Public Reading of Scripture Status

This practice is found throughout the Bible from the reading of the Law in the time of Moses to the reforms of the righteous King Josiah and leaders like Ezra, who brought renewal to the people of Israel.  When you facilitate your own Public Reading of Scripture gathering, we have found that it is best to have print Bibles available so that participants can read along.  This practice was so important to Paul that in 1 Timothy 4:13, he instructed all to “... devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, and to teaching.  Public Reading of Scripture brings the church back to the practice of reading and listening in community.  Regularly gathering for extended reading and listening makes knowing and loving God’s word as simple as eating a good meal.  Reading the Bible in community was foundational to the life of God’s people in the Old and New Testaments.  Within any reading plan, each session starts and ends with a Psalm as opening and closing prayers.  Our 45 minute and 60 minute reading plans take about two and a half years to read the Old Testament once and the New Testament about two times.  In the time of Jesus, reading the Law and the Prophets aloud in synagogues was a central element of Jewish life.  Each session also includes an Old Testament reading and a New Testament reading.  Welcome to the Public Reading of Scripture app!  You can choose a reading plan for 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on what seems best for your group.  These videos are optional, but they provide helpful context, such as narrative structure, themes, and historical background of the book in that session.  You will see videos from The Bible Project embedded within each session.  These videos are engaging and accessible, and they can enrich your group’s understanding of the passages being read.  Public readings of scripture served as an act of remembrance and identity formation.