What’s the best time to read your Bible? Is there a right answer?
In this conversation, the GoodKind team explores how our daily and seasonal rhythms impact our spiritual habits—especially Bible reading. Rather than offer one-size-fits-all answers, this guide offers grace, creativity, and practical wisdom for choosing the right time to engage with God’s Word.
Timing Matters—Biblically and Practically
From the beginning, Scripture acknowledges time as a meaningful part of how we live. The creation story is framed by rhythm—"there was evening and morning." God hardwired cycles of time into creation itself.
But unlike modern culture obsessed with the minute-by-minute grind, the Bible emphasizes seasons, moments, and patterns. So it's worth asking: when is the right moment—for you—to engage Scripture?
Rethinking Morning Quiet Times
There’s a long tradition of morning devotion, including examples from Jesus’ own life. For many, early in the day is quiet, distraction-free, and focused—making it a natural time to read, reflect, or pray.
But if that doesn’t fit your season of life, brain chemistry, or work schedule—you’re not doing it wrong. It’s not about checking a box first thing. It’s about engaging meaningfully, whenever you can.
For many people, that happens best in the morning, before the business and routines of life interrupt. So, it's worth a serious try. But if it's not working, there are endless other options for when you can meaningfully engage with God.
Bible Reading While Doing Something Else
Not every quiet time has to be… quiet. If you're already walking, driving, or exercising, try listening to an audio Bible. You’re alone, focused, and present. That counts.
This habit-stacking approach is a great way to integrate Scripture into existing rhythms without adding pressure. It’s not lesser—it’s just different.
Listen to an audio Bible as you go through your warm-up or cool-down routines as part of your workout. Read a Psalm as you brush your teeth. Listen to a podcast (like ours!) on your morning commute. Find something you're already doing, and simply infuse Scripture to a routine that's already working.
The Case for Midday Scripture
Scripture talks about meditating on God’s Word "day and night." So why not also lunchtime? Or the 3 p.m. slump, when you instinctively reach for your phone?
Midday moments are perfect for short engagement—a Psalm, a verse, or a quick audio reflection. Even 3-5 minutes of Scripture can re-center your day and invite God into the in-between.
Taking breaks is natural and necessary—but make it a break with a bit of Scripture involved, and you're inviting real, soul rest into your day.
Match Your Bible Study to the Season
Some seasons are great for deep study. Others lend themselves better to devotionals or simpler habits.
Try in-depth Bible studies during the spring or fall—natural reset points in the year. Save summer or Advent for lighter, daily devotionals. Think of it like academic semesters: some times of year are simply better suited to focus.
It's about finding the right combination of motivation, time, and momentum. After holidays can be a great time to start, as you return from a break in your regular rhythms and start again with your daily and weekly habits.
Beware the Weekend Trap (And Be Gracious)
The best days to read your Bible are these: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
A five-day Bible rhythm might be more sustainable for a lot of people than expecting seven. Monday to Friday aligns with most people’s workweek and habits.
If you miss Saturday? That’s okay. If Sunday looks different because of church? That’s okay too. The goal isn’t guilt—it’s grace-fueled consistency.
Final Encouragement: Give Yourself Permission
You don’t need to be a morning person to engage God’s Word. You don’t need to follow someone else’s plan. The best time to read your Bible is when you’re most able to listen to God—whether it’s dawn, midday, or during an evening walk.
Consistency matters. But grace matters more. Miss today? Simply adjust your plan if need be, and try again tomorrow.
Listen to the full conversation on The GoodKind Podcast, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!