Through the Bible in a Year: End of Year Reflections

Over the course of 2011, I worked on reading the Bible through based on a handly reading plan I found for my iPhone (Thanks OliveTree).  I finished the plan a few weeks ago and wanted to offer a few reflections for those of you who are considering doing something similar for the new year.

A Bit of Background

The Bible reading plan I used lead me through the Scriptures in their canonical order (Genesis, Exodus, etc.).  I read about 3 chapters each day and tended to do that just before bedtime each evening.

A Few Reflections

I better understand the "big picture".  After reading through the Bible over the course of the last 12 months, I have been exposed to the entire narrative of Scripture.  That's a good thing.  We all need to try and understand the "big picture" and a plan like this takes us through the Bible in a reasonably quick fashion.  Certainly, reading 3 or so chapters of Scripture each day doesn't provide a lot of time for meditating on the text.  It does help us understand how Scripture fits together and therefore, is a beneficial practice.

It kept me in the Word each day.  Of all things I could read, Scripture has to top the list. There were days I wanted to read and then there were days that I had to make myself read.  No matter which mood I happened to be in, reading the Word was something I needed every day.

I didn't do it perfectly.  I missed some days.  But I didn't let that stop me.  I just started again and kept moving forward.

I want to do it again.  What about this coming year?  I'm not sure what my reading plan will look like.  I do have a hunch that after a fairly fast read through the Bible, I'll likely be choosing a more meditative and slow approach. 

How about you?  Why not share your experience in reading Scripture?  What has worked for you in the past?