Why read the Bible?
The Bible reveals to us:
- – God’s character
- – God’s love for us
- – God’s plan to rescue us at the Cross
- – God’s direction for our lives
- – God’ intention to renew the world
Where do I start?
First, get a modern version of the Bible that uses contemporary English (like the NIV, which we use in church). See below for free online versions.
Then, take time to read your Bible and talk to God every day. A great place to start with your reading is in Mark’s Gospel, the shortest gospel account, or 1 Peter which is all about hope and holiness in a hostile world. Sometimes it helps to listen to God’s word, and the free YouVersion Bible App allows you to do this.
If you need help on where to start with all this you can find a simple 7 minute guide here: How to have a daily quiet time.
A few tips
- – Establish a daily routine, taking time out at the same time and place
- – Pray before you read
- – Read carefully
- – Think about what it means
- – Ask what the passage tells you about God
- – Ask what you need to do to believe and follow Him
Going Deeper
Why not take up the Bible in a Year reading challenge with Nicky Gumbel of Alpha? If you’d like to take things a bit slower you can read the Bible in 3 years, a chapter a day. Or if you’d like video interaction and explanation of what you’re reading, try the Bible Project Reading plan (whole Bible) in a year, or just the New Testament in a year.
For more Bible reading helps and plans, click on the links below, and if you’re using YouVersion’s Bible App you can now connect with St Mary’s from the app by clicking here.
Other general Bible reading plans and devotionals:
Bible in One Year App
(includes Nicky Gumbel’s Bible in a year plan and also the youth and express versions)
Our Daily Bread Daily Devotions
Explore Bible Daily Reading Notes and App
Every Day with Jesus and Inspiring Women Every Day
The Lectio365 App
(Meditate on a few verses using Lectio Divina and fuel your daily prayer times)
Plans for Lent and Easter
Bishop’s Lenten Reading Plan 2022
Click here for the Bishop’s Video Devotionals to go along with this plan
Online Bibles (free):
(Both resources include many different versions and languages)
Other Resources:
Church of Ireland Daily Worship App
(Includes liturgical resources for daily worship)
Reading the Bible for Ourselves
(Down and Dromore)