Here are two Bible reading plans to begin 2026.
- Also, please click here to listen to the "Pray the Word" with David Platt podcast that will also coincide with Plan A.
- Click here to subscribe to the Apple Podcast of Pray the Word.
Plan B: The Bible Recap (TBR) is a popular Bible reading system created by Tara-Leigh Cobble. It is designed specifically for people who have tried to read the Bible before but felt confused, bored, or overwhelmed.
The program's slogan is: "Read, understand, and love the Bible."
1. The Core Format
The plan follows a "Read, then Recap" daily rhythm:
The Reading: You read (or listen to) about 2–3 chapters of the Bible each day. This usually takes around 10–12 minutes.
The Recap: After reading, you listen to a podcast, watch a YouTube video, or read a chapter in the companion book. Tara-Leigh provides an 8-minute summary explaining the context, connecting the day's text to the rest of the Bible, and identifying "The God Shot" (where God’s character is visible in that passage).
2. Key Features
Chronological Order: Unlike traditional Bibles that are organized by genre (History, Poetry, Prophecy), this plan follows the timeline of events. This helps the story feel more like a cohesive narrative rather than a collection of random books.
"The God Shot": At the end of every recap, the host points out one specific attribute of God shown in that day's reading. The goal is to look for God's character rather than just looking for a "to-do" list.
Accessibility: It is available for free as a podcast (Spotify, Apple) and as a reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App.
Flexibility: While many start on January 1st, the plan is designed to be "start-anytime." There is also a 3-month New Testament-only version if a full year feels too daunting.
3. Resources Available
While the basic podcast and reading plan are free, the ecosystem includes:
The Bible Recap Book: A printed version of the podcast transcripts for those who prefer reading over listening.
Study Guides & Journals: Daily tools to help you dig deeper and record your thoughts.
TBR Kids: Simplified versions for younger readers.
4. Why It's Popular
TBR is widely praised for being approachable. Tara-Leigh uses a "casual, but deep" tone—she doesn't use overly academic language, but she also doesn't shy away from difficult or controversial passages. It focuses on the idea that "He's where the joy is," making the experience feel more like a relationship than a chore.
To get started with The Bible Recap, you can use the following official links to access the reading plan and daily summaries across different platforms:
Getting Started
: The best place to start. Check out theThe Bible Recap Official Website for a step-by-step guide and "Prep Episodes" to set you up for success.Start Page : This is the official 365-day chronological reading plan. It tracks your progress and provides links to the daily recap podcast right inside the app.YouVersion Bible App Plan Listen to the Daily Recap
Once you've finished your daily reading, you can listen to the 8-minute summary here:
(Great if you prefer closed captioning or visual context)YouTube