New to the Bible? Start here

This Bible is a library of 66 books (Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include a few more), so it helps to know where to begin. These eight chapters are a gentle way in. Read one a day. Each has a short prompt and a notes box, and you can tap any verse to pause with it.

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1. Mark 1
   The shortest Gospel begins at a run. Meet Jesus as his first friends did.
2. Psalm 23
   The best-loved psalm: a shepherd who stays with you, even in the valley of the shadow of death.
3. John 14
   Jesus speaks to frightened friends the night before he dies: peace, a place, a promise.
4. Luke 24
   The tomb is empty, and the risen Jesus walks beside two grieving friends.
5. Luke 15
   Three stories of lost things found, and a father who runs.
6. Romans 8
   Paul's great chapter of hope: nothing can separate you from God's love.
7. Philippians 4
   A letter from prison about joy, prayer instead of worry, and peace.
8. Genesis 1
   Where the story begins: God makes a world and calls it good.

With a group? These eight chapters make an eight-week series. See using this Bible with a group.

When something feels heavy, try How are you feeling today? It offers three verses for each season and a five-minute pause.