The Bible is the most influential book in American history. For centuries, its message of hope has inspired the women and men whose lives have defined the American pursuit of liberty and justice for all. It continues to inspire us today.

However, the State of the Bible 2018 report (commissioned by American Bible Society and conducted by Barna Group) brings some disheartening news. Fewer and fewer Americans are turning to God’s Word. You’ve probably seen the results of this shift: You may have children or grandchildren who have fallen away from faith. You may have noticed fewer people coming to church. You may be frustrated by how little culture seems to be influenced by the teachings of Jesus.

The Bible is Losing Influence

• 2/3 of us read the Bible less than once a month.
• 79% of us believe our moral values are declining.
• 42% of us are more fearful than we were 5 years ago.

But There’s Hope for America

• 4/5 of our families own a Bible.
• 2/3 of us are curious about the Bible.
• 57% of us wish we read the Bible more often.

(Statistics taken from the State of the Bible 2018 report commissioned by American Bible Society and conducted by Barna Group.)

But there’s so much hope.

More than half of all Americans say they want to read the Bible more. And two out of three Americans—two out of every three people standing behind you in the grocery line, sitting next to you on the train, or waiting with your kids for the school bus—say they’re curious about the Bible.

We have an amazing opportunity to encourage Americans to turn to the Bible for its life-giving answers. Through your support and our dedicated effort, we believe God will draw millions of curious people to explore his message of salvation. As we pray for our nation, for the country our children and grandchildren will inherit, let’s hold fast to hope.

Pray: God, we believe you love each person in our nation. Give our neighbors, our families, and all Americans a desire to know you more. Keep us from fear and anxiety, and cause us to speak your truth to all we meet.