Why do we read Scripture in Worship?

- The Rev. Dr. L. William Countryman

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For Episcopalians, our community at prayer is the primary context for the reading of scripture. Historically, unlike some American denominations, we have not understood the Bible primarily as a law book, but as an opportunity for encountering God's grace together.

The Scriptures permeate our worship in two ways. First, the Book of Common Prayer draws its language primarily from scripture; one could almost say that it is scripture recast as prayer. Second, our services include many readings from scripture. Some of these (Psalms and Canticles) the congregation reads or sings together as expressions of delight in God, of praise and thanksgiving, of our hopes and intercessions. Other parts of scripture provide readings for each service.

In the Daily Offices (Morning and Evening Prayer), we read through almost the entire Bible over a two-year period. The lectionary for the Holy Eucharist is more selective.  In neither case do we attempt to include every word of the Bible in this public reading. Some parts (such as long genealogies) are too tedious to be read aloud.  The test is whether it is likely to help us encounter God's grace. We read the Bible in order to pray it!