An Appropriate Style For Scripture Proclamation

Reading Scripture effectively can bring the text to life. This article argues that the best way to do that is through a typical conversational tone of voice. Scripture readers are encouraged to carefully study and rehearse each passage they are to read. Many studies have been done on the parts of worship-where people fall asleep and where they wake up. Whatever else researchers conclude about the flow of liturgy, they all agree that people stop listening as soon as the Scripture is being read, and return to consciousness, perhaps, after it is over. The Scripture reading is presented as a somber pill we have to take, its meaning to be grasped later in the sermon. I suggest that before we add various artistic tools to the communication of Scripture, we learn how to read the Scripture, word for word, in a way that is surprisingly fresh and alive. Because it is fresh and alive! We are not adding that to the reading. We are allowing it to be, giving room to what is already there. Ther…