Whether it is a sermon text or a responsive reading, one of the most important exercises in a worship service is the reading of Scripture.
Those who believe and teach the Bible ought to treat it with due reverence and derive as much meaning as possible from its words. Therefore, it is appropriate to consider how Scripture should be handled and employed to best effect.
The reader will have to choose a version. Each congregation usually has a prevailing version, or a prevailing attitude toward what is appropriate or acceptable. If in doubt, stick with the King James during formal readings.
In order to be meaningful, the context of the chosen passage should complement some other aspect of the service: a special holiday or occasion, an earthshaking current event, the theme of the song service or sermon. Matching theme to theme in a service can add focus and intensity to the total worship experience. A random choice of scripture passage, on the other hand, diminishes that focus, scattering thoughts among diverse and disjointed themes.
People today have very short attention spans. If the chosen passage is too long, say more than ten to fifteen verses, the listeners or participants will soon tire and their thoughts will drift. "How much longer is this going to last?" they will begin to ask themselves. The full effect and intent of the Scripture will have been lost.
The passage can also be too short. It is hard to grasp the meaning of an isolated verse or two without, in effect, hearing "the rest of the story." Moreover, a short passage can be too easily wrested from its context, either by the reader (or whoever chose the passage) or by the hearer.
Ideally, the reader should study the passage as if he or she were going to preach or teach it. At the least, the reader should be familiar with the passage, know its general meaning, and be able to pronounce each word correctly. The reader should practice the passage until he can read it without hesitation or mistakes.
The King James Version can often be difficult. If the meaning is unclear, consult commentaries or modern English versions. Brief clarifications during the reading are sometimes appropriate.
Scripture should be read loudly and clearly, with the ring of authority. This is no time for diffidence. I recommend that those who read aloud in an official capacity take voice training. Voice lessons will teach the speaker to project the voice and utilize it to its fullest potential without damaging the vocal cords.
Too often, readers of Scripture read as if they are in a hurry to get to the end. Others read in a meaning-sapping machine-gun delivery or monotone. Scripture should be read with appropriate emphases and pauses, and slowly enough for its meaning to come through.
This is Holy Scripture. Treat it with respect. Read it often and read it well. Know its meaning, and convey it with authority and clarity. It is the Word of God.