Yesterday, I shared several Bible Reading Plans for 2010.  Today, I want to provide you with some of the tools that I find helpful when studying the Bible during my daily study and prayer time.  Tomorrow, I'll share some of the tools I use to take notes and journal during my quiet time.

I typically use only one Bible for my devotional study time but I'd recommend any of the following:

1. The New Living Translation
This is my personal preference for basic reading, especially of the narrative sections of the Bible.  It reads easily, and is especially assessable for people who have very little background in Scripture.  I'd recommend using this translation if you're just starting to read the Bible.

2. The ESV Study Bible
Okay, my purebred Wesleyan peers might have my tail for this one, but the ESV Study Bible has some of the best background notes, and commentary of any study Bible I've used (yes I said commentary...I know it's heavy on the reformed theology, but it's more balanced than you might think...you have to read it for yourself...okay enough of that rant).   My favorite translation for study as it is the most readable accurate word for word translation that I've found. I really think that you would benefit from having this resource available to you in 2010.  And if you've got a Kindle you can download the Kindle version on Amazon for less than $10.

3. YouVersion.com
I have downloaded the Blackberry Bible App from youversion.com so that I've always got my Bible with me.  If you have a Blackberry or an iPhone this is a must have application & it's free!  On days when I miss my morning quiet time, it's great to be able to catch up on my reading for the day by using this great little app.

I'm not a big fan of having a dozen commentaries or other books on hand when I'm reading devotionally...just me, God, and one of the above translations.

So those are my tools.  What version do you prefer for your reading?  Are you intentional? Or is it just whatever Bible you find handy?