How to Teach Your Son to Read the Bible Daily (and he'll actually Want To)

A Pastoral Guide for Dads with Pre-Teen and Teenage Sons

Introduction:Every Christian dad dreams of seeing his son open the Bible each day with eagerness. Yet many of us face the reality of a teenage son who’s busy, distracted, or even resistant when it comes to Bible reading. Take heart—you are not alone. God has entrusted fathers with the joyful responsibility of guiding our children in His Word. Scripture encourages us, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children…” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Likewise, Proverbs 22:6 reminds us that when we “train up a child in the way he should go…when he is old, he will not depart from it.” In other words, the seeds you plant now can bear lifelong fruit. And although studies show about 70% of church-raised youth drift from faith after high school, making intentional discipleship all the more critical, there is great hope: with patience, creativity, and the Holy Spirit’s help, you can inspire your son not just to read the Bible out of duty, but to truly desire God’s Word.

The Biblical Call to Fatherly Discipleship

God’s Word makes it clear that parents – and particularly fathers – play a key role in the spiritual training of their children. In Ephesians 6:4, fathers are urged to bring up their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This is not about imposing religion, but about lovingly shepherding your son’s heart. Your goal is to “teach them diligently” as you go about life (Deuteronomy 6:7), weaving Scripture into daily conversations and routines. Think of it as walking alongside your son on the path of faith, rather than pushing from behind. This biblical mandate isn’t meant to burden you with guilt, but to encourage you that your investment has lasting impact. When you consistently point your son to God’s truth, you are obeying God’s call and setting your child on a firm foundation – one that, by God’s grace, will stay with him even when he leaves your home (Prov. 22:6). Take courage: God will equip you as you seek to lead your son spiritually. I have seen even small, faithful efforts by dads bear fruit in due time. God honors our obedience, and He loves your son even more than you do. He will walk with both of you in this journey.

Understanding Your Teen’s World

Before diving into how to cultivate daily Bible reading, it helps to understand the mindset of a 12–18 year-old boy. Your son’s world is likely fast-paced and filled with school, sports, friends, and constant digital entertainment. In that mix, sitting down to read an ancient text might not be his first choice. He may be busy and claim he “doesn’t have time.” He might be occasionally resistant, he may experience peer pressure as he's trying to fit in and "be cool", seeing daily Bible reading as just another chore or something that’s being forced on him. This is normal – teenagers crave a sense of independence and often push back on habits that feel like obligations. However, beneath the surface, most teens are also craving meaning and purpose. They wonder about their identity, their future, and whether faith is relevant to real life. Many young men long for authenticity; they can sense hypocrisy a mile away and will be far more engaged by what’s real and heartfelt than by any mere duty. Knowing this, we can approach our sons with empathy. Acknowledge the challenges and temptations they face, and frame Bible reading not as a mere rule, but as an exciting journey to discover truth and purpose for their lives. When a teen sees how Scripture speaks to his deepest questions and struggles, it can ignite a genuine desire rather than just external compliance. Keep this teenage perspective in mind as you guide him—it will help you disciple him with both compassion and relevance.

Lead by Example – Let Him Catch You in the Word

One of the most powerful ways to teach your son to love the Bible is to model that love yourself. Teens are experts at noticing whether we practice what we preach. If you tell him to read his Bible but never crack open yours, the lesson will likely fall flat. On the other hand, when he regularly “catches” you reading Scripture, praying, and living it out, you send a clear message that God’s Word is valuable. In the early years especially, parents should “guide and model” spiritual habits as kids learn consistency. So make it a habit for yourself to spend time in God’s Word daily – perhaps early in the morning or in the evening after work. Let your son see you with an open Bible, or share at dinner about a verse that struck you that day. You don’t need to be a Bible scholar or have all the answers. Simply demonstrate that you are also a man under God’s Word, continually learning and growing. You could say something like, “I was reading in Psalms today and it really helped me with something I was worrying about.” Comments like that show that the Bible is not just a religious duty; it’s a source of guidance and comfort for you, and it can be for him too. Additionally, consider setting up a routine where occasionally you and your son read together. Maybe Sunday evenings you read the coming week’s Bible passages from a devotional plan, or each morning you both read the same chapter separately and mention one insight later. Leading by example sometimes means doing it with him: “Let’s read James chapter 1 this week and talk about it on Saturday.” Your willingness to walk alongside him in Scripture shows humility and commitment. Remember, as Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). By faithfully leading, you invite your son to follow.

Make Daily Bible Time Engaging and Relevant

If you want your son to actually want to read the Bible, it’s important to make the experience engaging, accessible, and relevant to his life. Here are some practical strategies to consider:

• Choose an Easy-to-Understand Translation: Handing a 13-year-old a King James Version and expecting enthusiasm might backfire. Consider getting him a Bible translation that’s accurate but readable, such as the NIV, ESV, CSB, or NLT. Even paraphrased versions or a teen study Bible can help bring the stories and lessons to life in modern language. The goal is for him to understand what he reads without getting discouraged by archaic wording.

• Use a Structured Reading Plan: Many teens do well with clear goals. Instead of saying “read your Bible more,” provide a plan. For example, challenge him to read the entire New Testament in a year – roughly one chapter a day – and give him a simple checklist to track progress. Seeing his completion checkmarks grow can motivate him. There are also topical plans (on the YouVersion Bible app or in devotional books) tailored for teens, covering themes like anxiety, identity, or wisdom. Pick one that resonates with his current life questions.

• Leverage Technology and Creative Media: If your son is always on his phone or tablet, leverage that for scripture engagement. There are excellent Bible apps that send daily verse reminders or devotional snippets. With younger kids or pre-teens, I recommend limiting screen time as well, but audio Bibles are great for listening on the go – maybe during the ride to school or while he’s shooting hoops in the driveway. Some apps even gamify the experience (streaks for daily reading, achievement badges, etc.) which can hook a teen’s competitive side. You might also watch a short video (like a BibleProject video) together that explains a book or theme of the Bible in an interesting visual way. Integrating these modern tools can help the Bible feel more approachable and relevant in a digital age.

• Make it Interactive: Encourage your son to ask questions about what he reads. Teenagers are naturally curious and sometimes skeptical – that’s okay! If he encounters a confusing passage or a challenging concept, invite him to talk about it. Say, “Anything interesting or weird in today’s chapter?” Let him know it’s safe to question and discuss. If you don’t know the answer, that’s an opportunity to explore together (look it up, ask a pastor, or use a commentary). This turns Bible reading from a solo duty into a dialog. It shows him that God isn’t afraid of our questions and that digging into Scripture can be a rewarding adventure of discovery, not just reading words on a page.

• Tie Scripture to His Life: Help your son see how the Bible connects with his everyday experiences. If he’s dealing with stress at school, point out how Philippians 4:6-7 speaks about anxiety, or if he’s struggling with a friend issue, discuss a proverb about friendship. When the Bible addresses real-life issues he cares about, it stops being abstract and becomes personal. You can also encourage him to apply what he reads: maybe after reading about kindness, he looks for one kind thing to do that day. Even small applications will help him see the Bible as living and relevant (James 1:22).

• Try a Fun Challenge Together: Sometimes a short-term challenge can jumpstart engagement. For example, choose a month and commit to a father-son Bible challenge. One idea is to read a chapter of Proverbs a day for 31 days (since Proverbs has 31 chapters) (Project Landon (1).pdf). The bite-sized wisdom in Proverbs can spark great conversation and is highly practical for a young man. Or take a 30-day Gospel challenge where you read through one of the Gospels together. Make it fun – perhaps whoever completes their reading for the week gets to pick the ice cream flavor for Sunday night. Little rewards or friendly competitions can motivate your teen initially, but always remind him (and yourself) of the bigger purpose too.

  
  

The key is to present Bible reading not as a boring duty, but as a dynamic part of life. Vary the approach when things get stale. You might read aloud to each other some days, or use a devotional that includes a short story, or even take the Bible outside — sit on the porch or go to a park and read in a new environment. By keeping it fresh and relevant, you help your son taste the goodness of God’s Word in ways that resonate with his personality and interests. Over time, he’ll likely find his favorite way to connect with Scripture. Give him the freedom to discover that, and cheer him on when he does.

From Discipline to Desire: Guiding His Heart

In the early stages, building a daily Bible reading habit might feel more like discipline than desire for your son. That’s okay. Habits take time to form, and sometimes we all need external structure to get going. As his dad, you can provide gentle accountability and routine to help make Bible reading a normal part of his day. For instance, you might agree on a specific time each day for Scripture. Some families find that right after breakfast or before bedtime works well. Others do it immediately after school to decompress with God’s Word. Find a time that fits his schedule and commit to it. In the beginning, this might mean reminders from you. Don’t be afraid to prompt him: “Have you had your quiet time today? Let’s do ours now.” Keep the tone positive and encouraging, not nagging or guilt-driven. Perhaps do a weekly check-in: on Sundays, ask him to share one thing he learned during the week’s readings. Discussing what he found interesting or confusing shows that you care about his experience and growth. It can also lead to meaningful conversations about faith. Remember to listen more than you lecture in these moments—let him express his thoughts, and affirm him for engaging with Scripture.

As time goes on, aim to transition from enforcing a routine to inspiring a passion. The external structure is only a scaffold; the goal is an internal motivation where your son personally wants to spend time with God. How do you encourage that shift? One way is to regularly explain the “why” behind the habit. Talk about how reading the Bible isn’t just a task on a checklist, but a way to know God and gain wisdom. You might say, “I’ve found I’m a lot less anxious on days I read God’s promises” or “Reading the Bible helps me make better decisions at work because it reminds me of what’s right.” Help him connect the dots: a teenager might not immediately see how ancient stories relate to his life, but you can highlight the benefits you observe. Emphasize that spending time in Scripture will shape his character, guide him in challenges, and keep him close to God – it’s not magic, but over months and years, it transforms us from the inside out. Indeed, consistently being in God’s Word will “transform [his] character and keep him close to God”, as you can remind him.

Another key step is to gradually give him ownership of his spiritual routine. Maybe at 12 or 13, you’re heavily involved in keeping him on track. By 16 or 17, you should be encouraging him to take the lead. This might mean he chooses a different reading plan that interests him, or he decides to switch up his devotion time to lunch break at school because that works better for him. Celebrate those initiatives—it shows his faith is becoming his own. If he starts initiating Bible discussions or even gently reminding you about devotions, that’s a great sign! Continue to support but also step back little by little, indicating your trust in his growing maturity. It’s similar to teaching him to ride a bike: at first you hold the seat, but eventually you have to let go and let him pedal on his own. Yes, he might wobble or miss a day (or a week). When that happens, resist the urge to scold. Instead, come alongside with grace: “I know it’s hard to keep a routine during exam week. How about we start fresh together tomorrow?” Encourage repentance and restarting rather than wallowing in guilt. Remind him that God’s mercies are new every morning, and the Word will be there waiting – the important thing is always to return to it.

Through this process, pray earnestly for your son’s heart. External habits are important, but only God can ignite a genuine love for His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your son each time he reads, to make the words “come alive” to him. Over time, as your son experiences God personally through Scripture – maybe a verse encourages him on a tough day, or he finds an unexpected answer to a problem – his attitude can shift from “I have to do my devotions” to “I want to hear what God has to say.” That is the sweet spot we’re aiming for. Be patient; this heart change is often gradual. But it does happen. I’ve seen sullen, uninterested teens become young men who wake up early to read the Bible by their own choice. Such transformations are a work of God, but they are often catalyzed by faithful dads who kept at it. Trust that the seeds you’re sowing now, even if done with a bit of insistence, can bloom into a sincere passion for Jesus in your son’s life.

Encouragement for Dads Who Feel Discouraged

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “I wish I had started earlier,” or “I haven’t been consistent myself, so how can I lead my son?” Perhaps your son is already halfway through high school and you fear it’s too late to instill a new habit. Dad- let me encourage you: it is never too late to influence your child spiritually. God’s grace covers our past shortcomings. What matters now is moving forward with love and intention. Even if your son is older, you can still have a heartfelt conversation: “I know I haven’t really prioritized this before, but I’ve realized how important it is. Can we start fresh and try reading the Bible together?” Such honesty and humility can have a powerful impact. Teenagers respect authenticity; admitting your own desire to grow might actually inspire him. Remember, we also serve a God of miracles.

If you feel behind in your own Bible knowledge, that’s alright too. You don’t need a theology degree to lead your family. In fact, you can learn alongside your son. If he asks a tough question you can’t answer, use it as an opportunity to show him how a Christian seeks answers – perhaps you two look up the answer together or ask a mentor. This teaches him that not knowing everything is normal, and that growth is a lifelong journey. Your willingness to study or grapple with Scripture shows him that it’s worth our effort. Remember, your job is not to have all the answers, but to point him to the One who does have all the answers.

Also, don’t be discouraged if your son isn’t leaping out of bed at 6 AM to read Leviticus. Progress can be slow and teens may not express enthusiasm outwardly even if God is working inwardly. Look for small signs of growth: maybe he mentions a verse that meant something to him, or he volunteers a prayer you didn’t expect, or simply he goes along with the routine without griping – those are wins! Acknowledge and praise these positives: “I’m really proud of how you stuck with the Bible plan this week” or “It was great to hear what you got from that story of David, I hadn’t thought of it that way.” Positive reinforcement encourages his heart far more than criticism. Yes, there might be off weeks or seasons of dryness. When discouragement comes, recall the promise that “in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Your faithful labor as a dad is planting seeds that may sprout later than you expect, but they will sprout in God’s timing.

Finally, remember you are not doing this alone. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures is at work in your son’s heart, and in yours. You can’t force your son to love the Bible – that’s the Holy Spirit’s job – but you can create the conditions for that love to grow. Continue to pray for your son daily. Prayer is your most powerful tool. Pray that God gives him a “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Pray for wisdom to know how to reach his heart. And pray for patience and perseverance for yourself, because this is a marathon, not a sprint. Connect with other fathers or men at church for support – you might find they share similar struggles, and you can encourage each other. Sometimes hearing that another dad kept at it and saw fruit can fuel you to do the same.

Persevere and Trust the Holy Spirit

Dad, your desire to teach your son to read the Bible daily is a noble and God-honoring desire. There will be days it feels like you’re not making any difference, but every time you open the Word with your boy or ask him about what he’s reading, you are watering a seed. Keep watering. Trust that God is working underground in your son’s soul in ways you can’t yet see. The Bible promises that God’s Word “shall not return empty, but shall accomplish that which [He] purposes” (Isaiah 55:11). So even when it seems like your son isn’t fully on board, God can still be planting truths in his heart that will bear fruit in time. Your role is to stay faithful, stay loving, and keep the Word in front of him in a life-giving way. Ultimately, you must entrust your son to God. You provide the input; the Holy Spirit provides the increase.

As you persevere, imagine the day – perhaps years from now – when your son is no longer under your roof. The habit of turning to Scripture you’ve instilled will be a compass for him in college, in his career, and one day in his own family. By God’s grace, he will not depart from it when he is older, just as Proverbs 22:6 encourages us. And even if he strays for a season (some do), the truths he learned won’t easily leave him. The Lord can use those embedded scriptures to draw him back. There is immense hope in that.

In closing, I want to leave you with a heartfelt pastoral encouragement and a prayer:

A Prayer for You and Your Son:Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of my son. I confess that I need Your help to guide him well. Please give me wisdom and patience as I encourage him to know You through Your Word. Soften my son’s heart by Your Holy Spirit – give him a genuine desire to seek You. Help me to model a love for Scripture and to make our times in Your Word joyful and meaningful. When I grow weary, strengthen me, and remind me that You are at work even when I cannot see it. I trust You with my boy’s life and faith. Please let Your Word be a lamp to his feet and a light to his path, now and all his days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep going, dad. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain. By faithfully teaching your son to read the Bible daily – and modeling a delight in God’s Word – you are doing one of the most important things a father can do. It may start as your priority, but in time, by God’s grace, it will become his priority. Day by day, verse by verse, you are helping write God’s truth on your son’s heart. And that is a legacy that will last far beyond today, into eternity. Be encouraged: as you plant and water, God will make it grow (1 Corinthians 3:7). Keep trusting Him to do the heart work that only He can do, and continue loving your son by pointing him to the life-giving words of Scripture. He won’t always admit it, but he will one day rise up and call you blessed for it. Stay the course, and watch how God moves in your family.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 1:4.