Reading the Bible and Praying in Public (Banner of Truth, 2008)

With thanks to Tim from the Irish Evangelical Church for going to England just to get me a copy:

From the introduction: “What you believe about the Bible, what you really believe about the Bible, comes across in the way that you read it in public. If you read it like any other book, it is because in your heart of hearts you believe that it is like any other book. Do you read it inaccurately? This is because you do not believe that every single word is important. Do you read it unattractively? This is because, in your innermost soul, you do not find the Bible captivating. Do you read it without expression? This is because you are not convinced that the Bible is a message. It is a fact that poor reading of Scripture in public reveals that the reader has problems in both his theology and his spiritual life.”

The Bible is sufficient: “When we come to the end of our public reading of Scripture, we should stop and say nothing else at all. Let the Word of God ring in the silence of each listener’s heart! There is a widespread habit of rounding off the reading by adding some form of pious ‘ditty’, as if a mortal and sinful man could somehow pronounce a blessing on the Word of God or speed it on its way. This is a bad habit and we should abandon it. Let the people be confronted with the bare Word of God!” (Controversial? – but of course, if Stuart says it, it must be right :-P)

Public Prayer is Didactic (whether we want it to be or not): As we lead in prayer, we are teaching our people something…Our public prayers will determine the content, the manner, and the spirit of their prayers, whether those prayers be in secret, in the family, or in the prayer meeting…If our prayers are shallow and irreverent, we will be teaching those who hear us that it is all right to be shallow and irreverent. If we fill our prayers with sickly repetitions, we will be endorsing such a practice for all…

On the Shorter Catechism (which he recommends to focus on to make sure public prayers are rich in doctrine): “It encapsulates God’s revelation so succinctly and fully that you feel as if your heart will burst with wonder and gratitude”.