Something extraordinary is happening in Washington, D.C. this week — and millions of Americans are watching it unfold in real time.
From April 18–25, 2026, Scripture is being read publicly in the nation’s capital — from Genesis all the way through Revelation — in one continuous, uninterrupted reading. It’s called America Reads the Bible, and it may be the most ambitious public Scripture event in American history.
What Exactly Is Happening?
More than 475 national leaders and 115 ministries are participating in the 84-hour reading, with daily sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. — what organizers believe is the largest Bible reading in American history.
The event is being livestreamed daily on Great American Pure Flix, meaning you can watch it from your couch, your church, or your kitchen table — right now, today.
The reading, themed “One Week. One Nation. One Book,” was the brainchild of Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, who said she was inspired during a visit to the Museum of the Bible by the story of Ezra reading to the people of Jerusalem in the Book of Nehemiah.
“Through the America Reads the Bible week, we’re creating a visible, united moment for Americans to come back to the Bible — not as a symbol, but as daily spiritual sustenance. Because when the Bible is read, people are changed.”
— Bunni Pounds, Christians Engaged Founder & President
President Trump Read Scripture From the Oval Office Tonight
A passage organizers say was deliberately reserved for him.
Tonight was a defining moment of the week. President Donald Trump delivered a recorded Scripture reading from the Oval Office during the 6 p.m. ET hour on Tuesday, joining the national event from the White House.
His passage — 2 Chronicles 7:11–22 — was not assigned at random. Organizers said the passage was deliberately reserved for the president because of its decades-long role as a call to prayer in America. At the heart of that reading is one of the most-quoted verses in American Christian life:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 — KJVER™
Why This Week? Why Now?
The event is designed to mark America’s 250th birthday — a once-in-a-generation milestone — inviting people across the nation to join a public reading of the entire Bible in a unified call to return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country.
The White House issued a formal Presidential Message recognizing the initiative, stating it would “inspire countless citizens to rediscover the Biblical truths that have animated our Republic for two and a half centuries and to pray that the Bible will continue to guide us — as individuals, as a people, and as a Nation — for the next 250 years and beyond.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a moment of national “rededication,” pointing to the Declaration of Independence and arguing that America’s founding principles are grounded in the belief that rights come from God. “We’re the first nation in the history of the world that boldly proclaimed that,” Johnson said. “That is the foundation of what made us the greatest nation in the history of the world.”
“People talk about the importance of the Bible… it’s one of the best-selling books, but one of the least-read books. This is a great time to rediscover the Word of God.”
— Tony Perkins, Family Research Council President
Who Else Is Reading?
This isn’t just a political event. Readers range from elected officials and pastors to single parents and small business owners, reflecting a true nationwide cross-section of Americans.
Actress Patricia Heaton spoke at the opening celebration, reflecting on her personal journey reading Scripture and how it shaped her faith. Candace Cameron Bure is among the 475+ readers taking the stage at the Museum of the Bible this week. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and dozens of members of Congress are also participating throughout the seven days.
In-person attendees can also experience a gallery of 66 original paintings by artist Mindi Oaten — each one revealing Christ in each book of the Bible — along with a Discipleship Partner Village offering free programs, merchandise, and personal prayer.
The Biblical Story That Inspired It All
The heartbeat of this event echoes a powerful moment recorded in Nehemiah 8. After years of rebuilding, the people of Israel gathered in a public square and asked Ezra the priest to bring out the Book of the Law. Ezra read aloud for hours as the people stood, listened intently, raised their hands, answered “Amen,” bowed in worship, and wept as God’s Word pierced their hearts.
It was a spiritual turning point — a national renewal sparked by nothing more, and nothing less, than the public reading of Scripture.
The organizers believe America needs that same moment today. And for one week in Washington, D.C., it is happening.