Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide

Sacred texts provide an important way for youth & families to connect with their religious beliefs.

General Registration

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 third annual Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide event far exceeded expectations. Held during the week of May 7, 2026 (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

  • 15,175 youth participated (compared to 5,680 in 2025) — a 167% increase

  • 4,535 total hours of reading (compared to 2,365 hours in 2025) — a 92% increase

  • Most participants read at home with their families

Expanded Outreach

Last 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 47 U.S. states and 28 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 for 2026-27. Youth can participate anytime between Oct. 1, 2026 & May 31, 2027, in conjunction with the U.S. National Day of Prayer on May 6, 2027. We invite all youth-serving organizations and faith youth groups to join us!

Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide welcomes participation from youth and families across many faith traditions and youth organizations. Participation is voluntary and family - or leader-directed.