Since the time of the Reformation, the Lutheran Church has generally used a lectionary, recognizing the benefits of following a series of assigned readings. Hardly a Lutheran novelty, lectionaries have been in use throughout the history of the church and trace their development to the practice in Judaism of assigned readings (Luke 4:16). The use of a lectionary assures that the congregation will rehearse each year the saving events of our Lord's life, death, and resurrection. It also ensures that the most crucial teachings of Holy Scripture are regularly heard by the people of God.

A unique feature of the three-year lectionary is the inclusion of the Psalm of the Day. This psalm follows and is intended to comment on the Old Testament reading. Because the Psalter so richly gives expression to the prayer, praise, and lament of the Christian, these weekly psalm selections are an excellent opportunity to involve the congregation. In recent years, many new psalm settings have been composed in a variety of styles. The use of a psalm refrain that is repeated several times is also an excellent opportunity to involve those who have difficulty reading.

There may be occasions when less than all three of the assigned readings are used. Whenever possible, it is best to use all of the readings, even if only one of the readings figures more prominently in the service, such as in the sermon. Even though all of the readings may not be impressed equally on the congregation, it is helpful to remember that God uses his Word in ways that we cannot anticipate (Is. 55:10-11).

Some congregations follow the practice of having the people join the lector in reading the lessons aloud. While this may occasionally be helpful, it is best reserved for very special uses (e.g., a dramatic reading of the passion narrative on Palm Sunday). Recalling a point made earlier in the section "Considering the Big Picture," inviting the congregation to join in the readings can be uncomfortable for those in the congregation who cannot read. More importantly, however, is the truth that faith still comes "by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:1 7). Scripture reading in the liturgy is quite different from Bible class, where group reading and careful study is quite appropriate. In the liturgy, the Holy Scripture is received as a prophetic message from God that comes to our hearing from outside of ourselves. With this in mind, the lector should prepare his reading carefully and proclaim it clearly.