Scripture tells us that the Word of God is ALIVE (Hebrews 4:12). But what does that mean? God communicates with us through the Bible. When we read his words, they pierce and penetrate our inner being. His Word has the power to transform us.
In our latest State of the Bible: USA 2022 report, we see evidence of just that. The research shows that consistent interaction with God’s Word changes us. In fact, 9 out of 10 Bible Users say the message of the Bible has transformed their life. In the seventh chapter of the survey entitled, “Bible Use,” we focus on how people in America interact with the Bible and how it has impacted their life.
Bible Use and Life Transformation
In the survey, a Bible User is someone who interacts with the Bible three to four times a year or more. We asked Bible Users what methods they use in their Bible interaction. Here’s what we learned:
- Nearly half of Bible Users (48%) reported reading “a few verses at a time.”
- The second commonly selected method showed that Bible Users select Scriptures according to their mood (40%).
- Of the five methods offered, the least chosen (22%) was “I read the Bible about the same time of the day.”
- Nearly seven of ten Bible Users say they have read on their own in the past month from a printed version of the Bible, but several tech options are vying for second place.
- 47% of Scripture engaged people agree with the following statement, “I am able to sincerely forgive whatever someone else has done to me, regardless of whether they ever ask for forgiveness or not.”
God’s Word changes lives! When people connect with God in Scripture, their lives change, their attitudes change, their values change.
How You Can Pray
God’s Word is alive and active. The more we dig into it, the more it digs into us. That’s why we invite you to join us as we pray that people across America will dig into God’s Word. Here are three ways you can pray:
- Pray that Americans will consistently and frequently interact with the Bible allowing it to do its transforming work.
- Pray that churches and ministries will meet people wherever they are and help encourage them to make the Bible a part of everyday life.
- Pray that Bible technology such as YouVersion and other online apps will engage younger generations in God’s Word.
To download the first seven chapters of the State of the Bible: USA 2022 ebook, visit StateoftheBible.org