Best Audio Bible Apps for Chronic Pain Sufferers
Living with chronic pain can make a lot of “normal” daily activities difficult. One thing you do not have to give up is Bible study and reading. The prolific availability of apps allows even the most pain-filled days to include time in the Word.
But where to start? I’ve tried out a number of popular (and perhaps not so popular) apps. Here is what I discovered:
YouVersion. Free app for download at Google Play and Apple Store that includes text and audio Bible. With 1,843 versions are available in 1,273 languages, more than 50 English versions and includes fifteen different texts with an audio option.
The YouVersion app does require WiFi/connectivity for audio. But the readable text can be downloaded and accessed at any time. Sign up/login is required for all access.
Hundreds of reading plans allow you to choose plans for one day readings (by theme, topic or devotions) up to three years (which presents one chapter of the Bible every day for three years.) There is even a simple “help me find a plan” quick link.
One-year reading plans include historical, canonical, chronological, blended, and four streams. Four streams covers a passage from the Old testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs each day.
The app is easy to use. Choose your preferred Bible version. Click on the Book icon, and you will be taken to wherever you last listened (or read.) Hit the play button. Special options allow you to control the speed of the reading. There is also a fast forward and a rewind.
This app also allows note taking, bookmarks, sharing verses to social media or to friends via email, copy and a compare. The audio also provides a cursor highlighting the current text read.
YouVersion is easy to use, has lots of plans and Bible versions available, and a very listener friendly audio to make your devotion time enjoyable. No frills audio version.
Daily Audio Bible. Free for download at Google Play and Apple Store. Sign up/login necessary access all features, but audio Bible is available for “guest” login. There is also a $.99 app available, but I could not discern the alternate features. WiFi/connectivity required.
A colorful interface allows you to choose “Daily Audio Bible,” (DAB) or “Chronological,” or “Psalms,” or “Proverbs,” or “Kids,” or “Teens.” Channels are also available in Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese and Chinese.
DAB is from a daily podcast ministry and includes a selection from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. Segments are approximately 40 minutes long— 20 minutes of Bible reading, 20 minutes other. This includes commentary, scripture reading by the host, directions to web content, prayer, and callers to the original podcast.
Updates post each day. With the current month and previous month available at a time. However, it would not be possible to “read” ahead.
The audio has quiet background music, and a touch of static or white noise behind the reader. This may bother some listeners with sensitivity to certain sounds and frequencies.
Another option is a “chronological” progression through the Bible, but the speaker/reader is a female host. Scripture is followed by a short discussion or commentary in a devotional type format, podcast wrap-up, prayer and callers. Each week a different Biblical version is used. Segments have what seems to be rain or other sounds in the background.
“Proverbs” only section is from different versions, has an instrumental accompaniment, and lasts approximately five minutes each day. The Proverb read corresponds to the day of the week.
“Psalms” has the same format as the Proverbs option, but only a few verses (6-20 or so) are read each day making segments approximately 1-3 minutes.
There is a corresponding “Read” only option which provides the scripture in a different Biblical version than the listening segment.
Daily Audio Bible provides more than a Biblical reading. If you are interested in connecting with an online presence and hearing a discussion of the verses this app may be for you. However, this app is directly connected with a ministry, so listeners should check the ministry’s core values, mission statement and beliefs (available on their website).
Bible.is. Free for download at Google Play and Apple Store. An audio Bible app with 1,100 languages, with twelve full Bible options. This app allows a choice between fonts, day/night/auto function. Of the eighteen English version, five are “non-drama” audio files.
The “drama” files include voices and music in addition to the reading of the text which brings the story to life
I found it difficult to click on the correct option. Bookmarks, highlighting and note-taking is available with login/sign up.
The app includes 61 clips for a total of 128 minutes of The Jesus Film.
Bible.is will make the Bible more accessible to listeners who prefer a little “action” in their audio.
OliveTree Bible App. Free for download at GooglePlay and Apple Store. Free text versions of the Bible are available (such as the ESV, NET, NIV, Hebrew Bible, and Tyndale), as well as a number of audio versions are available for purchase.
Includes a section for notes, highlighting, bookmarks and saved passages. This app has an option for comparing passages from different text versions (parallel), or opening text and commentary books for at the same time for study. Lots of Bible study books, dictionaries and other supplemental material is available for purchase.
OliveTree is a terrific Bible study tool if you can invest in the books you want. Also, whereas most other apps require WiFi, the purchase and download of audio versions may allow you to use the app offline. (But I have not confirmed this).
Additional apps you may want to check out:
ReadScripture. A Bible app that allows an individual to read the Bible everyday with a group, or at their own pace. This is a read only option (no audio).
Segments begin with a reminder to breathe and a “heartbeat” icon to help you get started. Next is an animated video summary, word study, or exposition from “The Bible Project.” The reading includes three to four chapter segments from the Bible, and concludes with a Psalm for meditation.
If you are interested in reading through the Bible (not listening to it) this is definitely one to consider!
Gotquestions.org provides analysis of many questions of faith, with consideration for the original context, intended audience, cultural significance, relevant Biblical cross-references, and application.
OnePlace is a centralized broadcast of sermons from some of today’s most popular Christian Ministries.
There is an app for virtually anything any more. If an audio or app version of the Bible helps you delve into the word, so be it! Listening to an audio version of the Bible can provide comfort and encouragement on your most difficult days. [Tweet “If an audio Bible app could help you delve into the word, so be it!”]
Have you found any apps that make Bible study or reading easier (and more pain free)? What have you found to help you stay in the word when pain makes it difficult?
