Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Start smaller than you think

A chapter a day is a good rhythm for many people; for others a paragraph is enough. Pick an amount you can return to tomorrow. You are building a habit, not passing a test.

Choose a book you can follow

Starting at Genesis and reading straight through works for some readers, but long legal sections can be discouraging early on. Many people begin with one of the Gospels — Mark is the shortest — to meet Jesus through a continuous story, and keep the Psalms nearby for prayer.

Read slowly, then ask one question

Read the passage once to follow it, then again more slowly. Ask a simple question: what does this show me about God, and what might it ask of me today? You don't have to resolve everything. Keep a question for your church, a study group or a trusted friend.

Pick a translation you understand

The best translation for daily reading is one you can follow. This site quotes the King James Version because it is in the public domain; in the Versea app you can choose another translation where available. Comparing two translations is a good way to notice what a sentence is saying.

What if I miss a day?

Pick up where you left off. A reminder, a widget or a streak can help you remember, but they are tools. Returning is what counts.

A first session

Open Psalm 23 or the Lord's Prayer, read it twice and write down one phrase to carry with you.

Sources

  1. Psalm 119 (King James Version)