Merely hearing the Scriptures read aloud on Sunday, however, is not enough to know and experience the living, life-transforming Word of God.
We encourage you always to put yourself in the presence of God before you begin reading the Scriptures. Read with a desire to understand and follow the teachings of Scripture so that your life might be transformed by the Holy Spirit working within you as the Word of God is revealed to your heart, mind and soul. We wish you every bless¬ing in your faithful daily Bible reading.
We offer this prayer written by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in the 1549 The Book of Common Prayer as you begin your spiritual journey and The Bible Challenge.
“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.”