YouVersion shares its top hacks for more consistent Bible engagement

Throughout the year, YouVersion sees spikes in Bible App engagement as people commit to reading the Bible more. These spikes often occur in the new year, mid-way through the year, and near important faith holidays like Easter and Christmas. While these commitments are made with enthusiasm, for many, the motivation can fade with time. This begs the question: what are the consistent doing differently?

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear says, “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger.” This simple explanation of how to create healthy habits makes seemingly impossible goals feel more attainable.

For those who want to engage with the Bible every day of the year, YouVersion offers tips to keep up the momentum or start a new Bible engagement habit.

YouVersion’s Top Bible Engagement Hacks:

Stack your habits

The easiest way to create a new habit is by linking it to something you already do consistently. So if the first thing you do in the morning is reach for your phone, try reflecting on the Verse of the Day. When you combine a new habit with an already established one, it gives your new habit more “stickiness.”

Tip: Make the Bible App the first app you see, and get instant access to the Verse of the Day, by enabling the Verse of the Day widget on your phone. Learn how to enable widgets here.

Aim for consistency

The best way to build a habit is to just start. And as you get started, don’t focus on the amount of time you’re reading or listening to Scripture, just focus on doing it regularly. You can even pick a time that works for you, and set up daily reminders to help you spend time in God’s Word.

Tip: Keep up your momentum by viewing your Bible streak on your Bible App Homepage. You can also set up Bible Plan, Prayer, and Verse of the Day Reminders in your Stay connected

If you want to increase your chances of sticking with your Bible habit, be sure to use the Friends feature. YouVersion has found that having even one Friend in the Bible App makes you more likely to stay engaged in the Bible. Plans with Friends offers a simple, easy way to make sure you continue building your Bible study habit. There are thousands of Plans in the Bible App, so simply pick a Plan that interests you, and start it with Friends. At the end of each Plan day, you’ll be given a space to chat with your Friends about what you’re learning.

Tip: You can do a Plan with anyone you know! Simply share a Plan link through text message or within the app. Get started by choosing a Plan, and follow the prompts to invite Friends to join you.

Make it feel new

Sometimes, the reason we get in a Bible reading rut is because what we’re doing feels too familiar. Shake up how you engage with the Bible. If you typically read Scripture, try listening to an audio Bible. If you tend to study Scripture in one specific version, switch to a different version for a month and see if anything new stands out to you.

Tips: To easily compare Bible versions, tap a verse, and then select the “Compare” button that appears. And, you can listen to any portion of Scripture with Audio Bibles.