American Bible Society just released the fifth chapter of the State of the Bible report entitled, “Generations.” In this chapter, we explore the relationship between America’s adult generations and the Bible. Specifically, we learn key insights about Generation Z, those born 1997–2012. Here are three interesting facts about Gen Z regarding faith and how you can pray for them.

Fact #1: Forty-six percent of Gen Z say they’ve committed their lives to Jesus; only one-eighth are Practicing Christians.

Practicing Christians are defined as those who identify as Protestant or Catholic, consider their faith very important to them, and attend religious services at least once a month. Most Gen Z who say their commitment to Christ is still important in their life, do not attend church at least once monthly, according to the data.

Pray that Gen Z will make vital church connections in which they are engaging with Scripture. Pray that church and ministry leaders will invite Gen Z into life-giving relationships centered on biblical faith and vibrant Christian community.

Fact #2: Gen Z faces unprecedented levels of stress, but God’s Word helps them overcome.

Gen Z faces higher levels of stress than older generations. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed their world, including how they attend school, interact with friends, and receive health care. The research shows that this age group is facing a mental health crisis, with stress, anxiety, and depression far beyond the norm. But Scripture engagement helps. People who read the Bible regularly and apply it to their lives report fewer symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression.

Pray that Gen Z will be able to meaningfully connect with the Word of God, engaging with it as a way of life and actively living out their faith in community. Pray that the identity, purpose, and fulfillment that Gen Z is seeking will be found in the pages of Scripture.

Fact #3: Fifty-five percent of Gen Z say they’re curious to know more about Jesus.

Although the data reveals that Gen Z is proving to be less connected to Jesus, the Bible, and church, of all the adult generations, Gen Z leads the way in curiosity. In fact, three of four indicate some level of curiosity about the Bible or Jesus. We have an opportunity to meet their curiosity in winsome ways.

Pray that churches and ministries will respond to the curiosity of Gen Z with creative, engaging, and welcoming strategies that support faith formation. Pray that they will embrace this opportunity to create digital formats to spur greater engagement, promote effective resources, and communicate the value of the Scriptures to a population that faces unique challenges.

To download the first five chapters of the State of the Bible 2022 ebook, visit StateoftheBible.org.