Readings from Scripture
eading and commenting on scripture goes back to the earliest services of Christianity.
Following the pattern of Jewish synagogue worship, readings follow a set pattern
for what will be read when.
This is known as a lectionary.
The Christian communities
began to add letters of Paul and others to their service.
It was these readings that became
in time our New Testament.
Our pattern is to read a portion of the Old Testament,
followed by a portion of a Psalm and then a reading from a New Testament epistle, or letter.
Our response of ‥Thanks be to God” acknowledges that we have heard the reading and are
thankful for the Word of God.
This response is appropriate following passages of
harsh judgment as well as grace-filled portions of scripture.