How to Do an Exciting Scripture Reading

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: It is very helpful to photocopy the passage (or copy it to Word from an online Bible) and enlarge it to a size you can easily read at arm's length (e.g.

   14 point), and then mark it for emphasis.
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   Step 2: Underline words to emphasize importance

   Mark elisions (syllables that you're going to run together) with horizontal parentheses (on a photocopy, or run them together as in examples below from the web). , Hence often feel free to say "don't" instead of "do not"
   
   "aren't" instead of "are not"
   
   etc.
   
   But not always! Sometimes the sentence's key emphasis is indeed on the "not" itself. , Avoid the tendency to drop your voice at the end of clauses or lines. , The goal is not to overdo it, but just to present the Word in an appropriately lively way with good emphasis and energy. , Open your mouth, don't mumble! Project the voice forward towards the congregation, not down towards your feet. , The pace and overall effect should be just like in public speaking, and usually much slower than a nervous reader will feel like. , If in doubt about emphasis
   - and many passages can be read several ways
   - talk to the preacher and ask what the focus should be. , Romans 12) than a page number (if all have the same church Bibles), then pause to allow time to locate the passage, then say the specific starting point (e.g.
   
   Romans 12 verse 10).
   
   Ignore the subheads in printed Bibles as these section titles are not part of the original text. ,
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   Step 3: and add extra commas to denote an extra or longer pause.

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   Step 4: Articulate the words naturally as if speaking extempore by eliding or combining the syllables as you normally would.

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   Step 5: Generally read a passage as if the author was addressing your audience

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   Step 6: and in particular

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   Step 7: an apostolic letter can be read as if the apostle himself were delivering the message.

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   Step 8: Avoid dramatic flourishes which draw attention to your performance rather than the Word.

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   Step 9: When reading

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    Step 10: words need to be articulated properly

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    Step 11: and in particular

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    Step 12: consonants must be clear (using lips

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    Step 13: teeth and hard palate).

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    Step 14: Don't rush

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    Step 15: but read at a pace that allows emphasis on particular words

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    Step 16: and puts pauses where needed.

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    Step 17: During preparation

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    Step 18: pray for your Scripture reading and commit yourself to the Spirit's leading.

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    Step 19: In introducing the passage

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    Step 20: maybe start with book and chapter (e.g.

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    Step 21: At the end

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    Step 22: close using whatever is normal in the church

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    Step 23: or perhaps close with the traditional exclamation: "This is the Word of the Lord!"

Detailed Guide

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