Forms For The Reading Of Scripture

Traditional and contemporary ways of reading the Scriptures for public worship are explained in the following article.

Traditional Forms The Old Testament reader, rising out of the congregation or from the seats where the leaders of worship sit, may walk to the pulpit or some other place and say "A reading from the book of_______________." The reader then reads the appointed lesson in a clear and forceful voice, ending with the words "This is the Word of the Lord." When this action is done with conviction, the people can respond with an equally strong statement—"Thanks be to God"—as a way of showing their acceptance of the Word. After a responsorial psalm, the Epistle reader rises out of the congregation or from the seats where the leaders of worship sit, walks to the pulpit or some other place and says, "A reading from the [First/Second/Third] Epistle [Letter] of [Paul to the]_______________." The reader then reads in a clear and forceful voice, ending the reading with the words, "This is the Word of the Lord." The congregation again responds, "Thanks be to God." After the gospel acclamation, the gospel is read. The action of reading the gospel is of utmost importance. It ought not to be stiff and formal, communicating a sober, distant, and cold God. Nor should it be casual and hip, communicating a carefree "hail fellow well met" God. Since the action of walking among the people with the gospel communicates the incarnate Christ, the goal is to express a reverence for the gospel shown not only through the processional movement but through the raising of the gospel book over the head, the signing of the cross over the pages to be read, the introductory words, the proclamatory spirit in which the gospel is read, and the kissing of the gospel by the reader before the procession returns to its seats. When the gospel is read, it is often read by the minister from the center of the congregation. The minister, together with servers such as the one who will hold the gospel book as it is read, and candle bearers who walk with the gospel reader, walk halfway down the center aisle (in less formal churches the gospel reader will read from in front of the congregation or walk down the center aisle alone), where the gospel reading is preceded by the words "The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to_______________." The people then respond "Glory to you, Lord [Christ]." After the reading the reader may say "The Gospel of the Lord" and the people may respond "Praise to you, Lord [Jesus] Christ." The general norm today is to read three lessons interspersed with psalms and acclamations. The lessons are usually from the Old Testament, an epistle, and the gospel. These texts are listed in the lectionary. Sometimes lessons from Acts and Revelation replace Old Testament lections (e.g., at Eastertide and the feast of Christ the King). Contemporary Forms for the Reading of Scripture Those congregations that do not choose to use the traditional form for the introduction of Scripture readings may choose one of the following ways to introduce Scripture: Before the Reading A paragraph or two explaining the text is either read or said extemporaneously. or The hearer is asked to attend to the reading of Scripture with the sense of smell, touch, sight, and/or hearing. or The hearer is asked to see a picture rather than to hear words. or The hearer is asked to listen with the feeling side of the being, to get into touch with the noncognitive part of the person that may be affected by the Scripture lesson. After the Reading. A comment may be made such as: May the Lord add his blessing to the reading of the Word. or May God cause his Word to take up residence in our lives. The people may respond with: A chorus such as "Thy Word is a lamp to my feet," or Words such as "All the Lord asks we will do."