"Bible Basics RP3" is a new patch series from P.R.A.Y.  It is designed to get children, youth and adults reading the Bible. 

Each patch focuses on a simple object (i.e. water, birds, books, etc.) and includes 3 Bible stories that feature that object. Participants are required to read the 3 Bible stories and complete the lessons. 

The original concept was to create a patch series (as opposed to the P.R.A.Y. “award” series that already exists). Each study component is referred to as a “patch” even though the recognition items may include a pin as well as a patch. The actual patch will be 3 inches in size.

RP3 stands for “Read to Picture, Ponder, and Put It into Action.” It is a basic outline for personal Bible reading and study. The Bible patch series not only uses this outline, but one of the goals is to equip participants with a basic Bible study tool that they can use outside of the patch series.  Click here for a detailed description of RP3.

Although the patches may be earned in any order, “The Good Book” is considered the anchor patch and the first patch that should be earned. This patch focuses on getting to know the Bible, how to use it, and more importantly, why you should read it.  

Each patch is designed to take 3 separate sessions to complete (since each patch includes 3 Bible stories). Each session should take about 45 minutes.  Please resist the temptation to take shortcuts and speed up the process. The goal of the patch series is to spend time in the Bible. The goal is not necessarily to earn a patch, but to learn how to picture the Bible story, ponder its truths, and then put it into action. 

No. The curriculum is posted online and available at no cost. Since this is a patch program, participants are not required to record their answers in writing.

No. The questions come directly from the Bible passage, and rather than provide an easy way out with an answer key, participants should struggle and wrestle with the passage and make discoveries together. We do encourage leaders to prepare in advance in order to better facilitate discussion. 

No, please use the version of the Bible that you are most comfortable with.

The leader should be a Christian adult familiar with the Bible and its teachings. If participants are new believers or “unchurched,” it is assumed that they will ask for help from their church or local congregation. 

“Younger” can refer to elementary age children, and “older” can refer to middle school and high school students. The loose terms are intentional. Please consider the maturity level of the children and their church background when asking questions. The terms “younger” and “older” are meant to be a sliding scale and tool rather than a rigid delineation. If your group has a wide age range, please consider how you will accommodate the age differences to challenge and engage each member of the group. 

No, all participants (even adults) receive the same patch.  

Any group interested in the Bible can use this patch! Sunday school classes, families, scout groups, homeschoolers, and other groups will all benefit from this series. Grandparents will also find this series to be a wonderful way to connect with and share their faith with their grandchildren.

• Stand-alone - The patch series can be a stand-alone program all by itself. Churches may want to announce special classes to offer the Bible Basics RP3 series.

• Add-on – Use the series as an add-on to a current program (use the patch series as part of a scout meeting to focus on religious growth).

• Camp - Take the patches out to camp and use them for devotions, to enhance the outdoor experience, and send campers home with a Bible patch.

Although P.R.A.Y. created the patch series, the Bible patches are separate from the P.R.A.Y. awards. One is not required for the other. Each has separate requirements and guidelines.  

No, this patch series does NOT qualify participants to receive the religious square knot. The square knot can only be received by earning the emblem of faith (i.e. God and Me, God and Family, God and Church, and God and Life). 

The patches can be ordered at any time. It is the responsibility of the adult parent/leader to present the patches only after all the requirements have been completed. Click here to order Patches and Pins.

No, the patch series does not require any paperwork. P.R.A.Y. will not keep a national registry on patch recipients.  

The patch series can be used as a tool for Christian Education, family ministry, and also evangelism. Churches can offer the patch series and invite young people from the community to participate. They can also use the patch series to target scouts and provide an emphasis on religious growth while connecting with their families and doing outreach. 

The activities in the “Put It into Action” are marked for younger children, older youth, and adult. Remember, these are loose designations. Adults are not restricted to the ones marked “For adults only.” There are many benefits to doing younger activities together as a family! Although the instructions say to choose one activity, feel free to do as many as you like. One option is to review the RP3 model and make up your own questions and activities. This gives ownership to the children or group and makes the activities even more meaningful.  

Yes, the series will keep on growing. Future patches will include trees, fish, rocks, storms, etc.  Be sure to sign up for email notices for future patches. 

Sponsors may be an individual or a group of people who donate $1,000 to sponsor one patch. The name of the individual or group will be printed on the patch handout. Sponsors will also be acknowledged in the P.R.A.Y. Annual Report. Thank you for supporting our mission to bring children, youth, and families to Christ!