Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:2–3 Although there are important times for silence in worship, the hearing of God’s Word is central to the worship service. The reading of the Word becomes a focus for our growing in faith. From earliest times, God has directed His people to read His Word. In Exodus, it is recorded that Moses “took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people” (Exodus 24:7). In the Collect for “Grace to receive the Word,” we pray that we may hear the Holy Scriptures and, most importantly, “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (LSB, p. 308). We have that grace-filled opportunity once again. May we take full advantage of it to the glory of God!
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