How do I introduce the Bible reading in a worship service?

The Bible is an important book. In some churches, people stand during the reading of the Bible to actively participate in and signal the importance of the reading of the Bible.

You can also consider starting the reading with an introductory phrase, signaling the imporantance of it and calling people to pay special attention to what is being said:

• Hear the Word of the Lord.
• Let us listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
• Let us hear what God is saying to us today through the reading of . . .

You can also consider using a Bible passage to introduce the Bible reading:

• Isaiah 55:10–11, "For as the rain and snow come down from heaven . . ."
• Luke 9:35, a voice came from the cloud, telling people to listen to Jesus
• 2 Timothy 3:16–17, all scripture is inspired by God

How do I end a Bible reading in a worship service?

Responding to the reading of scripture by active participation on the part of the congregation denotes the importance of what just took place.

• The word of the Lord. (Congregation responds) Thanks be to God.
• The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _____. (Congregation responds) Glory to you, O Lord.
• Psalm 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Congregation responds) Thanks be to God!
• 1 Peter 1:24–25, "The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever." (Congregation responds) Hallelujah! Amen!

Where might you find the Bible reading in a worship service?

You can find Bible readings throughout the whole of a worship service. However, in some churches, there is always a Bible reading as part of the Word sequence, which contains the following parts:

• Prayer for Illumination
• Scripture Reading
• Scripture Meditation or Sermon
• Prayer of Application
• Affirmation of Faith and Commitment to Holy Living