At first glance, this beautiful prayer by the apostle Paul would seem to move you and me into the practice of personal disciplines such as study, memorization, and meditation on God’s word. All very good things! Surprisingly, however, the apostle’s prayer is meant to move us beyond ourselves into the Christian community. The key and this is usually the case in our New Testaments, is that the word “you” in this prayer is plural. Here is a weakness in our English translations of the Bible. In French “you” can be singular (“tu”) or plural (“vous”). The same is the case in the Greek text in which our New Testaments were originally written. “You” in these verses might be better translated as “all y’all”! This is a very different teaching than we individually-minded American Christians assume.

So how can we tell whether the “you” we read in our New Testaments is singular (a word for my personal growth)-or plural (a word that I learn and practice with others)? Check the context. In the case of this verse, Paul intends to strengthen the Lord’s church (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Today many Christians are practicing the “public reading of scripture” (https://prsi.org/) in homes, on campuses, in businesses as well as in churches. A group gathers to listen to God’s Word read out loud followed by conversations about what was heard. Give this a try. Taking in God’s word this way, as it was originally intended (“faith comes by hearing”) may bring all y’all into a whole new level of love for God’s Word, and for life together in the body of Christ.

Our Loving Lord,

      By your word weave us together as your body. Speak to us as we gather to listen for Your voice in Your word. Help us help each other become careful hearers of Your good pleasure.