American Bible Society recently released the State of the Bible: USA 2021 ebook, which reveals what Americans believe about, and how they use the Bible. We shared the first two chapters with you:

• The Bible in America—examining Scripture engagement and key trends around the Bible
• The New Normal—looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed people’s relationship with the Bible

Now you can access Chapter 3: Hope for the Hurting. In this chapter you’ll learn more about how God’s Word brings hope to hurting people across America.

Signs of Hope

America is facing a mental health crisis. The events of the past year have increased stress and trauma for Americans. The COVID-19 pandemic not only had a physical impact on millions of lives but also a psychological one.

But amid this pain, there is hope.

Americans are turning to the Bible for relief and healing. The Bible brings comfort to those suffering from stress and trauma and is a significant source of hope for those who turn to it. And the study reveals that a sense of hope tends to increase for people who consistently interact with the Bible. While people who are less engaged with Scripture tend to express lower levels of hope. The Bible remains a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:115).

How You Can Pray

Pray for:

• Hurting people. Pray that people experiencing stress and trauma will turn to the Bible for help and comfort. Pray that the habit of consistent Bible reading will help them better able to cope, experience higher levels of hope and flourishing, and be better able to forgive.
• Churches. Pray that local churches will be well equipped to provide skillful, bible-based care to those who are trying to cope with stress and heal from trauma. Pray that pastors and church leaders will help make their churches a safe place that invites the hurting into a journey of healing.
• State of the Bible: USA 2021 Report. Pray that this research will be instrumental in guiding churches in their efforts to care for their communities.

To download the first three chapters of the State of the Bible: USA 2021 ebook, visit: StateoftheBible.org.