What Is the McChain Reading Chart? An Easy Guide from Understanding to Practical Routine

Most people looking for the McChain Reading Chart aren’t just after a simple schedule — they’re also wondering, “How can I read consistently till the end?” It’s easy to lose momentum after just a few days or feel weighed down when falling behind. So, in this post, I’ll walk you through the concept and features of the McChain Reading Chart, how it differs from other plans, and practical tips for maintaining it.

1. What Is the McChain Reading Chart?

The McChain Reading Chart is a Bible reading plan proposed by Robert Murray McCheyne. It usually involves reading four passages each day, two from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. Following this schedule means reading the New Testament and Psalms twice a year, and the Old Testament once annually.

The strength of this method isn’t just dividing up the content. By reading several different parts of the Bible together, it helps you see how all of Scripture is interconnected within the overarching story of redemption.

For example, on days when you read Genesis while also reading the Gospels or Pauline epistles, it becomes clearer that these books aren’t isolated but part of God’s unified story of salvation. So, the McChain chart isn’t just about “reading a lot,” but about “viewing Scripture as a whole.”

If this approach feels unfamiliar, it’s helpful to start by reading What Is the McChain Bible Reading? first.

2. How Does It Differ from Other Bible Reading Plans?

The main feature of the McChain reading plan is simultaneous reading. Reading Scripture sequentially from Genesis to Revelation can make the flow easier to follow, but it might also cause your perspective to narrow over time. Conversely, the McChain method involves reading multiple passages at once each day, allowing you to see connections between laws, gospels, historical books, and epistles.

Naturally, this can feel scattered at first, as your focus shifts frequently. The key isn’t whether this method is perfect but whether it helps you remain consistent. The goal of Bible reading isn’t just ticking off chapters, but dwelling in God’s Word.

Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” The reading plan is a tool to foster that delight, not a standard to condemn ourselves.

If you’re curious about the significance of reading the whole Bible, you might also want to check out Why Is Reading the Whole Bible Important?.

3. Starting the McChain Reading Chart—How to Minimize Burnout

Instead of aiming for perfect, uninterrupted days right from the start, focus on building a sustainable routine.

① Break Your Reading into Smaller Segments

On days when reading four passages all at once feels overwhelming, split it into two sessions — two in the morning and two in the evening. Reading a couple of chapters before work and the rest at night is perfectly manageable.

② Set a Short Intention Before You Read

For example, pray briefly: “Lord, teach me through Your Word today.” Starting with a short prayer shifts your focus from just reading to meeting God through His Word.

③ Focus on One Verse, Not the Entire Reading

Even if you finish your reading, it’s easy to forget what you read if nothing sticks. But if one verse stays with you, that Word can stay in your heart longer. For instance, Joshua 1:8 says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

After reading, ask yourself, “What is the one verse that stayed with me today?” That alone can make your devotion more meaningful.

If meditating feels difficult right now, check out What Is Meditation?.

4. Practical Routine—The 20-Minute Daily Practice

People who stick with the McChain plan tend to develop a steady rhythm rather than relying on grand resolutions:

• 1 min: Calm your mind before starting
• 12 min: Read two of the four passages first
• 3 min: Underline and jot down key words
• 4 min: Read the remaining two passages in the evening

In the evening, briefly re-read what you underlined or marked, then revisit the verse or word you chose in the morning. This creates a natural connection between reading and meditation.

When you forget what to read, check Today’s McChain Reading Chart. If you get interrupted or stop midway, use the Progress Calculator to track where you are.

To develop a consistent Bible reading habit, you might also find 7 Tips for a Bible Reading Routine helpful.

5. Remember One Key Point When You Fall Behind

It’s inevitable that you’ll miss some days following the plan. Many might think, “It’s all ruined now.” But Bible reading isn’t an exam you fail after one mistake. God isn’t waiting for us to be perfect before welcoming us back.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

If you miss a day, today can be a fresh start. Instead of trying to catch up all at once, re-engage with your current portion. Starting fresh today is more sustainable than trying to make up multiple missed days.

6. The True Goal of the McChain Reading Chart: Transformation, Not Completion

Ultimately, the purpose of the McChain reading plan isn’t just to complete a year’s schedule but to become a person shaped by Scripture. At first, you follow the plan mechanically, but over time, the Word begins to shape your thoughts and decisions. That’s where real fruit appears.

For those about to re-open the McChain reading chart today, what you need isn’t huge motivation but small acts of obedience repeated consistently. As Psalm 1:2 reminds us, delight in God’s Word and taking one step back to it each day are vital. Sometimes, days you read more aren’t as valuable as days you return to the Word.

A single verse, a moment of obedience, or a small step today can become lifelong habits. In those habits, God gradually molds us into His likeness.