Reading Scripture
Stop.
What’s your favorite Bible verse? Why? What memories do you have of that verse?
Listen.
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. – Joshua 1:8
Reflect.
This summer, our worship series is called “Renewing Worship”. We’re considering all the ways that we are renewed by what we do in worship – and for that matter, why we do what we do in worship. As we make the transition to a renewed worship life at Easter Lutheran Church, we can learn more about what worship is and how to make it have the biggest possible effect on our faith lives.
On Sunday, we’ll talk about reading scripture in worship. It’s one element of worship that’s most common across denominations and worship styles. Whether you find scripture in the sermon, the liturgy, in a hymn, or simply being read, the Bible plays a major role in our rhythm of weekly worship. This week, our devotions will focus on what scripture says about itself – in other words, how does the Bible help us understand the place of the Bible in our worship and faith?
In the reading you’ll hear in worship on Sunday, Joshua 1, God gives the people clear instructions. They’re about to enter the land God promised them for the first time. God tells them the boundaries not only of the geographic area but of the way they should behave. Most importantly, they’re to keep the law of Moses close on their minds and hearts. It’s not something they see or hear sometimes, but all the time. Their success as God’s people depends on it.
When we center ourselves in God’s word, hearing what God has done and being reminded of God’s promises, when we share those words with each other and repeat them to ourselves, we can only gain. We receive hope, encouragement, challenge, and a basis for our community. Whenever you can, however you can, center yourself in the words of scripture.
Pray.
God, your word is holy and a joy in my life. Keep my heart and mind centered in your scripture. Give me wisdom to understand it, devotion to return to it, and renewal to rejoice in it, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Carry On.
Don’t just think about your own favorite verses – ask others about their favorites! Ask them why it’s important to them. Engage them in the stories of their favorite verses. Try memorizing those verses, too.