It is a distinct service to God and His People. 1 Timothy 4:13 ESV “. . . devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture . . .”
Here are eight general guidelines to practicing it more meaningfully. I do hope you have the privilege of reading, and if not, then of listening to one who reads well.
1. Dress appropriately.
This is upfront and in public. So it does start with appearances. It is an honorable act to show respect for people and for one’s position when up front reading the Word of God. As a general rule, dress one step above the average attender.
2. Select a good translation.
Use the version most people in your church use. But make sure it is a translation and not a paraphrase. People want to hear the familiar and authoritative words of God.
3. Use a printed Bible.
Do not read from a printout or any electronic device. Those are fine for other situations. But it looks better and fits the context better to be reading from a what is universally recognizable as a Bible.
4. Be ready at the place.
Know when in the flow of the worship service you are supposed to start to make your way to the place of reading, whether it is a podium, lectern, pulpit or mark on the stage. Plan to be up front on time. This adds to the importance of what you are about to read.
5. Simply announce the text you will be reading.
Please do not supply any personal commentary of any kind whatsoever. Surely your personal experience with the text is valuable, but there is another time and place to share this. For now, you have been charged to read Scripture and that alone.
6. Start reading.
After announcing the text reference, read. Do not ask people turn in their Bibles, or wait for them to do so. Sometimes people just need to listen and listen only, without following along or even reading on a screen.
7. Read well.
This is of utmost importance. Practice reading out loud at home in advance. You need to know the text—its divisions, emphases, pronunciation, cadence, et cetera. Read a little louder than your normal voice, but not in a weird “holy” voice. Keep a good pace. Be lively and passionate about God’s Word; and honor and enjoy the text before the congregation.
8. Don’t hurry.
Pause for one or two seconds when you arrive at the reading place. And pause for a second of two after you finish reading before you leave. Give people an opportunity to feel and reflect on what was read.
Obviously there is more to congregational worship than public Scripture reading. But what about it? Do we value this practice in and of itself? Assuming we do, we should do it well. And in doing so, many people will be blessed.
Here are eight general guidelines to practicing it more meaningfully. I do hope you have the privilege of reading, and if not, then of listening to one who reads well.
1. Dress appropriately.
This is upfront and in public. So it does start with appearances. It is an honorable act to show respect for people and for one’s position when up front reading the Word of God. As a general rule, dress one step above the average attender.
2. Select a good translation.
Use the version most people in your church use. But make sure it is a translation and not a paraphrase. People want to hear the familiar and authoritative words of God.
3. Use a printed Bible.
Do not read from a printout or any electronic device. Those are fine for other situations. But it looks better and fits the context better to be reading from a what is universally recognizable as a Bible.
4. Be ready at the place.
Know when in the flow of the worship service you are supposed to start to make your way to the place of reading, whether it is a podium, lectern, pulpit or mark on the stage. Plan to be up front on time. This adds to the importance of what you are about to read.
5. Simply announce the text you will be reading.
Please do not supply any personal commentary of any kind whatsoever. Surely your personal experience with the text is valuable, but there is another time and place to share this. For now, you have been charged to read Scripture and that alone.
6. Start reading.
After announcing the text reference, read. Do not ask people turn in their Bibles, or wait for them to do so. Sometimes people just need to listen and listen only, without following along or even reading on a screen.
7. Read well.
This is of utmost importance. Practice reading out loud at home in advance. You need to know the text—its divisions, emphases, pronunciation, cadence, et cetera. Read a little louder than your normal voice, but not in a weird “holy” voice. Keep a good pace. Be lively and passionate about God’s Word; and honor and enjoy the text before the congregation.
8. Don’t hurry.
Pause for one or two seconds when you arrive at the reading place. And pause for a second of two after you finish reading before you leave. Give people an opportunity to feel and reflect on what was read.
Obviously there is more to congregational worship than public Scripture reading. But what about it? Do we value this practice in and of itself? Assuming we do, we should do it well. And in doing so, many people will be blessed.
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