Plan

The reading goal is fairly simple. Each person in the group should read five sections of the Old Testament Wisdom Books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) per week. It is interesting to note that under this reading plan, the Wisdom Books can be completed in 52 weeks. This Bible reading plan is effective because it offers a structured yet flexible approach to help participants stay on track.

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Click the section below to access a Google Spreadsheet that provides a suggested reading schedule. (The spreadsheet can be printed out and placed in your Bible for easy reference, or you can bookmark the URL on your smartphone or tablet.)

Rhythm

To regularly engage in Scripture requires discipline. The participant must be committed to reading on a regular basis. The best approach is to read one chapter per day for five days. It is not as beneficial to read several chapters in a single day.

Since missing a daily reading may happen, there are two extra days available in the week to make up a skipped reading assignment. For example, a participant may decide to read one chapter each day, Monday through Friday, and then take Saturday and Sunday off. This is a fine approach, but if, for example, the reading on Thursday is missed, Friday should be the fourth reading and Saturday should be used to catch up on the fifth reading. While it is possible, it is not as beneficial to read two chapters on Friday.

Contemplation

Your goal for reading the Bible should not be to speed your eyes across the page so that you can say you completed your devotion. Instead, consider using the following approaches to get the most from this activity:

• Use an easy to comprehend translation. I recommend the New Living Translation or the New International Version, but there are several excellent translations available today. (I don't recommend using a study bible as the notes and comments by the authors may create a distraction. For this activity, I am suggesting you engage in a devotion that helps you examine your attitudes and actions. This is not designed to be a bible study that increases your academic knowledge.)

• Look for practical advice. As you read the daily chapter, consider how you can apply some part of the passage to your life. Try not to be distracted by heady, theological curiosities. (See my blog post on this topic for a more detailed discussion on how to approach the reading.)

• Underline or highlight one or two key verses. Denote the passage that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you through. One way to discover the key passage is to ask yourself, "if I had to memorize one verse from this chapter in order to recite it later as an encouragement or reminder, which one would it be?"

• Identify the Main Message. When you finish reading the chapter, ask yourself, "How does this chapter change my current perspectives or inform how I should relate to God or others?"

• Summarize it. If you are a journaler, write a quick takeaway from the chapter reading. If you are more of a verbalizer, talk out the big takeaway from the passage. If you are an artist, sketch out the big idea you gained. Whichever technique you choose, don't make this summary exercise too daunting. Give yourself three minutes and then feel free to move on with your day.