One of the startling ironies facing our church culture is the simple fact that as access to the Bible has increased biblical literacy has decreased. In recent years, many have observed this growing problem (see Lifeway study here) and some, such as Ed Stetzer, have proposed solutions (see here and here) that advocate for, among other things, more intensive discipleship and small groups Bible studies. Certainly these practices will help and I pray that more churches implement them.
But I also want to propose an additional remedy: recapturing a love for the public reading of Scripture.[i]
I don’t assume that corporate Scripture reading alone will cure the problem, but it can’t hurt either. If only for a few moments, it will unite the entire church in a communal act of listening and engaging the word of God, which might just help us take some incremental steps toward hiding the word in our hearts. Read More
Because their liturgies include Scripture readings, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Orthodox, and Roman Catholics may be tempted to dismiss this article. But we need to ask ourselves how the Scriptures are read in our services? Are they read indifferently or prayerfully, from the heart, with a palpable reverence for God's Word? I think that we would be wise to take our cue from Stephen Presley's closing words: "The example of public Scripture reading in the early church reminds us that cultivating this art does not happen by chance, it requires careful reflection and preparation."
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