We at Hallow know that sometimes getting a good night’s sleep can be anything but a prayerful experience. That’s why we created Bible Stories to help you prepare for rest at night while listening to God’s Word.
In each story, you’ll hear a familiar voice read a few chapters of the Bible for you at a prayerful, steady pace. No embellishments or distractions, just Bible. Our stories range from 4 minutes to 40 minutes in length and span the Old and New Testament, so there is something for everyone.
We’re constantly adding onto our library of Bible Stories, and we’d love to pray with you tonight. In 2021, we released 7 new Bible Stories from readers such as Fr. Josh Johnson, Matt Fradd, Paul J. Kim, and Jackie and Bobby Angel. In 2022, our Bible sleep stories include passages from readers like Jim Caviezel, Lila Rose, Chenele Shaw, Mark Hart and Dr. Alex Gotay. You can find all of the stories in the Hallow app under the Sleep tab.
Read on for a short description of some of these bedtime Bible Stories (in order of their appearance in the Bible), as well as a bit of background on some of our amazing readers.
Jackie Angel – “Ruth”
“Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:15)
The Book of Ruth tells the story of a young woman and her commitment to honoring her family. After the death of her husband, Ruth seeks to provide for her mother-in-law Naomi and eventually becomes the mother of David, the great Israelite leader.
Jackie Angel is a Catholic writer and singer, and has served as a presenter for popular programs such as “Ascension Presents.” Her and her husband Bobby Angel work as Fellowes of the Word on Fire Institute. You can learn more about Jackie’s ministry here.
Jason Evert – “Psalms of Hope” (Psalms 40-46)
“Surely, I wait for the Lord; who bends down to me and hears my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)
The Psalms teach us how to pray to God in all moments of life, including praise, lament, thanksgiving, and petition. This Bible Story features a collection of Psalms that centers around the theme of placing hope in God. In the middle of the reading is Psalm 42, which is commonly prayed at funerals and during the season of Lent. It begins with the powerful image: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God.”
Jason Evert is a Catholic author, speaker, and founder of the Chastity Project, an organization that promotes chastity primarily to high school and college students. He works and lives with his wife Crystallina Evert in Arizona. You can learn more about Jason’s ministry here.
Matt Fradd – “Song of Songs” (Songs 1-6)
“Let me seek him whom my soul loves.” (Songs 3:2)
The Song of Songs is a book in the Bible rich in imagery that contains several poems about two lovers in ancient Israel. Many people see the book as an allegory of God’s love for his people, with God the Lover calling out to Israel, his Beloved, and Israel praising God for his beauty and goodness. Passages from the Song of Songs are often read at weddings, as well as major feasts in the Church year, including the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene.
Matt Fradd is a Catholic apologist, writer, and host of the popular podcast “Pints With Aquinas.” He has written and contributed to several books including, Does God Exist? A Socratic Dialogue on the Five Ways of Thomas Aquinas, and The Porn Myth. You can learn more about Matt’s work here.
Paul J. Kim – “Bless the Lord” (Daniel 3)
“They walked about in the flames, singing to God and blessing the Lord. Azariah stood up in the midst of the fire and prayed aloud.” (Daniel 3:24-25)
After a group of friends in Babylon refuse to worship an idol erected by King Nebuchadnezzar, they are sentenced to be thrown into a white-hot furnace. However, they sing songs of praise to God amidst the flames and are protected from harm. The story includes a long, rhythmic hymn that invites all creation to bless the Lord.
Paul J. Kim is a singer, speaker, and author who lives in Texas with his wife and four children. Paul presents to an average of 40,000 people a year and is the writer of the online course, “A Catholic Guide to Adulting.” You can learn more about Paul’s ministry here.
Bobby Angel – “Lazarus” (John 10:22-12:1)
“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)
The raising of Lazarus from the dead is one of the most famous miracles that Jesus performs during his ministry. The story shows the deep compassion that Jesus feels for his friends and contains one of the shortest and most powerful verses in the Bible: “Jesus wept.”
Bobby Angel is a Catholic writer and teacher, and has served as a presenter for popular programs such as “Ascension Presents.” Him and his wife Jackie Angel work as Fellowes of the Word on Fire Institute. You can learn more about Bobby’s ministry here.
Fr. Josh Johnson – “The Last Supper” (John 14-17)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” (John 14:1)
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus shares an intimate conversation with his disciples in which he assures them that he will send the Holy Spirit to be with them even after he is gone. The story ends with the powerful “Priestly Prayer” of Jesus, in which he asks for the Father’s blessing on the Church.
Fr. Josh Johnson is the pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He is the host of the podcast “Ask Fr. Josh” and author of the book Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation. Learn more about Fr. Josh’s ministry here.
Sr. Jaime Mitchell – “Phillipians”
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)
Paul writes a letter to the Christian community in Phillippi, urging them to rejoice and follow Jesus’ example of humility in everything they do. The Letter to the Phillippians is made even more powerful when we consider that Paul wrote it while he was in prison being persecuted for his faith.
Sr. Jaime is a member of the Franciscans of the Holy Eucharist of Chicago. The apostolates of her order include: Service to the poor, evangelization, and teaching. You can find out more about Sr. Jaime’s religious community here.