“Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.”

— Deuteronomy 31:12

Years ago, on a mission trip to Nassau in the Bahamas, I saw a man holding a Bible and speaking at a podium in a downtown marketplace. Several other people stood there too, and folding chairs were set out.

I walked over to see what they were doing. They were hosting a marathon of the public reading of Scripture, a 24-hour nonstop event. During that day I returned twice and was invited to read each time. For me, it was an incredible experience of reading God’s Word.

The apostle Paul urged Timothy to devote himself to “the public reading of Scripture” along with preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 4:13). I found that this often-overlooked spiritual exercise allowed me to hear God’s Word afresh, with various voices reading and without commentary. We were able to read and listen with others in the community.

Hearing and learning the Bible together is a good spiritual practice for people of all ages. Life can be busy and full. We all need to hear and engage with God’s Word, which has so much to teach about God and his love for us, and how we can shine the light of God’s love into the darkness of this world. In what ways can you participate in reading Scripture in order to share God’s Word with others?

Lord, thank you for the public reading of Scripture. By your Word, may we grow in faith and glorify your name. Amen.