It is extremely rare that I teach a Falling In Love With God’s Word Workshop or speak at a conference without someone asking me about audio Bibles.
- Should I use them?
- When do you use them?
- When should I NOT use them?
- What are the best ones?
The answer to the first question is: Yes! Absolutely! Without a doubt!
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s look at the top ways I use audio Bibles.
1. As a complement to what I am currently internalizing.
If you’ve read a lot from me, you’ve heard me use the word internalization. In fact, I don’t use the word memorization at all. Internalization is woven into the way that I study.
Whenever I study a book of the Bible the first step is to read it – over and over. In fact, my goal is 30 times in 30 days.
Any time I can weave hearing the Bible into those first 30 days, I do it. This is usually in my car. The audio keeps it fresh. There will be words or phrases that hit me differently because of how the reader chose to emphasize it. I don’t always agree with their emphasis, but the fact that I’m thinking about it is definitely a plus.
Listening to an audio Bible does not replace my reading – it complements it.
This is super important to keep in mind. Unless you have vision issues or get headaches when you read, then you’ve got to do some reading on your own. Otherwise, you will always be hearing the passage through the lens – albeit an audio lens – of the reader.
2. As my favorite – hands down! – review technique.
Reviewing passages I have internalized is how I spend quite a bit of my “car time.” (Of course, this is when I’m not singing at the top of my lungs entertaining – or punishing – the people in the cars around me.)
Simply put: If I want to refresh myself on something that I have internalized, I have found no faster way to do it than by “talking along” with an audio Bible.
Most often I will use the YouVersion Bible App on my phone. It streams the audio and doesn’t cost a penny. (If you don’t have unlimited data on your phone plan this is a really bad idea!)
Sometimes I will even put in one of my own recorded presentations. Something about talking along with my own voice gets me into the “cadence” of the passage. And yes…it’s still weird to hear my own voice.
There have been times where I have taken an old cassette tape (and you can do this really easily with free software on your computer) and simply recorded myself reading a book – or section – that I want to review. Simple. No music. No extra wind, rain, or animal noises thrown in. Just the Word.
Bottom Line: I am a huge fan of audio Bibles. In fact, I’m currently internalizing James and listened to it while running errands this morning!
Question: How have you used audio Bibles?
