10 Popular Bible Studies for Women

Choosing a Bible study for women can feel overwhelming. You want the right one for the season you’re in right now, whether that’s a time of trials, a hunger to grow closer to God, or looking for the perfect gift for a woman who needs encouragement.

Each study below has its own strengths. Some are written for a particular season of life, and others fit women at every stage. If you only have a minute, start with my top three.

Bible studies for women compared

How I chose: I compared each study’s focus, format and length, and weighed what women consistently say they love about each one.

1. Best Overall: Determined: Living Like Jesus in Every Moment

Each day is a precious gift, and it’s easy to miss what we give up when we don’t use it well. Heather M. Dixon guides you through living like Jesus in every moment, drawing on her own story of leaning on Him in the hardest situations.

Women who have gone through it often call it a must-have, and say Dixon makes even familiar verses come alive again.

2. Best for Hard Seasons: It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Study Guide

If you find yourself asking “why is this happening to me?”, this study can help. It won’t fix the problem in front of you, but it can give you the strength to come through a season of disappointment, loss and pain.

It also gives you tools to walk alongside friends in their own hard seasons. It’s written to be a blessing to you, so you can be a blessing to others.

3. Best Devotional Study: Women of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study

This bestselling one-year study focuses on the women of the Bible, their successes and their struggles. Seeing both sides of each woman can give you encouragement and strength for your own struggles.

It includes a timeline of the women of the Bible, a list of women in Jesus’ family tree, and the women in His life and ministry. It also makes a lovely gift.

4. Best for Self-Worth: You Are Enough

You Are Enough helps women feel loved and known, with a clear message: you are fearfully and wonderfully made. It tells the stories of women in the Bible, their hopes, dreams and struggles, and shows how turning to God brings comfort when you feel overwhelmed.

Readers describe it as enlightening, inspiring and uplifting, and some say they read it in one sitting.

5. Best Book Study: Ruth: God’s Amazing Love For You

This in-depth study walks verse by verse through the story of Ruth and Boaz. You’ll see Ruth’s courage in her challenges, and how God used an imperfect family, and how He can use you too.

Free companion videos on the Women Living Well website add even more.

6. Best for Finding Meaning: Ecclesiastes: Wisdom For Living Well

A good life is about much more than what this world offers. This study takes you through Ecclesiastes verse by verse, unpacking its wisdom on how to live well and draw closer to the Father. Women Living Well has resources online to go with it.

7. Best for Prayer: The Armor of God

Priscilla Shirer helps you put on the armor of God and keep it on. The study turns discouragement and trials into opportunities to pray, and it’s simple enough for a beginner while rich enough for women who know Scripture well.

8. Best for Hearing God: Discerning the Voice of God

This revised edition adds new exercises, illustrations and stories, plus insight from Dr. Tony Evans. The daily studies give practical help for recognizing the tone, character and clear message of the Holy Spirit.

9. Best for Unanswered Prayer: When God Doesn’t Fix It

Laura Story has lived through a lesson she wishes she never had to learn. Knowing the author has sat where you’re sitting is an encouragement in itself, and she shares how she found joy and comfort in God when things didn’t change.

10. Best for Families: Advent: The Weary World Rejoices

Learn the real meaning of the season and why it should draw us to worship. Each week includes activities for teens and kids, and the study teaches how to extend joy, peace and love to others all year round.

How to choose a Bible study for women

• Start with your season. Going through loss or disappointment? Start with a study written for that. Looking to grow? Choose a book study or a yearlong plan.
• Pick a format you’ll finish. A 7-session study is easy to start. A one-year devotional builds a lasting habit.
• Alone or together. Many of these have video sessions and leader tips for groups.
• Looking for a yearlong plan? See my review of The Bible in 52 Weeks for Women.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good Bible study for women going through a hard time?

It's Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst and When God Doesn't Fix It by Laura Story are both written for seasons of disappointment and pain.

What is a good Bible study for a women's group?

Determined by Heather M. Dixon and The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer both work well in groups, with sessions you can go through together.

My final picks

For a course focused on Ephesians 6 and prayer, see my The Armor of God review for the current video-access edition. For an individual weekly prayer rhythm, my Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks review explains Ann Spangler’s different format.

If your group wants to explore God’s character through His names, my The Names of God Bible Study review explains the eight-session course, personal study, and video-access edition.

We live in an imperfect world, and following Christ doesn’t keep hard times away. But a good study can help you stay close to God through every season. Know a woman who needs encouragement? Share this list with her today.