Hey there,
Our parents taught us to listen almost as soon as we could talk. In school, we learned by listening to our teachers. As we grew older, we refined those same skills with friends, loved ones, and in our professional lives.
We know that listening matters. We work at being attentive, noticing what is said and what is left unsaid, responding thoughtfully, and giving others our full attention. Strong relationships are built on that kind of listening.
The question is … are we listening to what the Lord wants to say to us?
This is, after all, the most important relationship in our lives. We often bring our needs, worries, and gratitude to God in prayer. But how often do we pause long enough to hear His voice?
I know I don’t do that nearly enough.
One of the clearest ways God speaks to us is through Sacred Scripture. The Bible is more than a bestseller or a historical treasure. It is the living Word of God, inspired through human authors and given to guide, challenge, comfort, and transform us. Every time we open it, we are invited into conversation with the Lord.
In this issue of Genuflect, we focus on helping all of us listen more closely to His voice. We explore the history of the Bible, the many names by which it is known, how to choose a Catholic Bible, how to begin reading it, ways to pray with Scripture, a practical plan to read the entire Bible in a year, and even helpful Bible apps for daily life. We also highlight next week’s national America Reads the Bible event.
So won’t you join me in opening your Bible … and becoming a better listener to God?
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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A Short History of The Bible
The Bible is a collection of books written by numerous authors, for different audiences, over thousands of years. Catholics determined the books of the Bible over time. Other denominations removed books to create their version of the Bible. Here’s a quick overview of the evolution of the Bible.
A Short History of The Bible | Catholic365
Understanding The Many Names of The Bible
The Bible goes by many names: Gospel, Scripture, Word of Christ, to name just a few. If you’ve ever wondered where these names came from and what they mean, you’ll want to check out this concise overview.
Does The Bible Have Different Names And Titles? | Compelling Truth
How to Choose a Catholic Bible
There are so many versions of the Bible–even Catholic versions–that one can be overwhelmed trying to find the “best” one. If you’re in the market for a new Bible, or want to make sure your family Bible is good, here’s what you need to know.
How to pick a Catholic Bible | Aleteia
A Catholic Guide to The Word of God
Before reading the Bible, make sure you understand how to read the Bible. Here are the three essential points you need to know for a basic understanding of the Bible.
Understanding The Bible: A Catholic Guide to The Word of God | Beginning Catholic
How to Begin Reading The Bible
To build your love for Scripture, it helps to have 3 things: the right tools, a blueprint to guide you, and the construction (reading) itself. Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Want to Start Reading the Bible? Here’s How to Begin | Life Teen
A Plan to Read The Bible in 365 Days
If you’ve ever set out to read the Bible, but didn’t get very far, this one’s for you! In honor of the recent “Sunday of the Word of God,” St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene, OR has put together a plan to read the Bible in 365 days. Download the plan, spend 15 minutes each day reading the recommended Bible passages, and this time next year, you’ll be able to say you’ve read the entire Bible. And don’t miss the one-page timeline of the Bible from creation to the time of Christ!
Read The Bible in 365 Days | St. Mary Catholic Church
Before Reading The Bible, Pray This Prayer
The Bible is not a book, it’s the Word of God. And when we sit down to read Scripture, we should pray that our soul will be open to the message the Lord wants to communicate to us. This prayer, attributed to Saint John Chyrsostom, is perfect.
Before Reading The Bible, Pray This Prayer of St. John Chrysostom | Aleteia
How to Pray With Scripture
Want to move beyond simply reading the Bible and truly encounter God through it? This article offers practical Catholic ways to pray with Scripture—from Lectio Divina to journaling and morning prayer habits—so His Word can become a daily conversation that transforms your life.
How to Pray With Scripture (as a Catholic) | FOCUS
America Reads The Bible Next Week
From April 18-25, 2026, over 475 leaders from every sphere of influence will gather in Washington, D.C., to read the entire Bible aloud ahead of our nation’s 250th anniversary. You can follow this powerful weeklong event. America Reads the Bible, live online from anywhere.
America Reads The Bible | America Reads The Bible
Top Catholic Bible Apps
Mobile phones put convenience in the palm of our hands. Music, food, news, and much more are available on demand. So it’s probably no surprise that you can also have the Bible on your phone thanks to several apps. Here are 10 top Catholic Bible apps for iPhone and Android.
Top Catholic Bible Apps so The Word of God is Always With You! | Catholic Apptitude
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