Public Reading of the Bible - Prayer Tents

The Scriptures is the Word of God and God Himself (John 1:1). His Word has the power to transform our spirit (the part of us that relates with God and finds meaning and purpose in life) and soul (our minds, thoughts) (Hebrews 4:12). When we read in front of others, we must recognize His power and believe that God can transform us and our listeners through our reading.

With that faith, we must prepare ourselves to represent God correctly when we have the opportunity to declare the Word in front of others. Remember, your reading may be the only time people hear the Scriptures each week, and it may be the first time hearing for some. Trust God to bring salvation by your reading.

You begin with prayer. You trust God to come powerfully when you read the Scriptures. May the presence of God be in the midst of all listeners and transform their lives. Ask God to also reveal what the Scripture means so that you, too, may be transformed as you wrestle with the text.

Then, go into the Scriptures. Trusting God as you read, ask what the passage means to you. What impacts you? Are there parts of the reading that affects you personally? Read multiple translations to get a better sense of what the passage can mean. Dialogue with your pastor and other trusted Christians to understand what the passage can mean. Also consider the author’s circumstances and time to understand why they wrote the Scriptures that way.

Then mark up how you may do the reading. Should you shout this part of the passage? Should you slow down? Pause? Read it with emphasis? What parts can you go through quickly, while slowing down on others?

Scriptures is filled with many genres and readings will be different depending on the passage. Also, your reading will be different than others because of your own personal experiences and understanding. Let that show in your reading.

I am here to help, so let me know if you would like to converse about the preparation and delivery. May our God be with you in every reading!