Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide
Sacred texts provide an important way for youth & families to connect with their religious beliefs.
Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide is an event to encourage youth to read their sacred texts in conjunction with the U.S. National Day of Prayer.
Our second annual Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide event far exceeded expectations. Held during the week of May 1, 2025 (U.S. National Day of Prayer week), the event saw remarkable growth in participation and engagement.
An Invitation
If you are a clergy member, youth leader, or parent seeking a meaningful way to encourage youth engagement with sacred texts, we invite you to:
Consider how this fits your faith tradition or family life
Use it in a way that aligns with your educational or devotional calendar
Guide youth reading with care, intention, and respect
Share the idea with others only if it proves meaningful
Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide exists to support faith formation wherever it already happens—within congregations, youth programs, and families.
Participation Growth
5,680 youth participated (compared to 3,672 in 2024) — a 54% increase
2,365 total hours of reading (compared to 855 hours in 2024) — a 275% increase
Most participants read at home with their families
Expanded Outreach
This year, we broadened our invitation to include all youth groups that share a faith in God. As a result, we welcomed participants from:
4-H, American Heritage Girls, Knights of Columbus, Campfire, Girl Scouts, and more!
A picture is worth a thousand words. Here's an older brother reading Noah's Ark to his younger brother.
Global Reach
The event spanned 43 U.S. states and 14 international locations, including: Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Germany, Guam, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Okinawa, Puerto Rico, Uganda, and Palestine.
Faith Community Participation
Youth from diverse faith backgrounds participated, representing traditions including: AME, Baháʼí, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Christian Scientist, Community of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Eastern Orthodox, Global United Methodist, Hindu, Interfaith, Islamic, Jewish, Lutheran, Native American, Non-denominational, Presbyterian, Protestant, Sathya Sai, Sikh, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist communities.
Looking Ahead
Given this year's tremendous success, we will continue the event in 2026. The National Day of Prayer falls on May 7, 2026, so participants will read sacred texts throughout that week. We invite all youth-serving organizations and faith youth groups to join us!