Ridgeland Church - Scripture

Jump down to the readings

HOW TO USE THIS PLAN

This is a year-long Bible reading plan that, if completely followed, will take you through the whole Bible and some parts twice! The purpose of this plan is primarily for reading, not studying, so that you get a good understanding of the story of Scripture and how the biblical story fits together.

EVERY DAY

there will be four different readings equal to about 20-30min of reading each day, which is way less than your average TV show or sporting event. You don’t need to finish all of the reading in one sitting, so feel free to break it up throughout the day if that’s easier for you!

SEEM LIKE TOO MUCH?

The goal for reading Scripture together as a church is to increase the time we are spending in the Bible. It’s a great feeling to be able to look back at the year and think, “wow I read through all of that!” but we really just want to say that we read more Scripture! If the whole reading plan seems like too much, we would recommend sticking to the New Testament readings, and then if you’re feeling up to it, jump into some of Old Testament books that seem interesting to you as they come along in the plan.

THE CHALLENGE

is to make reading Scripture a greater priority in our lives, learn more about the unified story of the Bible, and grow together as a church family through this shared narrative.

READING TIPS

Set a time(s) per day that you are going to read to help you stay consistent.
When you come to hard words or names, pronounce them the best you can but don’t get stuck! Keep on reading through so you don’t lose the story line.
Quickly write down any questions that come to you as you are reading so you can come back to them in the future, then keep reading!

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Divine Reading (Lectio Divina)

After you complete your reading for the day, select one of the readings to spend additional time with. Taking that passage, walk through the process of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. It is a process designed to help the reader connect with the living word of God.

1. Pause: Read the scripture slowly.
Watch for a key phrase or word that jumps out at you or promises to hold a special meaning for you. It is better to dwell profoundly on one word or phrase than to skim the surface of the whole passage. Read with your own life and choices in mind.
2. Reflect: Reflect on a word or phrase.
Let the special word or phrase that you discovered in the first step sink into your heart. Bring mind, will, and emotions to task. Be like Mary, Jesus’ mother, who heard the angel’s announcement and “treasured” and “pondered” what she had heard (Luke 2:19).
3. Ask: Respond to what you have read.
Form a prayer that expresses your response to the idea, then “pray it back to God.” What you have read is woven through what you tell God.
4. Yield: Rest in God’s presence.
Be still and let God’s loving spirit pour out on you.