USA (MNN) ― In the U.S., the 55th annual National Day of Prayer is coming up May 3rd. On that day, believers will come together under the theme "America, Unite in Prayer." The National Bible Reading Marathon, partnering with Bible Pathway Ministries, is a fixture of the event.
Bible Pathway's Barbara Bivens says they read the Bible, and "it's a way in which people can come together. There's no denominational lines. It's a community effort to come together to read God's Word in a public venue in most cases, as in Washington and a lot of state capitals."
The marathon begins on Sunday, April 29, and ends Thursday, May 3, 2007. Thousands of believers will come to the West Front of the U.S. Capitol to read the entire Bible aloud and without commentary for 90 continuous hours.
Bivens says the potential impact is enormous. "We just pray for every coordinator, for every person that's attending, but most of all, for those that are listening. I know some say that they had a marathon right next to the jail. Each time when [they were] allowed, the prisoners would be at the windows, watching and listening."
The International Bible Reading Association's has been partnering in mission with Bible Pathway. Says Executive Director Michael Hall, "What we would like to see is people start Bible Reading Marathons at every state capital, every county seat, just like in Ezra and Nehemiah, when we see the results of the public reading of the Bible. That's what we want to encourage."
Why is it so important to read the Scriptures? Founder of BPM Dr. John A. Hash answers that. Burdened by growing biblical illiteracy throughout America, he was impressed to take action. He was convinced that the godless spirit that envelopes the world is deeply rooted in its lack of knowledge of the Bible. Hence, the birth of the first Bible Reading Marathon.
Every year since 1990 believers have gathered on the steps of America's Capitol for a Bible Reading Marathon leading up to the National Day of Prayer. And why not? American Christians have an abundance of Scriptures.
Hall notes, "We have to get Christians to read the Bibles that they already possess. [If you] read the Bible 15 minutes a day, you can read through the Bible in one year, in just 15 to 20 minutes a day."
If you want more information on NDOP activities or Bible Reading Marathons, click here.
