How to Study the Bible: 5 Practical Steps to Build a Habit That Sticks
You've got the Bible sitting on your nightstand. Maybe it's been there a while. You want to read it — you know it's important — but every time you sit down and open it, you're not quite sure what to do next.
If that sounds familiar, you are in very good company.
On this week's episode of Bringing Hope Home, Bryce and I sat down to talk about something we get asked about all the time: how do you actually study the Bible? Not just read words on a page, but really dig in, hear from God, and walk away changed.
Here's what we shared — and we hope it encourages you wherever you are in your journey with the Word.
First — Why Does It Matter?
Before we talk about how, let's talk about why. The Bible actually answers this question about itself.
Jesus says in John 8:31–32 to abide in His Word. And Proverbs 4:20–22 tells us to be attentive to His words, "for they are life and health to those who find them."
We love this quote by Joyce Meyer: "If we don't study God's Word consistently and apply this truth to our lives, we will lack the power we need to mature in Christ and glorify God in this world."
The Word isn't just a book to check off. It's the lifeline that fuels everything — your faith, your marriage, your parenting, your peace. So let's get into it.
Where Do You Start Reading?
One of the most common questions we hear is, "Where do I even begin?"
Here's our honest advice: there is no bad place to start — but some places are better than others for beginners.
Start with a Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) to get grounded in the life of Jesus.
Proverbs is a goldmine — there are 31 chapters, one for each day of the month.
Psalms is a beautiful, honest, emotionally rich place to meet God.
Work through the New Testament at your own pace. (Fun fact: reading one chapter a day, Monday through Friday, gets you through the entire New Testament in a year — with weekends free!)
5 Practical Steps to Build a Bible Study Habit
1. Find a Plan and Stick With It
Bible study plans are a lot like diet plans — the best one is the one you'll actually follow. Whether you're reading through the Bible in a year, doing a topical study, or reading one chapter a day, pick a plan and commit. Put it in your daily planner like any other appointment.
Try to read earlier in the day when possible. As the day fills up, it's easy to push quiet time aside — and we don't want that to happen.
2. Don't Get Condemned — Just Keep Going
This one is so important. If you miss a day (or a week), don't quit. Just pick right back up where you left off. We are not aiming for perfection here — we are aiming for a relationship with God through His Word. Grace applies to your Bible reading too.
I’m currently doing a read-through-the-Bible plan and will be the first to tell you — I’m not on a one-year timeline, and am completely at peace with that!
3. Find a Partner
Just like having a gym buddy makes you more likely to actually show up, having a Bible study partner creates accountability and connection. This could be a friend, a small group — or your spouse.
Reading the same plan as your husband or wife opens the door to natural, everyday spiritual conversations. Over dinner, you might say, "Hey, I was reading this morning and this scripture really hit me — what do you think?" It's a beautiful way to grow together.
4. Always Read With a Pen or Notebook
Don't just read — engage. Write in the margins of your Bible. Keep a journal. Underline what stands out, star what really moves you, and write down what God is speaking to you.
We have a free Bible Journal & Devotion Guide that walks you step by step through how to get the most out of your quiet time — especially if you've never known quite what to do while you're reading.
And if you're more of an auditory learner who prefers to listen to the Bible, that is completely valid — but still keep a pen and paper nearby. When God speaks to you, you want to capture it.
5. Pray First, Then Meditate on What You Read
Before you open your Bible, simply pray: "God, open my eyes. Speak to me through this." You'd be amazed what the Holy Spirit will illuminate when you invite Him into your reading time.
And don't let the Word stay on the page. Take it with you. Meditate on it through your morning walk, your commute, your workout. Let it become a prayer for yourself and your family. The goal is to bring the Word into the full 24 hours — not just a 15-minute window.
What About Bible Study With Your Kids?
We get this question a lot, and we always answer it honestly: Bryce and I never had a formal, set devotion time with our kids. What we did do was live the Word in front of them. The Bible was always open, always referenced, always part of the conversation of our home.
Our daughter Callie, at two years old, used to toddle over to Bryce in the morning with her little Bible to sit with him while he read. We never told her to do that — she just wanted to be where Dad was and do what Dad was doing.
Your kids are watching you. The most powerful thing you can do is let them see that you love the Word and that it's real to you. Beyond that, follow the Holy Spirit's lead for what works in your family — and trust Him with the results.
A Few Trusted Resources to Get You Started
Disclaimer: The Bibles are Amazon affiliate links meaning if you purchase one of these Bibles from these links you will also be donating to this ministry.
BibleGateway.com — Great Bible translation guide and reading plans
TheBibleProject.com — Incredible visual and thematic Bible study resources
The Bible App (YouVersion) — Devotionals and reading plans right on your phone
MacArthur Study Bible / Thompson Chain Reference Bible — Two of our favorites for deeper study
One word of caution: be careful with general Google searches for Bible interpretation. Not everything out there is grounded in sound theology. Find a trusted study Bible, a good commentary, and a Bible-believing church that will help lead you deeper into the Word.
The Bottom Line
Get in the Word. Find what works for you. And let God speak.
The Word of God is alive — and it has something to say to you today, in this season, right where you are. Whether you're brand new to the Bible or you've been reading for decades, there is always more depth to discover and more of God to know.
We hope this episode and this post give you the nudge — and the practical tools — to dive back in.