Scott Brown offers tips for public Scripture reading:
For the person reading Scripture, a time like this requires careful preparation both of the heart and the body.
First, let’s take the preparation of the heart. The heart is moved only by what is in the mind. Thus, your mind must be properly instructed so that your heart can be instructed and in sync with what God is communicating through the text you are reading. To get there will take many slow readings. My recommendation is that the passage is prayerfully read no less than 10 times, both silently and out in loud in front of your family.
Our technique will improve with passion that is only built through familiarity and delight. When Ezra read the law to the people the narrative says, “So they read distinctly from the book” (Nehemiah 8:8). This is a description of careful reading that should form a pattern for us as we read scripture publicly.
Then there is the preparation of the body. By this I mean that you understand the meter and tone, and have a sense for how it should be read. This means you should practice it out loud to get the right inflections and timing, so that it is read with great passion and clarity.
Twelve Keys to Scripture Reading:
1. Understanding
In order to read accurately, you need to discern: the attitude and tone of the author, the genre of literature you are reading, and the intent of the author.
2. Delight
When we delight in the law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2) and His testimonies (Ps. 119:24), then we are useful for the Master’s use to exult in the glory of the words of God with a pure and honest heart.
3. Confidence
Remember the power of the Word of God – it will not return void. “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
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