I didn't grow up in a tradition that used responsive readings ever. It wasn't until my 30's that I remember participating in one for the first time. For the last four years I've been leading Coastline Bible Church and we rarely have a responsive reading. To share candidly, I've been reading more about spiritual formations and felt it was time to bring a responsive reading back.
On Sunday February 27 we finished preaching through the book of Hebrews. I wrote this responsive reading as a way to help remind us of the book. Enjoy!
Responsive Reading Hebrews
Leader: The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word
People: Jesus is greater than anyone who has come before Him
Leader: We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
People: We will pay careful attention to the teaching of Jesus
Leader: Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus.
People: Today we commit to fix our thoughts on Jesus
Leader: See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
People: We repent of our sin and turn to God
Leader: We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.
People: We commit to loving God with our entire mind
Leader: Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
People: We ask for Jesus to intercede for us today
Leader: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
People: Give us faith to walk in your ways God
All: And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
