How to Start Reading the Bible on Your Own or with Children

We make time to nourish our bodies. Our inner lives need strength, truth, and direction too. Jesus reminds us that “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, NLT)

God’s Word helps us know Him, see our lives more clearly, and learn to live according to His will. Scripture teaches, corrects, and trains us (2 Timothy 3:16–17). When we are unsure what step to take next, we can remember the psalmist’s words: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NLT)

It begins with the posture of our hearts

We can read the Bible as history or a book of wisdom and still miss what matters most. We open Scripture believing it is God’s Word and wanting to know Him. We ask not only, “What does this passage mean?” but also, “God, my Creator, what do You want to help me understand?”

Before you read, you can pray something as simple as: “God, open my heart. Help me understand Your Word and come to know You.” The psalmist prayed, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” (Psalm 119:18, NLT)

Not every time you read will feel moving or immediately make sense. You can pause, ask questions, and come back to a passage. The goal is not to get through as many pages as possible. It is to know God more deeply and let His Word shape how we think and live.

How can I begin on my own?

A habit is easier to build when you set aside the same time and place each day. Choose a time that truly works in your life. If you miss a day, do not give up; simply return to it the next day. Over time, you may be surprised by what this small, steady practice gives you.

Choose a short passage and give it even ten minutes. Ask God to help you before you begin. Then read slowly and consider:

• What does this passage show me about God?
• What surprises, comforts, or challenges me?
• What do I want to pray about? Is there a step I can take today?

If you do not understand something, it does not mean you have started badly. Make a note of your question. Read the wider chapter or talk it through with someone you trust in your faith community. One of the beautiful things about the Bible is that other passages often help us understand a difficult passage more deeply.

How can we read with children?

Children do not need a long lesson to begin discovering God’s Word. Read a few verses or a short story, talk about one thought, and pray together. With a younger child, you can retell the passage in words they understand while showing them where it is in the Bible. Give an older child room to read and ask questions for themselves.

You might begin with, “What do we learn about God here?” and “What would you like to ask Him?” If you do not know the answer to a child’s question, it is fine to say, “I don’t know yet. Let’s find out together.”

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds us to hold God’s words in our own hearts and talk about them with children in the course of everyday life. Reading the Bible together is more than teaching children. It is also a chance for us to grow in faith alongside them.

I used to think I knew quite a bit about spiritual matters. Yet when I began explaining God’s truth to my eldest son, Kristers, and later to Ernests, I found that much of it became clearer to me as well. And I am still learning from my children about prayer. Through them, I hear Jesus’ words about turning and becoming like little children in a new light (Matthew 18:3).

Where should I start in the Bible?

If you want to get to know Jesus, begin with the Gospel of Mark. It follows His life and works in a direct, engaging way. Then you might read the Gospel of John, taking time to reflect on what Jesus says about Himself. The Psalms can give you words for prayer in both joyful and difficult seasons. You do not need to read the entire Bible in order before beginning with one of these books. The Bible is like a library whose books together help us see God’s story of salvation.

Starting with the New Testament does not mean leaving the Old Testament behind. Jesus says of the law of Moses and the prophets, “No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” (Matthew 5:17, NLT) The Old Testament helps us understand the story of God’s people and His promises. In the New Testament, we meet Jesus Christ, in whom that story finds its fulfillment. Reading both helps us see the wider picture.

Begin with one passage and an open heart. Read on your own or invite your children to sit beside you. Ask God to speak to you and to them, and let what you read become part of everyday life.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.