[Reader 1] Remembering what God has done for us is a no-fail recipe for restoring hope. Joshua lists 31 Kings who were defeated by God’s army. In Joshua 12, he made a list. Are you lacking hope? What has God done? Take time, and make a 31 list. Experience hope restored. (50 words)
[Reader 2] Remember to praise the Glorious God and capture joy in the chambers of your heart. He is worthy of all our praise. He is worthy. Elusive joy and yet, not to those who fill His courts with praise. Let the rocks cry out? No! We will praise our Magnificent Savior. (50 words)
[Reader 3] Remember that love covers a multitude of sins. Do you remember that your brother has anything against you, go back and be reconciled, then bring your gift to God. Greater gift has no man than that he lay down his life for a friend… and he was loved by God. (50 words)
[Reader 4] Remember, Jesus took his own blood and he secured our salvation forever. Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Remember, God put His laws in our heart. “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” There is, now, no need for more sacrifices. (50 words)
[Reader 5] Let us hold tight to hope. God can be trusted to keep His promise. I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. My lips burst forth with praise. You have taught me your principles. Your words give light. (50 words)
[Directors note: I have written this piece in the form of a reader’s theater script. Reader’s theater is a form of drama where all of the actors perform from a stationary position on stage i.e.: sitting on a stool or standing in one spot perhaps behind a lectern. In most cases, the readers will be spotlighted as they deliver their lines. I suggest positioning the readers like this; Reader 1, Reader 4, Reader 2, Reader 3, Reader 5 this will cause the voices to move from one area of the stage to another and add more interest to the reading. Typically readers will be dressed in all black and read their scripts from a black binder. Other possibilities for costuming are choir robes or a variety of typical work wardrobes i.e. a nurse, a construction worker, business suit etc. In all forms of drama including reader’s theater, lines should be memorized for smooth delivery. While this piece is written as a reader’s theater, never the less, it could be read as an opening by one reader or used as a tool for personal reflection.Follow performance with a song selection such as 'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet' ]
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"Let the rocks cry out? No! We will praise our Magnificent Savior." I love this line...I think I'll share it with the youth leader at church. I can see this on stage at church. Thanks for sharing. Janice
I loved visualizing this Reader's Theatre - I could see it preformed with each voice appropriate for each read. Amazing - I'd love to experience this. (I like the back on black scenario)
Each read is poignant and full of hope - you packed so much into 50 words!
#2 and 4 are my favs.
