Christians from all denominations and demographics will gather together around the country May 3 to read the Bible publicly and purely, without commentary. The nationwide Bible reading marathons, usually beginning on the National Day of Prayer, are more than just reading words on a page. It’s “an act of worship … to honor and glorify God,” according to Sheila Wright, co-chair of the Birmingham Bible Reading Marathon.
In its fifth year, the Birmingham Bible Reading Marathon is “an opportunity for believers in the … area to come together in perfect unity” for His glory, Wright said.
This year’s Birmingham marathon will begin May 3 at 6 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church, Birmingham, and conclude on the National Day of Prayer on May 7 at 11:30 a.m. To guarantee continuous reading, individuals sign up to read Scripture for 15-minute increments until the entire Bible is read aloud. Readers may use their own Bible or one that is provided and are encouraged to read in their native language.
And for the first time the city of Montgomery will participate in the national event. Hosted by His Vessel Ministries, the Montgomery Bible Reading Marathon will be held at the foot of the steps of the State Capitol building from May 7 at 8:30 a.m. through May 10 at 8:30 a.m. To kick off the event, Gov. Robert Bentley will read Genesis 1, followed by Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean and Mayor Todd Strange reading Genesis 2–3, respectively.
Every person that reads Scripture during either marathon will receive a certificate at the conclusion of their time segment detailing their reading time and verses read.
Marathons also will take place in Troy and Ozark. The ninth annual Troy Bible Reading Marathon, sponsored by Salem-Troy Baptist Association, will begin May 3 at 6 p.m. and conclude May 7 at noon. The 12th annual Ozark Bible Reading Marathon, sponsored by Dale Baptist Association, also will begin May 3 at 8 p.m. and conclude May 7 at noon. Each location will have special events at the start and end of the marathon.
Driving each marathon forward is the ultimate gasoline: prayer. Organizers said they want to frame the events with prayer to fully give God control over the impact of His spoken Word.
Wright said, “We will also have people on site earnestly praying for His blessings on every person who attends and all aspects of the marathon.”
Julia Cleland, one of the founding directors of the Birmingham marathon and an organizer of the new Montgomery marathon, said she has heard “some powerful prayers” during the course of previous marathons. “The Lord is doing a mighty powerful thing (through the marathons).”
What’s it like?
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was invited to join the readers at the Bible Reading Marathon in 2014. But the beauty of young and old, male and female of varying races, ethnicities and denominations connecting to read the entire Bible round-the-clock in 90 hours was palpable.
As I picked up reading the Psalms where the previous reader stopped and then handed it off to the next when my 15 minutes was finished, I experienced a profound simplicity. No commentary. No interruption. Just individual voices forming a continuous, unified voice proclaiming the story of God’s love and revelation to all people. It was a poignant symbol of what we are called to be and do as God’s children.
That’s why on May 5 it will be my privilege to climb the steps at Southside Baptist Church, Birmingham, to join the voices again this year. I will benefit from being reminded. I hope you will consider joining us.
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