Who is United Bible Societies?

United Bible Societies (UBS) is a world-wide network of Bible Societies—including American Bible Society—operating in over 240 countries and territories around the world. They exist to make the Bible available to everyone. UBS has provided nearly 70 percent of all Scripture translations in the world and is the world’s biggest translator, publisher, and distributor of the Bible.

What is the Day of Prayer?

Each year on May 9, Bible Societies unite in a global day of prayer. This Day of Prayer is held on the anniversary of UBS’s founding in 1946. On this 77th anniversary, Bible Societies will gather to thank God for Bible ministry that changed people’s lives in the past year, as well as to continue to seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength for ongoing efforts to make the Bible available to everyone.

How can I participate?

Your prayers are vital to the work of Bible Societies around the world. Through your faithful intercession, they can persevere in their efforts to share God’s Word with their communities.

We invite you to join us on this special day to pray. Scripture reminds us that we should “Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people” (Ephesians 6:18 CEV).

3 Free Resources to Guide Your Prayers on UBS’s Day of Prayer

Here are three resources to help guide you as you pray for us, American Bible Society, and our Bible Society friends across the globe.

1. Download the 2023 UBS Day of Prayer Official Prayer Flyer.

The flyer contains this year’s official prayer written by the UBS Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Dirk Gevers. It also contains additional prayer points and information regarding UBS and the Day of Prayer.

2. Download the World Prayer List: May 2023.

The World Prayer List features prayer requests we receive directly from Bible Societies with current and sometimes urgent needs. This resource is produced bi-monthly to help keep you informed of any ministry updates and guide your prayers.

3. Download ‘The Bible Transforms Global Communities’ Prayer Guide

This 5-day prayer guide will inspire your prayers for Bible Societies as they work to eliminate Bible poverty through Bible translation. Use this guide to pray for Bible translation teams, local churches, and those still waiting to read Scripture in their heart language.

Let’s Pray Together

Almighty God, thank you for sustaining United Bible Societies for 77 years. Thank you for faithfully providing for their needs and giving them strength for their Bible ministry work. Today, we pray for each Bible Society to be encouraged through the power of your Holy Spirit. As they face challenges both physical and spiritual, we pray that they will be anchored in your peace. And Father, we pray, let all their efforts to share the gospel of your Son Jesus be prosperous, and let millions of lives around the world be transformed through their faithful service to you. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.