using YouVersion’s Bible App you can now connect with St Mary’s from the app by clicking here.

Bible reading plans and devotionals:

Bible in One Year With Nicky and Pippa Gumbel
The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel is a daily plan from Alpha that takes you through the whole Bible in just one year. It’s for anyone looking for a simple, structured way to read the Bible. Each day is broken down into short, bitesize readings: one Psalm or Proverb, one Old, and one New Testament reading, alongside commentary and practical insights from Nicky and Pippa.

Bible in One Year with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel (Express Version)
In a hurry? Take less than 15 minutes each day to cover key passages throughout the whole Bible. Every day, a different theme is explored through a selection of scriptures taken from the Old and New Testaments, as well as the book of Psalms or Proverbs. Nicky and Pippa Gumbel’s commentary on these excerpts are full of insight, wisdom, and practical application and will give you an in-depth overview of the entirety of the Bible across the year.

Bible in One Year with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel (Youth Version)
The daily Bible reading devotion for young people that takes you through the main themes of the whole Bible in just one year.

Our Daily Bread Daily Devotions

Explore Bible Daily Reading Notes and App

Every Day with Jesus and Inspiring Women Every Day

The Lectio365 App
(Meditate on a few verses using Lectio Divina and fuel your daily prayer times)