Teens are going to use Ai for plenty of things, mostly research an doing their book reports for them, but that doesn’t mean they can’t use it to help grow their spiritual life.
We are working through Proverbs right now, in Sunday School, and I thought I’d go undercover as a teenager and ask ChatGPT for some ideas on how I could study my bible. Here’s my prompt,
Hey, I’m a teenager, what are some ways I can use AI to study
the Bible?
Bible Study Assistance
• AI-Powered Study Guides – Use AI tools to generate
summaries or outlines of Bible passages.
• Verse Explanation – Ask AI for explanations of difficult
verses or historical context.
•Bible Commentary Comparison – Compare insights from
different commentaries quickly.
Personalized Bible Reading Plans
• Generate a custom reading plan based on a topic (e.g., faith,
forgiveness, leadership).
• AI can track your progress and suggest related scriptures.
Cross-Referencing & Word Studies
• AI can find related verses on a topic in seconds.
• Perform word studies (e.g., look up original Greek/Hebrew
meanings).
Sermon & Devotional Writing Help
• AI can help outline devotionals or Bible study lessons.
• Generate reflection questions based on a passage.
Prayer & Journaling Support
• Use AI to track your prayers and find relevant scriptures.
• AI-generated journal prompts to reflect on your faith
journey.
Q&A for Quick Learning
• Ask AI theological or historical questions about the Bible.
• Use AI to test your Bible knowledge with quizzes.
Creative Engagement
• AI can help create Bible story summaries in different styles
(e.g., poems, modern-day retellings).
• Use AI-generated images to visualize biblical events.
Would you like any of these ideas explained further?
Yes, can you give me a format for daily reflection, application, etc.?
Daily Proverbs Reflection Guide
1. Read
- Read the assigned chapter for the day.
- Highlight or underline any verses that stand out.
2. Reflect
- What is the main theme of this chapter?
- What verse(s) spoke to you the most? Write it down.
- What does this passage teach about wisdom?
3. Apply
- How can you apply this wisdom to your life today?
- Is there a habit you need to start, stop, or change?
- What is one action step you can take today?
4. Pray
- Thank God for His wisdom.
- Ask Him to help you apply what you learned.
- Pray for guidance in areas where you struggle.
5. Journal (Optional)
- Write down your thoughts, key lessons, and personal takeaways.
- Track how you’re growing in wisdom over time.
Can you give me a 30 day bible reading plan for Proverbs?
Week 1: The Foundation of Wisdom
- Proverbs 1 – The Beginning of Knowledge
- Proverbs 2 – The Value of Wisdom
- Proverbs 3 – Trust in the Lord
- Proverbs 4 – A Father’s Wise Instruction
- Proverbs 5 – Warnings Against Immorality
- Proverbs 6 – Lessons for Daily Life
- Proverbs 7 – The Dangers of Temptation
Week 2: Wise Living & Decision-Making
- Proverbs 8 – The Call of Wisdom
- Proverbs 9 – The Way of Wisdom vs. Folly
- Proverbs 10 – Proverbs of Solomon (Contrasts of Wisdom & Foolishness)
- Proverbs 11 – Righteousness vs. Wickedness
- Proverbs 12 – The Way of the Righteous
- Proverbs 13 – Wise and Foolish Behavior
- Proverbs 14 – The Ways of the Wise
Week 3: Wisdom in Relationships & Speech
- Proverbs 15 – Gentle Words vs. Harsh Words
- Proverbs 16 – God’s Sovereignty in Plans
- Proverbs 17 – Wisdom in Relationships
- Proverbs 18 – The Power of Words
- Proverbs 19 – Wealth, Poverty, and Integrity
- Proverbs 20 – Honesty & Self-Control
- Proverbs 21 – Righteousness Over Sacrifice
Week 4: Humility, Leadership & Character
- Proverbs 22 – The Value of a Good Name
- Proverbs 23 – Avoiding Temptation & Greed
- Proverbs 24 – Do Not Envy the Wicked
- Proverbs 25 – Wisdom in Leadership & Conflict
- Proverbs 26 – Fools and Their Ways
- Proverbs 27 – True Friendship & Planning Ahead
- Proverbs 28 – The Blessings of Obedience
Final Days: Reviewing Key Lessons
- Proverbs 29 – Justice & Righteous Leadership
- Proverbs 30 – The Words of Agur (Reflections on Wisdom & God)
This leaves out Proverbs 31, but you can either:
- Read it on the last day as a bonus chapter
- Read it along with Proverbs 30
This is just a sample of what Ai can do for your students or for you in your spiritual growth.
My hope is, that like TikTok videos, students fill fall down a discipleship rabbit hole.
You may be asking, “But Paul, where do youth pastor fit into all this, is Ai going to take our job?” No, Youth Pastors still have a role. Until Ai can drive your students to camp or take them to Taco Bell for a 5 layer bean burrito and some good conversation, your job is safe.
I think the other thing youth pastors can do it help students practice the presence of God. We can help students, in youth group, interact with God’s word and help put them into position to not just gain knowledge but to allow the Holy Spirit to guide them through a passage or a verse. Experiencing God in real time is not something Ai can do.
If you’re worried about your place in your youth ministry, do the thing Ai cannot do, create experiences where students can interact with God and His word.
One of my favorite ways to do this is through prayer stations and you can them in my store, here and here.
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