Bible Reading Tips For Busy Moms
As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to “do it all”. We want to read our Bibles and stay consistent in the Word, but life is pulling us in all directions.
The kids need to go to sports, dinner needs to be prepped, the stove needs a deep clean, the dang junk drawer won’t close, and don’t forget your load of laundry that’s been in the dryer for a minute now.
We are called and pulled in so many directions as moms. I especially relate as a homeschool mom who is also responsible for educating my kids throughout the day.
Not to mention my own “self-care” if you will. Got to get a solid night’s sleep, want to get my exercise time in, try to get my 10k steps, don’t forget the healthy meals I’d like to prioritize.
The list is truly unending.
As a Christian, Bible time should be priority number 1, but it doesn’t seem to have the same pull as all these other tasks that feel more time-sensitive.
I know that my actual self-care is to sit with Jesus. To read His word, to be refreshed and renewed by it.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path“
Psalm 119:105
We know we need to read our Bibles. We know it’s life-giving, we know we’ll be better wives, moms, and friends for it. Not to mention God calls us to know His word.
But it sometimes feels like a heavy burden rather than a gift.
Even knowing that, it can still feel like a struggle to be in the Word regularly, and sometimes it can feel equally as intimidating.
I want to give you some tips from a Christian mom, who has not perfected this, but is striving towards a better routine and relationship with reading my word.
The good news is that God isn’t asking for perfection. He isn’t waiting for you to have an uninterrupted hour, a spotless house, or the perfect morning routine before inviting you into His presence. He wants your heart.
Building a consistent Bible-reading habit doesn’t require dramatic life changes. Often, it’s the small, faithful choices made day after day that deepen our relationship with Christ over time.
If you’ve been longing to spend more time in God’s Word but aren’t sure where to start, or you’ve struggled to stay consistent, these simple Bible reading tips will help you create a grace-filled rhythm that fits your real life, even in your busiest seasons.
1. Choose a Bible You Enjoy Reading
- The translation matters less than whether you’ll open it (though I do recommend a sound and trusted translation)
- Consider readability, font size, and margins
- If beautiful pages and note-taking inspire you, then that’s great!
My personal favorite Bible is the Love God Greatly Bible. It’s beautifully designed, with a leather-soft cover. Includes a SOAP method of studying and also includes personal testimonies from women around the world.
During this season of life, which has been a little challenging, my sweet friend gifted me this wonderful NIV Encouragement Bible. I have found many moments of hope and peace reading the personal testimonies and using the quick verse guides that are placed throughout.
If you love to beautify your Bible-reading experience, grab a pretty notebook, use lovely highlighters, and organize your reading with books of the Bible tabs, or try these adorable bookmarks! There are no rules here 😉
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend Bibles, books, and resources that I genuinely use, love, or believe will encourage your walk with Christ.
2. Start Where Your Heart Needs It Most
Instead of forcing yourself through a reading plan you dread:
- Find a study on anxiety if you’re overwhelmed.
- Read Psalms when you’re exhausted.
- Explore motherhood passages.
- Dive into forgiveness, joy, hope, or peace, depending on your season.
I recently finished this amazing study on Elijah by Priscilla Shirer. It is theologically deep but broken up into easily digestible weeks and sections. I thought it was very relatable and insightful!
Finding a Bible-in-a-year reading plan is great, too. I’ve gone through Tara Leigh Coble’s Bible Recap a few times now and thought it was great.
Remember, Bible reading is about meeting with God, not simply finishing a plan.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
3. Let Go of Intimidation
Many moms think they need:
- the perfect study setup
- an hour of quiet
- deep theological knowledge
- every answer before they begin
You don’t.
God isn’t waiting for perfect Bible scholars. He’s inviting His daughters to know Him one page at a time.
Don’t feel intimidated by the Word of God. If you want some study tools, check out Blue Letter Bible or Through The Word ( I love their App) to help you think through difficult passages or to define unknown words.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebews 4:16
4. Commit to a Time – Not a Length of Time
This is one of my favorite tips because it’s so freeing.
Instead of saying:
“I’ll read for 30 minutes.”
Say:
“I’ll open my Bible every morning while my coffee brews.”
Or:
- before everyone wakes up
- during nap time
- after dinner
- before bed
The habit is opening your Bible. Some days it may be five minutes. Other days thirty.
Consistency helps to build a lifelong rhythm.
If having a simple way to stay encouraged helps you stay consistent, download my free Bible Reading Tracker. It’s an easy way to celebrate progress without adding pressure or another complicated system to your day.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
5. Don’t Let Distractions Become Defeat
As busy moms, we will be interrupted.
Kids wake up.
Phones buzz.
Laundry calls.
Someone needs a snack.
Instead of thinking,
“I guess I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Simply come back.
A distracted Bible study isn’t a failed Bible study.
Every verse you read still matters. Not to mention I’ve grown to appreciate my littles around while I’m reading and studying. For one, they are witnessing Mama doing the most important thing. They see me prioritizing it and normalizing it. Secondly, it often leads to spiritually rich conversations.
They will ask, “What are you reading?” or oftentimes, I love what I’ve just read so much that I stop everyone and make them listen to me read a few verses. Hopefully they’ll appreciate that later 😉
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galations 6:9
6. Read For Connection, Not Completion
Many moms quietly believe success means:
- finishing the yearly Bible plan
- checking today’s box
- reading multiple chapters
Instead, I’d encourage you to slow down and digest what you’re reading slowly. It’s not a race.
One verse that changes your heart is more valuable than five chapters you barely remember.
Reading God’s word isn’t about productivity—it’s about knowing God.
One of the best Bible-reading tips I have received is, “When reading the Bible, don’t look for YOU, look for GOD.”
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
James 4:8
7. Bonus: If You Can Do Nothing Else, Pray
If today is one of those impossible days…
Pray while folding laundry, in the school pickup line, pray while washing dishes.
Tell God you’re tired. Ask Him to help you desire His Word.
Prayer keeps your heart turned toward Him even when life feels chaotic.
You don’t have to choose between praying and reading Scripture—they work beautifully together.
Remember, Faithfulness Matters More Than Perfection
There will be days when your Bible study is quiet and uninterrupted. There will also be days when you’re reading one verse while a toddler asks for a snack, the laundry is waiting to be folded, and your homeschool lessons are about to begin.
Both kinds of days matter.
God isn’t asking you to be perfect; He’s inviting you to remain close to Him. As you faithfully return to His Word, even in small moments, you’ll find that He uses those moments to shape your heart, strengthen your faith, and prepare you to lead your family well.
In Deuteronomy 6:6–7, we’re reminded:
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Notice that Scripture isn’t presented as something separate from everyday life. It’s woven into ordinary moments—around the dinner table, during walks, at bedtime, and as we begin each new day. As we spend time in God’s Word ourselves, we’re better equipped to naturally share His truth with our children throughout the rhythms of family life.
If you’d like a simple way to build a consistent Bible reading habit without adding more pressure to your schedule, I’ve created a free Bible Reading Tracker just for you. It’s an encouraging, printable resource designed to help you stay consistent, celebrate your progress, and keep your focus on growing closer to God—one day at a time.
Download your free Bible Reading Tracker today and begin building a grace-filled rhythm of spending time in God’s Word.
In the journey with you,
Helping Christian homeschool families build peaceful rhythms rooted in an eternal perspective.
