|
Using the YouVersion Bible App for CommUNITY Bible Reading
YouVersion provides 3,000 Bible versions in 2,000 languages for computers, tablets, and smart phones – all for free and without advertising. Many audio versions are available for communal reading of the Bible. |
How to use the Bible App: The CommUNITY Bible Reading made simple and convenient!
First – access or download the YouVersion Bible App. This can be found on the app source for your device (e.g. Google Play, App Store). If you wish to access through your computer or web browser, you can start on their webpage, YouVersion Bible App and follow instructions to download for your device. You can set up a personal account. If you wish view on your computer, go to Bible.com and click on Read the Bible online that will open the Bible to you.
When you have accessed the Bible App, open ‘Bible’ and you are ready to follow the CommUNITY Plan. Choose the language and Bible translation you wish to read. At the top of the page you will find the book chapter and the Bible translation being displayed. These can be changed simply by clicking on them. You can also download to your device the Bible version you prefer to read from. This gives you access to the whole Bible. When a translation is displayed with a speaker, an audio version is available.
Each week the CommUNITY Plan includes about 40 minutes of readings consisting of a Psalm or Proverb, an Old Testament reading, and a New Testament reading. Thus, to use the Bible App, you would identify the readings scheduled for the week – the books and chapters to be included. You would start with the Psalm or Proverb and would click on the scheduled book and chapter at the top of the App page. For example, if the reading is Psalm 1,2 simply click on the books of the Bible and find Psalms and then click on 1. This will take you to the text of Psalm 1 that allows you to scroll through chapter 1 and 2.
Each week the CommUNITY Plan includes about 40 minutes of readings consisting of a Psalm or Proverb, an Old Testament reading, and a New Testament reading. Thus, to use the Bible App, you would identify the readings scheduled for the week – the books and chapters to be included. You would start with the Psalm or Proverb and would click on the scheduled book and chapter at the top of the App page. For example, if the reading is Psalm 1,2 simply click on the books of the Bible and find Psalms and then click on 1. This will take you to the text of Psalm 1 that allows you to scroll through chapter 1 and 2.
If an audio version is available, a play icon will be displayed on the screen. By clicking the play icon the App will read the text while displaying the passage and will continue until the pause icon is clicked. You would thus stop at the end of Psalm 2.
To read the Old Testament passage, for example Genesis 1-5, you would find and click on Genesis in the books of the Bible and then click on chapter 1. This will take you to the text of Genesis 1 where you can begin reading 1-5 or use the audio version if available. It is valuable to pause and contemplate or discuss what you have just read before proceeding to the next section of the Bible. To move to the New Testament, for example Matthew 1,2, find Matthew in the books of the Bible and click on chapter 1. This will take you to the text in Matthew where these two chapters can be read.
These weekly readings can be completed all in one session or can be broken into 2 or 3 readings in the week. It is strongly encouraged that the readings would be part of a communal gathering around the public reading of scripture such as a weekly Bible study, a lunch gathering at work, or after school meeting of students. Audio versions are ideal for this as no one who have to have to be concerned about the quality of their Bible reading. Prayer times and discussions can be coupled to the gatherings.
Online Gathering. Such weekly gatherings can also take place through virtual links such as Zoom. A coordinator might invite a group for online reading for a specific time each week. The computer Bible App and reading can be shared with those online and the audio version played for all to hear. We strongly encourage the formation of these online groups and the regular public reading of the Bible. If you are part of a group gathering, or thinking about starting one, please let us know through our "Contact" page.
To read the Old Testament passage, for example Genesis 1-5, you would find and click on Genesis in the books of the Bible and then click on chapter 1. This will take you to the text of Genesis 1 where you can begin reading 1-5 or use the audio version if available. It is valuable to pause and contemplate or discuss what you have just read before proceeding to the next section of the Bible. To move to the New Testament, for example Matthew 1,2, find Matthew in the books of the Bible and click on chapter 1. This will take you to the text in Matthew where these two chapters can be read.
These weekly readings can be completed all in one session or can be broken into 2 or 3 readings in the week. It is strongly encouraged that the readings would be part of a communal gathering around the public reading of scripture such as a weekly Bible study, a lunch gathering at work, or after school meeting of students. Audio versions are ideal for this as no one who have to have to be concerned about the quality of their Bible reading. Prayer times and discussions can be coupled to the gatherings.
Online Gathering. Such weekly gatherings can also take place through virtual links such as Zoom. A coordinator might invite a group for online reading for a specific time each week. The computer Bible App and reading can be shared with those online and the audio version played for all to hear. We strongly encourage the formation of these online groups and the regular public reading of the Bible. If you are part of a group gathering, or thinking about starting one, please let us know through our "Contact" page.
