What are some parts of worship? Typically, I think I would get three answers to that question: preaching, prayer, and song. Some would certainly (I hope!) remind me that I have been doing a devotion series on the parts of worship by saying “call to worship” as well. But how many of us would say reading the Bible is an ordinary part of worship?
Centennial family, have y’all ever noticed that I pray before the reading of the Bible, and that no matter how long, I read every single word of the Bible text I’m preaching on? I do that on purpose! Summed up, my prayers are something like this: God, help us to really see and hear this Word of yours! Today, and from now on, as you read your Bibles in individual and family devotions, will you begin the practice of praying before reading the Word? It doesn’t have to be long (God doesn’t grade you on word count!). It simply needs to be genuine: God, help me see you in your Word. God, change me by your Word.
With certainty, God will bless such a practice. It’s the PBR Principle—Pray Before Reading!
CHAPTER 5.B.3 (Ordinary Parts): READING THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
“The holy scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that they are the very word of God, and that he only can enable us to understand them; with desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in them; with diligence, and attention to the matter and scope of them; with meditation, application, self-denial, and prayer.”
a) The reading of the Word of God is a distinct and essential act of public worship (Neh. 8, Acts 13:15, 2 Cor. 3:15, 1 Tim. 4:13). In it God speaks directly to His people by a Word “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). This Word is able to build up the congregation and give them the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:32). It does not return to the Lord without accomplishing the purpose for which it is sent (Isa. 55:10-11).
b) Public reading of the Word of God may occur in various ways. It may be read by one to all, or in unison, or responsively.
c) Though the reading of the Word is joined to the preaching of the Word in public worship, giving a distinct place to the reading of the Word elevates the authority of the Word and God Himself as He meets with His people. The reading of the Word of God should be without interruption or interpretive comments, unless there is special concern that a particular word or sentence might be misunderstood. The sermon would normally be the time for providing interpretations, exhortations, and applications of the Word.
d) We are to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Deut. 8:3, Matt. 4:4). “All Scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God might be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Consequently, it is well that a regular and systematic reading of all the Scripture should be provided in public worship for the people of God.