Reading Scripture Aloud

In Jesus' day, scripture was not read silently and reading scripture occupied a central place in synagogue worship.

Since the worship of the Church was patterned after that of the synagogue, we should not be surprised that reading scripture aloud should occupy a prominent place in our assemblies. Admittedly, the importance of its place in practice ebbs and flows, but any church that doesn't have a spot for the reading of scripture should re-think the matter. Paul was not looking for "worship filler" when he told Timothy to "give attention to the public reading of scripture" (1 Timothy 4:13).

I mean by this also that scripture reading should not be purely perfunctory. I have heard scripture reading on more than one occasion when I had no idea what place the reading had for the assembly. And before the sermon, I have heard entirely too many passages that had nothing to do with the sermon (or perhaps I should say the sermon had nothing to do with it). If the reading of a text has no obvious meaning for the hearers, is it any surprise that, over the years, the hearers come to view the text as irrelevant for their lives?

Here are some suggestions for readers, and those who plan the reading.

1) Length of reading. When Jesus was asked to read in the synagogue, he chose a scant 2 verses from Isaiah 61 (Luke 4:18-19). I'm persuaded the synagogue had no idea where Jesus was going with that passage, but the simple reading of the text made a point. What point do you think people should get from your reading? Read enough to make the point. But it is possible that the length of the reading will obscure the point -- or be too complicated. I have heard -- again, more times than I can remember -- people read the entirety of Isaiah 53 before a communion service. The reading is simply too long to hold people's attention and any number of sections within the chapter can make a relevant point to the communion.

2) Explanation. First of all, be sure you understand the meaning of the reading. Once I asked a brother to read Galatians 3:24-25 before my sermon -- expecting him simply to read. The text says:
"Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law."

The reader began: "In this passage, Paul tells why we no longer need the Old Testament." He didn't understand the passage and I had to spend time not originally allocated to that sermon explaining why his statement was not true.

Second, if you are unsure your audience will get the meaning of the text -- relevance -- take a little time to explain. Be brief. If it takes you over 30 seconds, it's too long. In explaining Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, Jesus took six what turned out to be six verses. The power of his brief explanation is seen in the response of his audience: they tried to kill him! Lengthy explanations are called "sermons," and in today's assemblies, there's only time for one of those.

3) Practice. Far too many people fancy themselves public speakers. Every speech, for them, is spontaneous, in the moment -- and wholly unprepared. I have a pulpit in my home study, and each Sunday morning, I begin at that pulpit preaching that morning's sermon. I go through every sermon twice. Every intonation of my voice is practiced -- and that's just the delivery part. It doesn't count the preparation of the sermon itself. I've been doing this for over 35 years. If you think you can jot down a few notes and "wing it" successfully, you're fooling only yourself.

Reading aloud may be a gift for some, but it is mostly a craft that can be honed. If reading doesn't come easily to you, you'll need practice, practice, practice to get it right. Ask someone to help you with pronunciation if you find yourself stumbling over words. Try committing the passage to memory so the reading will flow from familiarity. You don't have to be reluctant to read aloud because your ability to read is poor. With enough practice, no one will ever know.

Ask someone to listen to you read -- someone who will be honest. Some readers have no trouble recognizing words, but their reading suffers because they emphasize the wrong words. Note the following text from Galatians 6 as an example. I heard it read a while back and the reader emphasized the words I have in all caps: BROTHERS, if someone IS caught in a SIN, you who are spiritual SHOULD restore him gently. But watch YOURSELF, or you also may BE tempted. ² Carry EACH other’s burdens, and IN this way you will fulfill THE law of Christ.

It was a horrible reading. Try this instead: Brothers, [pause] if someone is caught in a sin, [pause]you who are SPIRITUAL should restore him GENTLY. But WATCH yourself, or you ALSO may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, [pause] and in THIS way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

You may want to listen to a professional do the reading first so you will get an idea what the passage should sound like. Audio Bibles are wonderful tools to help. I sometimes listen to the sermons of popular preachers; not to get a sermon, but to hear it. Preachers are usually heard gladly not so much because of what they say, but because of how they say it. And I have learned from many of them.

Reading the word of God is important. It is His word, they are His thoughts. And you, for the moment, are His voice.