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Ten Chapters Per Day
- 08/10/10
- 55
I’ve shared here before that I often find it difficult to find real joy and freedom in my personal devotions. At times things go very well, but then inevitably it seems that difficulties creep in and I find that I come to dread my time spent reading and praying. What is at some times delight is at other times the most difficult of duties.
Over the years I have often tried programs, structures to keep me in some kind of reading plan. I’ve tried the plans that take me through the Bible in a year (or two years or…) and always I’ve found them difficult. If I make it through the Pentateuch I fall apart in the prophets. I’ve never successfully completed one.
A while back I stumbled upon Professor Horner’s Bible-Reading System. Though something always disturbs me about getting involved in a Bible-reading system (Would I want to do a date night system? A play-with-your-kids system?) I decided to give it a go. It’s unique among the systems I’ve attempted in that it requires more reading and yet somehow makes all that reading seem so much easier, enjoyable and attainable.
The system is quite simple—every day you read ten chapters of the Bible. That seems like a lot, so stick with me as I explain it. Each of the ten chapters will be from different books, which is to say that at any given time you’ll be reading ten books of the Bible concurrently, one chapter per day. So on day one of the system you will reading the first chapter of Matthew, Genesis, Romans, 1 Thessalonians, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Joshua, Isaiah and Acts. You will read each of these books, one chapter per day, and then go on to other books before repeating it all again. This means that every year you’ll read through all the Gospels four times, the Pentateuch twice, Paul’s letters 4-5 times each, the Old Testament wisdom literature six times, all the Psalms at least twice, all the Proverbs as well as Acts a dozen times, and all the way through the Old Testament History and Prophetic books about 1 12 times.
From the outside it looks like this will be a massive amount of work, a huge commitment of time. But I have found that it is not. The beauty of the system is that you will be reading every day at a pretty good clip. The purpose is not to spend a great deal of time in pondering each word, but in reading the Bible so much and so often that Scripture begins to explain Scripture. I have found that it takes me between 30 and 40 minutes per day, either in one chunk in the morning or in two chunks, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Here is how Professor Horner explains the system:
Each day you will read one chapter from each of ten lists. That’s right — ten chapters per day!!! Use ten bookmarks or sticky notes with the individual lists on them to keep track of your locations. Or use the set of bookmarks provided on the last page of this document.
On day one, you read Matthew 1, Genesis 1, Romans 1, and so forth. On day 2, read Matthew 2, Genesis 2, etc. On day 29, you will have just finished Matthew, so go to Mark 1 on the Gospel list; you’ll also be almost to the end of 2nd Corinthians and Proverbs, you’ll be reading Psalm 29 and Genesis 29, and so forth. When you reach the last chapter of the last book in a list - start over again. Rotate all the way through all the Scriptures constantly.
Since the lists vary in length, the readings begin interweaving in constantly changing ways. You will NEVER read the same set of ten chapters together again! Every year you’ll read through all the Gospels four times, the Pentateuch twice, Paul’s letters 4-5 times each, the OT wisdom literature six times, all the Psalms at least twice, all the Proverbs as well as Acts a dozen times, and all the way through the OT History and Prophetic books about 1 12 times. Since the interweaving is constantly changing, you will experience the Bible commenting on itself in constantly changing ways — the Reformer’s principle of ‘scriptura interpretans scripturam’ — ‘scripture interpreting scripture’ IN ACTION!
After you’ve read any particular book once or twice, your speed in that book usually doubles or triples because you’re familiar with it and can move quickly and confidently — because you are no longer merely decoding the text but thinking it through in the context of all of the scripture!
Even an ‘average’ reader, if focusing on moving through the text, rather than trying to figure everything out, can usually do this in about an hour a day - 5-6 minutes per chapter. Many people report moving confidently through the ten chapters in 35-40 minutes. If it is taking you longer, then you are ‘reading wrong’ - stay relaxed, focus, and just keep it moving. Moderate but consistent speed is the key. This is “gross anatomy” — looking at the whole body; you’re not closely studying organs or systems or tissues or cells — it is not microbiology. BUT — microbiology and the study or organs makes more sense when you know what the whole structure of the human body is like, and how all the parts, large and small, relate in perfect interdependence.
After just a few days the reading gets much easier; in a month it will be a habit, and in six months you’ll wonder how you ever survived before on such a slim diet of the WORD. And then — you’ll tell others to start the system!
I began in 1983 as a new Christian and have now read (most of ) the Bible hundreds and hundreds of times. You also need to get ONE Bible, keep it, and do all your reading in it, so you learn where everything is. I’ve had the same Bible since 1983 and I know it intimately. If you keep switching Bibles, you ‘lose’ this intimacy with the text. Find a translation and format you like and stick with it. THIS IS CRUCIAL.
Your Bible is the only thing on Earth that, as you wear it out, will actually work better and better.
One way I have adapted the system just a little bit is by keeping a journal with me and jotting down a sentence or two about each of the chapters I read. I tend to find something in the text that I want to record as a prayer for myself or for someone else. This then naturally bridges all of this Bible-reading into prayer. I also keep a few little cards in my journal and every day try to jot down a Proverb that I want to reflect on throughout the day. I just keep the card with me and read it all day long.
As time goes on, I may do things like remove the daily Acts reading and focus instead on repeated readings of Romans or another book that I really want to understand better. The system offers flexibility for this kind of thing. I often cut back to 5 chapters on Saturday and Sunday. If I want I can bump up to 20 chapters a day.
Among the secret to success are:
- Stay somewhere between speed reading and deep meditation. Get through the text without dawdling, looking up cross-references and so on. Get to know the Bible and these things will explain themselves.
- Stick with one Bible, not just one translation, but one actual Bible. I would try to ensure it’s a printed Bible, not an electronic one.
- Read in the order he suggests, which means you’ll be moving from Old Testament to New and back again several times every day.
- Don’t be legalistic. If you miss a day, pick up and keep going. Don’t quit.
Let me close with just a few of the benefits I’ve found in this system.
- It does not leave me spending days or weeks in the books I struggle with the most. I will be reading one chapter of the prophets each day for as long as I do this plan, but I won’t have to spend day after day in them. This is often where I lose heart in other Bible-reading plans.
- It keeps up the pace. I like that the plan emphasizes moderate speed over deep meditation. Of course I have to be willing to trust that in time the repeated readings will give the same benefit (or greater benefit) than slower, more thoughtful reading. I believe that reading in this way will help me come to a better understanding of the Bible’s big picture.
- It is a system. There are times that I struggle with systems and the very idea of systems, but in this case, I know that I need help. This plan gives me the structure I need if I am to read the BIble consistently and to read it well. Best of all, I find that I look forward to reading the Bible most days. Somehow this system has increased my delight in the Word.
All of this is to say, I commend this plan to you. You can begin any time—there is no reason to wait for a new calendar year. Simply download the document prepared by Professor Horner, grab a journal (if you want to do it that way) and get reading.
You can download the document here and join the Facebook group here.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
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Comments (55)
I have been using this ‘system’ for the past month. As a pastor, I know the value of reading through the Bible and over the last 6 or so years I have encouraged and challenged the members of the church I have pastored to read through the Bible together. We have tried several different ‘plans’ to allow for variety (straight through, chronological, Gospels, NT, etc). Professor Horner’s system is by far one of the best that I have benefited from. While this might be a challenge for some, I have encouraged my church to use this system. A couple of members have joined me, some started but didn’t like it. The bottom line, however, is for God’s people to be in God’s Word everyday, as much as possible. In reading, if you get behind, don’t give up, but pick up your Bible and start again.
This ‘system’ does allow for great flexibility. I would encourage any believer to get into God’s Word, and this is one of many tools to help them do that.
I have modified the ‘system’ some as well Tim, reading from OT through NT rather than going back and forth. And after the first year, I had already determined to read Romans as well.
Thanks for pointing this out—I may just give it a try. I struggled with Bible reading plans for years, but several years ago I managed to complete a Bible-in-a-year plan and then decided to try to do the Bible twice in a year. I found it to be far easier because of the increased pace and my increasing familiarity with each book. I’ve done it at that pace and faster (thrice in a year) and love how it doesn’t leave me in, say, Leviticus for very long. My understanding and appreciation for Scripture have grown a lot since doing this, and it looks as if the system described here would give similar benefits.
Tim - even though you mentioned using a printed Bible, your readers might want to know that this plan is available through YouVersion at http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/professor-horners-bible-reading-…. Even if you prefer a printed Bible you can use this service to keep track of your plan online or through the iPhone/iPad app. If you have an account you can synchronize your progress across platforms. Thanks for letting us know about this plan!
I am a month into it and it makes a big difference. One thing I like is that even if there is a chapter I don’t care for (like in Joshua where the tribes of Israel are to settle) there are other chapters that make up for it.
Thanks Tim, this looks great. I too have tried many different plans and struggle with them. Appreciate your humility.
I’ve been using Prof. Horner’s system since Feb. of this year, and it does work much better than anything else I’ve tried. This will be the first year I will have read through the whole Bible in one year. I just never could get into the calendarized plans, which made me frustrated if I fell behind. With this system, even if I miss a day due to travel or whatever, I can just pick back up, and because of the 10 chapters a day still get te whole Bible in a year even with missed days.
What’s really cool is when you read something in the NT one day that quotes an OT passage, and then within a day or two your OT reading has you in the quoted passage.
There’s also a resource here that allows you to use and/or listen using the ESV Online Study Bible. Again, noting Tim’s recommendation of a print Bible, it’s still kinda nice to hear Max McLean read to you each morning. :)
I have used a number of different reading plans similar to this along the way. They have each been VERY helpful. I think that thus far something like the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan has worked the best for me.
It seems to me that the best reading plans for the average reader is about four chapters per day because this also leaves time for a good deal of reflection following each reading and prayer.
I started a site :: http://www.bibletogether.com :: at the beginning of the year that reads four chapters each day, but the one thing that I have changed is to read from one book at a time each day and then alternate each day which book is read. So, it looks like this.
Day 1 :: Gospels & PsalmDay 2 :: History & PsalmDay 3 :: Prophets & PsalmRinse and Repeat
Using this we read the whole Bible 1x and Romans and Psalms 2x in a year.
I also provide a podcast and written reflections each day on the passage that we have read that day :: http://www.bibletogether.com/podcast
——-
As a pastor I am always looking for creative ways to read at more biblical content, so I may consider adding this plan to things in 2011. Thank you for sharing!
I have been using Professor Horner’s system for a while and I really like it, too.
The thing I like most is that I never feel “behind.” If I only want to read 5 chapters a day, I can. And then I read the other 5 the next day. If I skip Sundays, that’s fine, too. I don’t have to play “catch up” on Monday to make up for using that day for something else.
I feel exhausted just reading about the system. I know I’m a loser for not wanting to read my Bible more regularly. But truth be told, systems like this make me want to go find a kids picture Bible and read it while curled up in a fetal position, singing “Jesus Loves Me.”
Thanks, Tim, for promoting this genius system. I’ve been trying to spread the word about it for almost a year now and am thrilled to see you are pleased with it. I am not overstating the case when I say God has used it to change my life. If anyone takes up this plan with a humble, contrite heart (Is.66.2), they can expect to experience what I call spiritual maturation through Bible saturation.
Is there somewhere you can find the system in a Mac-compatible formate? The link provided was an .exe file, which I couldn’t open.
If you’re using Logos Bible Software Version 4 you can replicate this plan with the following range.
Matt-John|Gen-Deut|Romans-Col,Heb|1 Thess-Philemon,James-Rev||Job,Eccl,Song|Psalms|Proverbs|Josh-Esther|Isaiah-Malachi
The only problem being that it will not always break cleanly on chapter lines (yet).
Sounds kind of neat Tim. I am into the Bible in 90 days plan now and I am really enjoying it. I actually have a harder time reading just a few chapters at a time, especially in the OT because of the narrative format. But when you read a block all at once (usually 12-15 ch) you get more engrossed in a story, and it carries over especially into the Gospels. It is a challenge, but it has honestly pushed me to make it a priority in my life.
I have been using this system for about three weeks and it is the best system I have used in the 31 years I have been a believer.
You can acknowledge Prof Horner w/ thanks for this concept by purchasing his new book: Meaning at the Movies… a bible-saturated look at film.
http://www.crossway.org/product/9781433512285
I stopped using Logos to keep my reading plan because of the chapter break issues. I am hoping they add it. Its great software and I use it for my reading and highlighting. I just keep a digital checklist in OneNote for tracking my plan.
Tony
Tim Thanks for sharing! I liked how you added your personal touches of journaling and writing down a Proverb on a 3X5 card that you meditate on throughout the day. Adding those personal touches seems to make it more a personal time with the Lord . Without them it would seem you were just racing through the Bible as fast as you can.
I just wanted to add that I use a similar plan and I have supplemented my reading with the free audio readings from ESV online.
http://www.esvonline.org/
For the prophets and the some other other Old Testament writings its nice to hear audio of the text while reading along. It helps me stay focused and also helps me learn how to pronounce some of the harder names and places.
Tony
If reading ten chapters a day is too much for you try the Five Day Bible Reading Schedule. I developed this more than 20 years ago and it has worked for many, many people. The secret to its success is that you only read five days a week - giving time to catch up, read other parts of the Bible, prepare for Bible class, etc. You can read the entire NT in a year by reading a chapter a day five days a week (talk about a do-able plan!) and you can read the whole Bible in a year by reading 3-5 chapters in the OT and 1 chapter in the NT five days a week. The plan is free for download here:http://bibleclassmaterial.com/Catalog/Mark%20Roberts/BibleReadingSchedul…
It’s great to see so many different plans and approaches to help people get into the Word!
Thanks Tim for the post as I’ve been using the reading plan since September 2009. It’s been such a blessing to share with others and to see the redemptive history of God’s plan in my devotional reading. There are benefits in using a print bible and reading online, but what’s most important is to read and know His word. This is the one reading plan I’ve been pretty faithful with; I don’t feel guilt when I miss a day. I use this link to do my reading online:
http://www.masters.edu/academics/departments/cis/BibleReadingSystemLinks…
Bible reading plans are great as long as they are part of an integrated strategy that deepens your personal relationship with Christ. I personally fight the temptation to read more scripture or pray more just for the sake of the habit, and not for the relationship they should be building. I’m currently reading a book entitled “Confessions of a Pray Slacker” that has strongly challenged me in this area of my life. Just some food for thought.
@Alex Harris - I think you clicked “Download 4Shared Desktop” which is the EXE file for communicating with the online service instead of “Download Now” which generates a PDF in 20 seconds.
Thank you for posting, Mr. Challies. This looks great!
Tim:
That link isn’t working for me. Is it correct?
@Brian - It works for me. What’s happening? Does the page linked to not load? Hmm…
Tim,I’ve been using this system for just about a year. Every time I contemplate switching to something different, I realize there really isn’t anything I like better. The problem with other approaches is 1) if you get off track a day, you feel behind or 2) there is no structure, so you don’t know where to go.
I really enjoy this system, but I like your tweaks.
Jason
Just started, and I can already see the benefits. Isaiah 1 meant a lot more when I read Romans 1 (detailing the judgment of God for faithlessness), Psalm 1 (alluded to in verse 30) and Joshua 1 (showing how far Israel had fallen) in the same sitting. Thanks for the recommendation!
The link isn’t working. Anywhere else I can access this plan?
Thanks.
If you can’t open the download on the 4shared page, it may be because you need to install a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can obtain here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
I highly recommend the Jesus Story Book Bible!
Great post Tim. I’ve found Horner’s system very helpful in the past. If your readers would like some updated bookmarks (and the .PSD to edit them themselves) they can get them here.
I’ve been using this “system” since the first week in January and I LOVE it. It has especially worked for me in areas of Acts and Proverbs (for obvious reasons). You get so much of it.
I know what you mean. You’re not a “loser”. A LOT of us struggle with being faithful in our Bible reading and, especially, keeping up with Bible reading “systems”. But, after reading the plan and Tim’s recommendation, plus the recommendations here in these comments, I’m encouraged to give it a try. Think about it.
BTW, I was specifically replying to “Spiritual Klutz”. I’m sorry I did not make that clear.
I’m on day 40 and I like others am finding it is making such a difference. Only downside for me - if for some reason I don’t have time to read all 10 chapters I am disappointed - only because of the beautiful pictures you get from the way various chapters align/contrast etc.There is a Facebook page for those who can’t get the link to work
This would be an awesome phone app!!!
My family and I have been using Horner’s method for a few years. I enjoy it. I do have to be careful that it doesn’t become checkbox though. To compensate for that I also work through a single book of scripture at a slower pace. Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.
I have been using Prof. Horner’s system since April 2009 and I find it to be the best system I have ever tried. I personally use a spreadsheet to keep track of my reading instead of the bookmarks. At first I thought that 10 chapters were too many for one day but after a couple weeks of working it into my schedule I found a time that worked for me and I now look forward to my daily reading. We should all strive to know God’s word better and this is a great tool to accomplish that.
I have been using the system for about two months. It has also had a dramatically positive effect on my Bible reading time. I have been very intentional about NOT making any adjustments to the program just so I can say I tried it exactly as written.That being said, I have added a small “11th List” almost by accident. Before I dive into List #1, I go to Psalm 119 and read only one stanza for that day. I find it an awesome way to center my thoughts on God’s Word, His Ways, His Precepts. I find myself reading this stanza out loud as a Prayer to begin my overall reading. I don’t use another bookmark. I don’t keep track of which stanza I am on. I rely on memory. I know I have read the same stanza for a day or two in a row and I just don’t mind it at all.Also, Professor Horner has a Facebook page. I would encourage you to read through those discussions, as well. Every concern you could think of is addressed there. And some great tweaks and hacks to the system.The only adjustment I know I will make in time is to change out List #10 (Acts) for whatever NT Book I am memorizing. I am on Ephesians now, but once I go through the whole rotation once, I will just add whatever book I am working on then, e.g. James or Hebrews, etc. Funny to think about how that will look when memorizing Jude or even Titus. :0)
Thanks for the post Tim.
I completely understand your frustration with Bible devotional plans/systems. I’ve never finished the handful I’ve attempted. I just downloaded Horner’s system and plan on starting tomorrow morning. Here goes…
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams offers a lot of great advice on forming better habits in his latest book “Principled Centered Living.” The techniques in this book can be used for any sort of goal and obstacle. I have used these techniques to help me form better habits and am assuming that this book would be a great help for anyone wanting to form the habit of reading the bible daily.
Thanks Tim, I have similar struggles with devotional times. I started this system this morning, think it might work!
Thanks, Alex. Turns out I couldn’t get to that URL from work. I was able to do it from home!
“Before I dive into List #1, I go to Psalm 119 and read only one stanza for that day.”
What a great idea! I would want to skip Psalm 119 then in my daily reading cycle through the Psalms.
Great post Tim,
I was reminded of a sermon preached recently at my church in which the pastor recommended “battling spiritual amnesia with massive doses of biblical truth.”
I was inspired to try a little experiment, where I attempted to read the entire Bible in a month. I was able to successfully complete the challenge, and while I wouldn’t generally recommend the approach, it was a worthwhile experience. I guess it was something of a “shock and awe” campaign to deepen my devotional life.
Thanks,Dave
DO IT! And I even have a children’s Bible to recommend to recommend.
The Big Picture Bible :: http://amzn.to/do5aNm
I actually used this as the curriculum for the youth group last year. Great telling of the story of the King of kings through the whole story of the Bible.
——-
And if that doesn’t work for you, feel free to visit http://www.bibletogether.com :: Four chapters a day along with reflections.
I love this idea of reading a stanza of Psalm 119. That is such an instructive Psalm specifically for the meditation upon scripture.
Now I need to make an 11th bookmark!
Jeremiah Fyffehttp://www.bibletogether.com
Tim, why is that when people try to reply to each other’s comments, it just shoves their comment to the end? It’s very confusing and frustrating.
I know that this system works better than just reading one line of the Bible. But anyway, as long as you always seek for wisdom and understanding from the Lord. And as long as you fear the Lord and you depart from evil, He will guide you to understanding. He will make His words known to you by pouring His Spirit with you.
@Spiritual Klutz
I had the same feeling too the first time I learned of this system from Twitter. I said to myself “I can barely read two chapters a day and this guy wants me to read 10 chapters, I can feel getting exhausted just thinking about it”.
But I read the Adobe file that has the detailed explanation along with the bookmarks and it said there “TRY IT FOR 30 DAYS”. So that’s what I did. I tried for a month.
First, I just read 3-5 chapters a day. I moved the bookmarks everytime I’m done with a chapter. Then at week 2, I started getting used to reading 10 chapters. At week 4-5, I doubled (20 chapters a day) and there were some days, I read 40-50 chapters a day. I was drowning myself with scripture and I loved it. Before you know I was donereading my whole Bible.
I told my family, friends and my church about it and one thing I can say about Prof. Horner’s Reading Plan is IT JUST SIMPLY WORKS. Most of all the people I shared it with are past their 30 day “trial period” and are on their way to finish reading their bibles.
I have tried other reading plans out there only to be frustrated with myself because I couldn’t finish them. But this one is different. IT JUST SIMPLY WORKS.
I would suggest you do the same. TRY IT FOR 30 DAYS and see where it takes you. God bless you.
Mitch