Develop a practical project to engage your age group in learning how to read the Bible using the resources in this learning program and the following suggested resources. Design a demonstration project with children, adolescents, adults, or families. Your project can be a learning program, a Bible devotion or prayer service, a video presentation with discussion, an experience of Bible reading practices, and much more.

We have curated a list of “Teaching the Bible Online Resources” that you can use to design a project. The list with links can be found on the last pages of the Downloadable Guide the Bible Resources page.

Below are a few ideas to consider. Be sure to check-out the activities in the Downloadable Guide for more ideas.

Ways to Use Scripture in Faith Formation

• Use Scripture as part of prayer experiences and involve the participants in proclaiming Sacred Scripture.
• Use Scripture as the focus of study. Dedicate sessions to learning about biblical people and events, or apply biblical stories and lessons to the faith themes being studied.
• Use Scripture to make connections with the liturgy. Highlight any links between the Lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday and the topic you are teaching.
• Use Scripture to make a point. Mention favorite Bible stories or verses in your presentations and even in your casual conversation.
• Use activities that increase familiarity with Scripture: Bible search activities, Bible games, Scripture scavenger hunts, and so on.
• Look to Scripture for guidance when discussing life issues. Encourage the young people to read Scripture and to reflect on the meaning for their lives.

Hints for Using Scripture Effectively

• Designate one Bible as the group Bible. The way you use this group Bible should convey the special nature of Scripture and should show reverence and respect for Sacred Scripture.
• Display the group Bible on a prayer table in a special way. Place it on a book stand with a candle, a cross, or other symbols, but do not clutter the display.
• Involve the young people in proclaiming Scripture. Practice with them in advance to ensure they are adequately prepared; Scripture can lose much of its power if read poorly.
• Make Bibles available for all the young people. Avoid making the participants feel too formal in their use of personal copies of the Bible. They should treat their personal Bibles as they would a treasured book for study and enjoyment.

Activities Included in the Downloadable Guide

These activities can be found in the Downloadable Guide or by clicking the links to open each individual PDF.

Children’s Activities in the Guide

1. Reading the Bible in My Family
2. Jesus Reads the Bible
3. Try It – Reading the Bible 
4. Try It – Reading Gospel Stories

Closing Prayer

Pray the following prayer each time you read your Bible:

Gracious God,
Open my ears to hear you.
Open my mind to absorb the meaning of your sacred book.
Open my eyes to see your living Word active in the world.
Open my heart to courageously love you.