To this day, writes Bruce Shelley (2008), we find it almost impossible to think of the Christian faith without the

Bible (p. 57). Though this statement is true, it seems every generation of Christians has had difficulty determining the extent of the Bibles function within the believing community. The sixteenth century reformers worked to bring preeminence to the canon as opposed to the appeal to the tradition of Roman Catholicism but still the reformers did not resolve the function of the Bible wholly for all times. N.T. Wright (2005) asserts the questions each generation tackles are unique to it but also depends on the previous for its contributions (pp. 20-21). As a result, each generation has (hopefully) added to the richness and diversity of the Church especially in the areas of worship and spiritual formation. From the very beginning it [the Bible] has been given a key place in the churchs worshipping community (Wright, 2005, p. 5). Wright (2005) defines the idea of worship in the church as its thinking and praise and prayer life (p. 5). The question is then how does the canon inform these two aspects of Christian worship? Through the pages of the canon the reader is challenged to consider a multitude of issues. As one reads the scriptures he or she is often challenged to consider the circumstances faced by the biblical characters. Thinking on the positive or negative implications of certain passages should motivate the reader to consider their own reaction to the troubles and blessings brought each day. On the other hand, simply reasoning through the various applications may omit the possibility for further personal inspiration. The canon not only provides fuel to engage our intellect but also reminds us of our human limitations. Throughout the canon we see examples of those who recognized their human frailty (e.g. David or Moses). This recognition was often the impetus for humble prayer(s) or, especially after a supernatural victory or events confirming the characters humanness, a song of praise lifted to Yahweh. Todays reader engages the biblical stories

and, like the characters, is also reminded of their human constraint. This is not cause for despair to the reader but reason for hope. The scripture provides a glimpse into others frailty and as such reveals our own; but does not leave us despondent, instead it examples for the reader an expectation of Gods sovereign action in the affairs of humankind. Therefore, as the reader participates with the canon by thinking, praying and offering praise for Gods revealed character he or she finds reason to trust Gods sovereign ability and acknowledge God in everything (Proverbs 3:6). The process of thinking, prayer and praise should bring multiple results to the believer assisting in their spiritual formation. The canon did not develop in a vacuum but evolved over several years as certain writing came to be recognized by the believing community as authoritative. Similarly, the believer is not formed in a vacuum. Instead the canon pushes the individual believer toward involvement in a believing community. The community assists and is assisted in growth by the interaction of its members with each other and the canon. The canon provides principles that help to guide believers interactions with one another and with those outside the believing community. More importantly, the believer is not left to his or her own whims or weaknesses when attempting to interpret the scriptures. Rather, when the individual is challenged by a perceived aporia he or she can bring it to the community where dialogue can possibly lead to a conceptual change for the individual or the larger group (Alexander, 2006). The community and the Bible, therefore, offer a dual accountability that plays off of each other to encourage each member to think, pray and praise God.

References Alexander, L. (2006). God's frozen word: canonicity and the dilemmas of biblical studies. Expository Times, 117(6), 237-242. Bruce, S. (2008). Church history in plan language. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. Wright, N. (2005). The last word. New York, NY: HarperOne.