Reading Aloud as a Daily Practice
As social distancing means many churches and houses of worship must cancel services, Dana Moore offers ways for fellow Christians to replace quiet, internal reading with reading aloud in a rhythmic way, like sacred chanting. Sacred chanting unites the center of the heart with the vibrational intelligence of the body. This video posted earlier may inspire you to chant in your own home, until we can all be together again!
One publication beloved by many Roman Catholic Christians is offering its daily readings and commentary for free. Click here to read it on your computer or tablet. Magnificat offers prayers for both morning and evening, drawn from the Liturgy of the Hours, texts of daily mass, meditations, essays on the lives of the saints and articles on masterpieces of sacred art.
You can also read aloud any sacred texts which hold meaning within your own tradition. Please comment below with readings you are using, and any effects of this practice you’d like to share.
How to Read Aloud a Sacred text
Reciting the text aloud in this way creates a rhythmical breathing pattern throughout your prayer time, like a chant. This has a calming effect on your body and mind. We encourage you to try it! You can do this on your own or with other members of your household.
Establish your space
Find a place in your home where you can create some sound.
Create a personal altar with a crucifix or an images icons of Jesus, Mary, saints. Light candles and/or incense. Adorn your altar with flowers. Gather any other objects that are meaningful and sacred to you.
Establish your posture
Sit upright to lengthen your spine and lift your ribcage so your lungs have room to expand with each inhalation.
The crown of your head leads the way upwards lengthening your spine.
Sitting upright helps you maintain a state of relaxed alertness during prayer.
Establish your gaze
While reciting the text keep your eyes on the text.
During periods of silence between readings rest your eyes in a soft gaze on the altar, on a holy image, on nature, resting downwards at an angle or closed.
Focus your attention
Focus your attention on the words of the text and skillfulness in recitation.
Recite the text in a manner that would be fitting for others to hear.
Recite aloud
Find today’s prayers, readings and meditations (here is a link to the Magnificat)
Inhale diaphragmatically before reciting a line of text.
Recite the text following the grammar of the text:
At commas pause briefly holding the breath or take a quick inhalation into the belly.
At periods pause longer than at commas taking an inhalation into the belly creating a clear break between sentences.
At new paragraphs pause a bit longer than at periods taking an inhalation into the belly creating a clear break between paragraphs.
In a long sentence without commas, if needed, take a short inhalation between phrases in a sentence.
Sacred Silence
Keep a moment of silence following the Psalm, the Scripture Reading and the Meditation for the Day.
