To begin our little series of letters on Worship, we turn our attention this week to the readings from Scripture. We are starting with the readings, because that’s how the preparation of worship begins – with choosing the readings. The Scripture is the foundation for everything we do in a service. Many worship leaders will follow the Lectionary – a system of readings which follows the pattern of the Christian year and is widely used across many denominations. Sometimes a worship leader may choose something which is close to their own heart for a particular Sunday and a minister who is preaching regularly to a congregation Sunday by Sunday might well embark on a series – reading through a particular book of the Bible, or focussing on particular themes.

When we read the Bible in English, we are reading translations of the original Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament, that’s why there are so many new versions of the Bible as scholars seek for more accurate and relevant translations. Many older people were brought up with the King James (Authorised) version of the Bible, but the English language has changed and more recent translations make more sense.

The work of the congregation is to listen carefully for ‘This is the word of the Lord.’ In Currie we use a printed order of service, so you have a note of the Scripture lessons and it is well worth spending some time at home through the week, reading them through again and thinking about what they might mean in your life.

“Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.” (Hebrews 4; 12 – 13)

Blessings!

Anne