topical bible reading plans

Topical Bible Reading plans are a simple and effective way to be intentional about your quiet time with the Lord. They are great for beginners who are just starting to focus on reading the bible as well as those who have read the bible consistently but are looking for a different method to grow closer to God and get deeper into his word.

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What is a topical bible reading plan?

A topical bible reading plan is any plan that prioritizes a specific theme or topic of the bible it can include daily readings for each day of the week, or a short list that is read in a single bible study session. These simple bible reading plans often include a list of scriptures that talk about a particular word or thought process.

They allow you to laser focus on particular scriptures that relate to that topic to help you gain a better understanding.

Topical bible readings plans are a great place for new believers and seasoned saints alike to start a new study that is free and best fits into their daily life.

What do you need to do a topical bible reading plan?

First you have to understand that reading the bible topically isn’t necessarily a start to finish reading of the entire bible. It is more a way to highlight God’s intention on a word, thought, or theme. Completing a topical bible study can be a fun way to dig into God’s word on a specific topic that is important to you and your current situations.

Next, you gather your supplies. Completing a topical bible reading plan doesn’t require much, in fact all you really need is the scripture list and your bible. However, I like to have the following additional tools.

Once you have all your supplies, you’ll simply select the first verse on the reading plan and look it up. Pro tips: (1) Pray for holy understanding or pray through the scripture (2) Read the scriptures before and after the verse for context (3) Highlight words or thoughts that stand out to you (4) Be expectant that God will reveal himself in each verse

Free Topical Bible reading plans

Below are 12 of the best bible reading plans that I have used to get a deeper understanding of God’s intention for many different subjects and situations that have puzzled me as a woman and busy working mama. They have helped me to really cultivate the calm I needed in this very busy-driven world! Each of these daily bible reading plans

This free monthly bible reading plan includes a list of scriptures to follow for the month as well as a guided prayer journal template to write down your reflections. Feel free to download one or all of these!

You can get printable versions of each simple bible reading plan by clicking on the link next to each month. And be sure to subscribe for more free prayer and faith growing printables and resources.

Additional Daily Bible Reading Plans

The previous 30-day bible reading plans are a great way to get through a year plan of studying the bible! But what if you have already studied all of these plans?? Well, below are a running list of the blog posts we share on what the bible says about different topics. Additionally, after diving into each of these topics, you could consider reading through the whole bible using one of the bible study methods I shared above! 

How to use these topical bible studies

Effective bible study involves using various techniques to comprehend God’s word. This includes incorporating different methods into your faith journal to make reading and studying the Bible a part of your daily routine.

Below are a few of the different ways of studying bible verses in these topical bible studies.

Verse Mapping 

To easily incorporate more bible study time into your daily routine, try verse mapping. It’s a fun and effective technique, especially for those who may not consider themselves creatively inclined. Here’s a simple guide to get started:

  1. Write out the verse you’re studying to focus on specific words and phrases.
  2. Read the verse in multiple translations to uncover nuances and perspectives.
  3. Pay attention to standout words or phrases. Look them up for deeper exploration.
  4. Ask important questions (who, what, when, why) to gain a deeper understanding.
  5. End with a short prayer and journal reflections on what God is teaching you.

Verse mapping enhances engagement with scripture and deepens your understanding of God’s word.

Soap Bible Study Method 

Similar to Verse mapping (a technique I enjoy combining with the SOAP method during my study time), the SOAP method offers a practical approach to breaking down scriptures into easily digestible portions.

SOAP is an acronym that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. To utilize this method, divide a journal page into four sections:

  1. In the first section, write out the scripture.
  2. In the second section, record any observations you notice about the scripture. Feel free to explore original word meanings and underline significant parts.
  3. In the third section, reflect on how you can apply this passage of scripture to your life.
  4. Finally, conclude by praying over the scripture, inviting the Holy Spirit to breathe life into God’s word and guide its application in your life.

Scripture Writing 

The simple act of writing the scriptures has a transformative power, impressing the words of the text upon your heart. Choose a verse or passage to contemplate each day. As you write, carefully observe the key words and phrases that resonate with you. Reflect on their profound meanings and seek divine guidance in applying them to your life.

Scripture Memorization 

In addition to memorization, incorporating a deck of scripture cards can be a valuable discipline in committing them to memory. This practice requires patience but can be seamlessly integrated throughout the day.

It is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the word of God, allowing His teachings to permeate your heart and mind. As His word affirms:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

What could be more true and honorable to ponder upon than the divine word itself?

Inductive study 

This method of reading the word of God is an excellent way to truly delve deeper into the profound teachings of the Bible! By utilizing this method, you will embark on a journey of reflection and study, exploring the true meaning of scripture both in its original context and in relation to our lives today.

To begin, take a moment to carefully observe the scripture passage, asking yourself the who, what, when, where, and how questions.  Gain a deep understanding of why the passage was written, how it relates to the historical context of its time, and what message it intended to convey.

Additionally it’s beneficial to seek out other relevant scripture quotations that may shed further light on the passage, providing valuable context and enhancing your comprehension. By summarizing all of this information, you will be well-equipped to explore how these learned biblical truths resonate in your own life, shaping your priorities and relationships in a meaningful way.

Bonus Free Resources

Studying the bible is one of the best ways to spend your quiet time with the Lord! Here are a few additional bible study resources to help guide your quiet time with the Lord. Here are a few additional resources that can help augment your study time with our simple bible reading plans.

Looking to grow your faith and be more intentional about prayer and bible study? Check out all of our spiritual growth resources!

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