The M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s 1842 calendar: four short readings a day that take you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice in a year.
- Pace
- 4 chapters a day
- Length
- Jan 1 – Dec 31
- Time
- About 15–20 minutes
How the plan works
Each day has four readings that move through four different parts of the Bible at once. On January 1 you read Genesis 1, Matthew 1, Ezra 1 and Acts 1. Each column keeps going from there, so on any day you are reading from the Law or History, the Gospels, the Prophets or Wisdom books, and the Letters or Psalms.
M’Cheyne labeled the first two readings Family and the second two Secret: two to read together at home, and two to read on your own. Click any reading below to open it on Bible Gateway, and check off each day as you go.
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Questions
What is the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan?
A one-year calendar written in 1842 by Robert Murray M’Cheyne, a minister in Dundee, Scotland. It has four readings a day and takes you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice in a year.
What do “Family” and “Secret” mean?
M’Cheyne meant two readings to be read together as a household (Family) and two to be read alone in private devotion (Secret). Many people today simply read all four, or read two a day and finish the plan in two years.
How long does it take each day?
Most days are four chapters, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes to read.
What if I fall behind?
Skip ahead to today’s date and keep going. M’Cheyne himself warned against letting a plan become a burden; the goal is a steady habit, not a perfect record.
Can I start in the middle of the year?
Yes. Start on today’s date. By the same date next year you will have read the whole plan.