7 Easy Tips to Stick to Your Summer Bible Reading Plan
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably imagined the perfect summer morning: warm sunlight streaming through the window, a steaming mug of coffee at your side, and peaceful moments alone with your Bible before the busy workday and family routines kick in. Yet, as a full-time working mom navigating daycare drop-offs, office deadlines, and the never-ending to-do list at home, those peaceful mornings sometimes seem as elusive as a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
I’ve definitely started (and restarted!) my fair share of Bible reading plans. And yes, I’ve fallen behind more times than I’d like to admit. But here’s the encouraging truth: sticking to a summer Bible reading plan doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or impossible. With a touch of grace, intentional planning, and realistic strategies, you absolutely can enjoy meaningful, consistent time in Scripture—even with a packed schedule.
So pour yourself another cup of coffee or tea and let’s dive into creating a summer Bible reading plan that’s both doable and deeply rewarding.
Why Start a Bible Reading Plan in the Summer?
I know, summer might seem like just another busy season when you’re a working mom—trust me, I totally get it! Between daycare drop-offs, full-time workdays, and keeping everyone fed and (mostly) happy, it can feel impossible to find any extra time. But here’s the thing: summer actually has a hidden superpower. Those extra daylight hours, even if they’re brief pockets of peace early in the morning or late at night, can offer tiny yet impactful moments for spiritual refreshment.
Think of your heart like a garden. Just like summer is the perfect time for planting flowers and veggies (I mean, even I manage a few potted plants on the porch!), it’s also ideal for planting spiritual seeds. Psalm 1:2-3 says the person who delights in God’s Word is like “a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season” (ESV). That’s you, Lovely! Summer is your “season” to plant those spiritual seeds by regularly engaging with Scripture. Even small daily moments with God’s Word can help you grow deeper, steadier roots of faith and grace.
Summer also acts like a mid-year reset button. Just like you might declutter your home or revisit goals at this time of year (guilty!), starting a summer Bible reading plan is a perfect way to refocus spiritually, reevaluate your priorities, and reconnect with God in the midst of your beautifully busy life.
And let’s not forget the emotional and mental toll that everyday responsibilities can take. A steady, grace-filled rhythm of Bible reading can offer a kind of soul-deep rest we’re not going to find in a vacation or a clean kitchen (though both are lovely). It’s the kind of grounding that helps you get through your workday with peace, parent with patience, and carry your responsibilities without feeling like you’re running on empty. It’s the gift of God’s presence, meeting you right in your car during morning traffic or while rocking a baby to sleep at 9 p.m.
How Do I Choose the Right Bible Reading Plan?
If choosing a Bible reading plan feels overwhelming, you’re not alone! (Seriously, picking a Netflix show feels easier sometimes, right?) But let’s simplify this—here’s how to pick a Bible plan that truly fits your busy mom-life:
- Figure Out What You Really Need Right Now: Take a second (maybe with coffee in hand) and honestly ask yourself: what’s your soul craving this summer? Do you need daily encouragement for handling work stress? Practical wisdom for parenting your littles through challenging phases? Or maybe you’re looking for biblical insights on marriage or how to cultivate a Christ-centered home? Knowing exactly what you need will help guide you to a reading plan you’ll genuinely look forward to each day.
- Think About Your Real-Life Schedule: Be realistic—you’re balancing work, motherhood, and more. Short, doable readings (think: 5 to 10 minutes) might be your sweet spot. Apps like YouVersion or devotionals from authors like Sally Clarkson or Stormie Omartian are perfect for quick, meaningful daily reads. Also, consider listening to audio devotionals during your commute—I promise, it counts just as much!
- Choose What Actually Keeps Your Attention: If distractions are your middle name (raising my hand right there with you!), pick plans with interactive elements. Journaling Bibles, devotional books with reflection questions, or even coloring in verses can help keep your mind engaged and heart connected.
Also, don’t be afraid to test a few out! If something isn’t working, there’s no shame in pivoting. Try a one-week plan before diving into a longer one. Sometimes you just need to warm up with a short sprint before committing to a marathon. The point is not to find the fanciest or most structured plan—the goal is to choose something you’ll actually stick with, something that makes you excited to meet with God each day, even if it’s during a five-minute break in the bathroom with a granola bar in hand.
Read more: 10 Tips for Starting Family Bible Study
How Can I Make My Summer Bible Reading Spiritually Meaningful?
Let’s be honest, no one wants Bible reading to feel like another chore. Instead, let’s turn it into something genuinely meaningful and refreshing for your soul. Here are a few simple yet impactful ways to do that:
- Journal Your Heart Out: Keep a journal handy (mine literally travels everywhere in my work bag). Even if it’s just one verse or a quick prayer scribbled down during lunch breaks or before bed, journaling helps Scripture sink in deeply and personally. It becomes a record of how God’s Word directly touches your life and helps you see growth over time.
- Slow It Way Down: Instead of racing through chapters, focus on shorter passages, reading them slowly multiple times. Let yourself linger on words that jump out at you, asking God to speak clearly into your specific daily struggles or joys. This slow, reflective approach turns Bible reading into a powerful conversation with God.
- Make It a Prayerful Chat: Treat your Bible reading time as an ongoing conversation with God. After reading each passage, pause and pray honestly about how it relates to your life, your day, or even your stress. This turns Scripture reading into a meaningful dialogue, letting you feel genuinely connected to Christ throughout your busy days.
You can also try writing down one takeaway at the end of your reading—something to carry with you through your workday. Maybe it’s a reminder that God is your strength when the afternoon slump hits, or a verse that helps you bite your tongue during a frustrating moment with your toddler. That little anchor point helps the Word stay with you in the middle of real life, where it matters most.
What if I Fall Behind on My Bible Reading Plan?
First of all, deep breath! Falling behind happens to all of us—especially busy working moms. I promise, you’re not alone and it’s absolutely okay! God isn’t keeping score; He’s far more interested in your heart than your checklist.
If you feel overwhelmed or guilty about falling behind, here’s exactly what to do:
- Scale Back Your Expectations (Lovingly!): Adjust your reading plan to shorter, simpler readings if needed. A few minutes a day consistently beats sporadic lengthy sessions. It’s okay to shift your plan to better fit your busy life. Remember, every verse counts.
- Just Jump Back In (No Catching Up Necessary): Forget the guilt of missed days—just dive back in at today’s reading. God’s Word is here to refresh and encourage you, not to burden you with more stress or pressure. Move forward gracefully, without worrying about what you’ve missed.
- Give Yourself a Fresh Start: If the guilt of falling behind feels heavy, simply hit “restart.” God’s mercies truly are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV). Each new day offers a fresh opportunity—embrace that without hesitation or regret.
Also, talk to God about it. He already knows your season. He sees the sleepless nights, the long commutes, the back-to-back meetings, and the last-minute diaper blowouts. He’s not disappointed—He’s inviting. He wants to meet with you even if it’s been a week (or two… or three). Grace isn’t just a concept—it’s His character. And it’s what makes starting again feel less like failure and more like coming home.
Read more: 6 Ways Working Moms Can Start Spending Time with God
7 Easy Tips to Stick to Your Summer Bible Reading Plan
Let’s talk about what it really looks like to stick with a Bible reading plan when you’re a full-time working mom in the middle of summer. It’s not about long, luxurious mornings with coffee and birdsong (although if that’s your reality, I’m genuinely happy for you). It’s about making room for Jesus in the messy middle of real life—between daycare drop-offs, office meetings, meal planning, and chasing toddlers around the backyard. These tips are here to help you do just that. No pressure. No guilt. Just grace, encouragement, and a whole lot of practical support.
1. Set Realistic Goals
If you’re anything like me, you’ve started a new Bible plan with all the enthusiasm in the world—only to hit week two and realize you’re five days behind. It happens. And usually, it’s because we overestimated our time, energy, or capacity (or all three!).
The beauty of setting realistic goals is that it allows room for consistency without the crushing weight of perfection. Instead of committing to a massive, year-long Bible-in-a-year challenge, consider a 30-day plan, a short Gospel study, or even just choosing one book of the Bible to work through slowly. If five minutes is all you have right now, that’s enough. The goal is connection with God, not checking boxes. One verse read and meditated on with a sincere heart is worth far more than three chapters skimmed in a rush.
Realistic goals also leave space for life to happen—which, let’s be honest, it will. Your baby will skip their nap. Your work meeting will run long. The laundry will pile up. But when your goal is rooted in grace, not pressure, it’s easier to jump back in without feeling defeated.
2. Choose a Consistent Time and Place
Let me tell you, nothing has helped me more than anchoring my Bible reading to a consistent time and place—even if it’s not Pinterest-perfect. For a while, my “spot” was the kitchen table with a reheated (for the third time) cup of tea and the baby monitor buzzing beside me. Now, it’s the driver’s seat in my parked car during lunch breaks. Not glamorous, but consistent.
The key isn’t finding the “ideal” quiet time but carving out the space you do have. Maybe it’s ten minutes before the kids wake up, or while you’re waiting in the school pickup line. Maybe it’s right after dinner when your husband is on kid-duty. Whatever time you can guard consistently, claim it. Even if your surroundings are noisy or imperfect, God honors the time you’ve set aside to meet with Him.
Having a familiar place—whether it’s your cozy chair, your work desk, or the front seat of your car—also helps mentally cue your heart: this is sacred space. And over time, it becomes something you look forward to rather than something you “should” do.
3. Pair Bible Reading with an Existing Habit
This one’s for the multi-taskers at heart. If starting a new habit feels like just one more thing to add to your overflowing plate, pair it with something you’re already doing. This little trick—habit-stacking—is one of the easiest ways to add Bible reading into your routine without it feeling like a burden.
Maybe you read a devotional while your coffee brews or listen to Scripture during your commute. I used to keep a Bible verse card on the bathroom mirror and read it while brushing my teeth. It was simple, but it worked. The point is, you’re already doing things—getting dressed, eating meals, winding down before bed. Let those everyday habits be the anchors that gently carry you into time with God.
By stacking your Bible reading with something familiar, it becomes second nature. It takes the pressure off and allows your faith to flow naturally into the rhythm of your real life.
4. Keep Your Bible Visible and Accessible
Here’s a truth bomb: if your Bible is buried under a pile of mail on the dining table, you’re probably not going to reach for it. Visibility is key. The more you see it, the more likely you are to pick it up.
Leave your Bible open on the kitchen counter. Tuck your devotional into your work bag or keep a small Bible in the car. I like to keep mine on the nightstand with a pen tucked inside so I can easily jot down thoughts or prayers. Having your Bible out in the open acts as a gentle nudge throughout the day. It reminds you that God’s Word isn’t just for Sunday mornings or quiet sanctuaries—it’s for Tuesday lunch breaks and Friday nap times, too.
When your Bible becomes a visible part of your environment, it naturally becomes a more integrated part of your daily life.
5. Use Accountability Wisely
Accountability doesn’t have to mean joining a formal Bible study or committing to a rigid schedule with a group (though that can be great if it works for you!). Sometimes, it’s as simple as texting a friend and saying, “Hey, let’s check in with each other every Friday about how we’re doing with our Bible reading.”
I’ve found so much encouragement from a friend who shares what she’s reading—and I’ll share back. It’s not about keeping score or being perfect. It’s about having someone to remind you that you’re not alone, and that spiritual growth happens best in community. Even just knowing someone else is showing up can be the push you need on the days when you’d rather scroll your phone.
If you’re more of a private person, consider using a journal or even sharing verses on Instagram as a way to keep yourself engaged. Let it be fun. Let it be flexible. But also let it be consistent.
6. Engage Creatively with Scripture
You were made uniquely—and your time in God’s Word doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. In fact, it shouldn’t. If you’re someone who loves pretty pens, stickers, or journaling, lean into that! Bible reading is so much more than reading—it’s interacting, meditating, and responding.
Sometimes I write out verses in my planner, other times I doodle or decorate the margins of my Bible (I know some of you just gasped—it’s okay, I promise!). When I’m too tired to be creative, I simply highlight what stands out and write one sentence in my journal: “God, remind me of this today.”
Getting creative makes Scripture feel personal and alive. It keeps you engaged and helps your heart connect more deeply with what you’re reading. Don’t worry about being fancy. Just be honest and open, and let God meet you right there.
7. Celebrate Small Wins and Progress
We celebrate potty training wins and work promotions—why not celebrate faith milestones too? Every time you open your Bible, you’re choosing spiritual nourishment over noise. That’s a big deal.
Make it fun. Use a checklist, a sticker chart, or reward yourself with a small treat (my go-to is a fancy coffee run or a new journal). Even just writing down your progress in your planner can be motivating. These small celebrations help build confidence and remind you that growth is happening—even if it feels slow or messy.
And if you miss a day? That’s okay. Celebrate the fact that you came back. Because that’s what matters: showing up again and again, day by day, with a heart that wants more of Jesus. That, Lovely, is worth every bit of celebration.
Lovely, I know how easy it is to start a new Bible reading plan with good intentions and then feel like you’re drowning in guilt when it doesn’t go perfectly. But here’s the thing I’ve learned—especially in the chaos of work deadlines, toddler tantrums, and trying to remember if anyone fed the cat—it’s not about being perfect. It’s about making space for God in your real, ordinary, everyday life. That’s where the most beautiful growth happens.
This summer, I want you to approach your Bible reading with freedom and joy. Let it be a source of strength and refreshment for your heart, not another thing to check off your list. Let it meet you in the morning rush, during your lunch break, or in those quiet moments after bedtime stories and bath time. Scripture isn’t reserved for perfect people with perfect routines—it’s for the tired, the busy, the hopeful, and the seeking. That means it’s for you.
Even if all you manage is a single verse while reheating your coffee for the third time, that time in God’s Word is never wasted. He sees your effort, your hunger for Him, and He delights in your desire to know Him more deeply. So keep showing up, in the big ways and the small. Because those little, faithful moments? They add up to something beautiful.
Now I want to hear from you! What’s the hardest part about sticking to a Bible reading plan in this season of your life? Is it the time? The motivation? The toddler who seems to have a sixth sense for when you’re trying to read in peace? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on and encourage you however I can!
