Isaiah 22:19-23

1. Pay attention to the tone: The passage in question focuses on the appointment of a new steward in place of Shebna. It is important to understand the tone of the passage, which can be seen as a mixture of rebuke, authority, and the establishment of a new order. Adjust your reading style accordingly to reflect these emotions.

2. Emphasize key phrases: Highlight important phrases like

• “I will thrust you from your office,”
• “I will call my servant Eliakim,” and
• “I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David.”

These phrases convey the shift in power and the authority being transferred. Give them appropriate emphasis to help the listeners understand their significance.

3. Use appropriate pauses: The passage has several breaks and transitions. Take care to pause at the appropriate places to allow the listeners to process the information. For example, pause after “I will clothe him with your robe” to allow the listeners to absorb the imagery being presented.

4. Vary your tone and volume: The passage includes both words of rebuke and words of promise. Use your tone and volume to differentiate between the two. For instance, use a slightly stern tone when reading about Shebna being thrust from his office, and then transition to a more hopeful and authoritative tone when introducing Eliakim.

5. Maintain clarity: Ensure that your enunciation is clear throughout the passage. This is especially important when reading names, such as “Shebna” and “Eliakim.” Practice pronouncing them correctly to avoid any confusion.

Romans 11:36-37

1. Pace your reading: Start by reading the passage at a slightly slower pace to allow the listeners to absorb the weight of the words. Gradually increase your pace as you move through the passage to maintain a sense of momentum and build anticipation towards the concluding statement.

2. Emphasize key words and phrases: Highlight important words and phrases like

• “all things,”
• “glory forever,” and
• “amen.”

Give them appropriate emphasis to convey the comprehensive nature of God’s involvement in everything and to evoke a sense of awe and reverence.

3. Vary your tone: Begin by reading the passage with a tone of reflection and contemplation. As you progress, transition to a tone of awe and wonder when reaching the concluding statement. Let your voice convey the wonder and amazement of the message being conveyed.

4. Utilize appropriate gestures and body language: Consider incorporating subtle gestures and body language to enhance your delivery. For instance, you can raise your hands slightly when emphasizing the phrase “all things” to visually convey the encompassing nature of God’s involvement.

5. Maintain clarity in complex phrasing: The passage contains theological concepts that may be challenging for some listeners. Prioritize clarity in your enunciation, emphasizing important words to help ensure comprehension. Take your time when reading phrases like “For from him and through him and to him” to ensure each element is clearly articulated.

6. Emphasize the concluding statement: The passage ends with a powerful declaration, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” This statement sums up the broader message of the passage and deserves strong emphasis. Slow down slightly and use a tone of reverence to highlight the significance of these words.