Explore Your WorldPrøve

Global Bible Searches: What Are They Searching For? Do you know what Scriptures people are searching for? It is an important question. Whether they are preparing a Bible study, seeking comfort, or exploring the Bible for the first time, the verses they go to say a lot about their spiritual search and help us understand their struggles. For instance, the clarity of the creation story found in Genesis 1 is the most searched chapter in Brazil, Indonesia, and Japan. What might that tell you about the truth they are seeking? God’s Word speaks to people very differently around the world. They find inspiration, encouragement, and admonishment in a variety of passages depending on geography, circumstance, religious background, and culture. Did you know that Psalm 23 is the most searched chapter in India, the USA, Pakistan, and Nigeria? And it’s among the top five most searched chapters in Japan, Russia, Bangladesh, Brazil, and China. How wonderful to imagine the comfort of David’s simple song being embraced by people in all these diverse countries! With the Internet (and thanks to our friends at www.BibleGateway.org), we are now able to get a glimpse into the passages that people are seeking out most regularly. Take a moment to read through today’s Missiographic and consider how it might impact your prayer for the people in these countries. Personal Reflection As you looked at some of the top verses searched in the ten largest countries, what surprised you? Which countries’ list would most tie with your own preferences? What do you learn from the popularity of Psalm 23? Whether you are ministering in one of these countries or praying for that country, take some time to read the verses that they are searching the most and ask God to give you greater insight into the people and their search for truth. Prayer: Father God, Your Word is so powerful in my life, I thank You for giving me this chance to consider how You might be using it in the lives of people around the world. Protect Your written Word and please empower those who are striving to translate it into every language on earth. Help us all to embrace it and apply it to our lives.