Pastor, "how do you read it?" Maybe you can quote Scripture like the expert in law whom Jesus quizzed, but how do you read it in public?
Not like Pastor Dud, I hope. God said His Word would not return unto Him void, but the way that preacher read, I thought it might better have been avoided.
He grabbed his Bible and gave the reference in a muffled voice, failing to re peat it. By the time I found the book, he was already plowing his way through the passage. I hadn't heard which chapter or verse and I couldn't find where he was reading. I closed my Bible and tried to listen.
He read with little expression, stumbling over simple words and mispronouncing unfamiliar ones. He even snickered nervously as he garbled a He brew name. A tittering response from an amused listener brought a grin and shrug from the pastor—the only time during the reading that he raised his eyes.
His entire mannerism suggested, "Sorry I have to bore you with this, but bear with me and I'll get on to my sermon. Then you'll hear some great truth!"
The words of an English teacher at my alma mater came to mind. I heard her address the ministerial students in class: "Some of you men plan to be pastors. Gentlemen, don't neglect reading the Bible to your people; but never go into your pulpit without practicing the scripture you've chosen. If you read it well, you will be giving your audience two sermons."
Want to give your congregation two sermons next week? Here are 10 suggestions that can improve your oral reading of Scripture.
1. Be at ease with your Bible. Handle it reverently. Be sure the print is easy for you to read in the pulpit. Use a page marker to avoid awkward fumbling.
2. Study the meaning and context. Check it out in a good commentary. If necessary for clarification, plan a few words as introduction.
3. Decide which words should be emphasized. You might want to mark them. Accenting a different word can change the meaning. For example, try emphasizing a different word each time you repeat the question "How do you read it?"
4. Study the sentence structure. Punctuation marks are there for a reason. Note where pauses would be effective so you won't be gulping air in the middle of a phrase.
5. Be familiar with the words. Read and reread the passage aloud. This is especially important if you are using a newer version but are more accustomed to the King James Version.
6. Check pronunciation. Practice words not in your regularly spoken vocabulary.
7. Vary mice inflections. Begin by pitching your voice slightly lower than you normally speak.
8. Articulate clearly. Read with understanding and enthusiasm. A tape recorder can help you discover your weaknesses.
9. Look at the congregation frequently. If you fear losing your place, use a finger to mark your progress. Practice in private before a mirror.
10. Remember to repeat the reference. Also state which version you are using. While you give the audience time to find the passage, breathe a silent prayer for the Holy Spirit's illumination. Take a deep breath and relax.
Pastor, when you stand to read, be aware that:
You are reading the Living Word,
God's message to mankind
That has survived the ages;
The one Book whose Author
Is always present
Whenever it is read.
"How do you read it?"
