This summer, we began a new sermon series called Tethered: A Summer with the Lectionary. The Lectionary is a pre-selected collection of scripture passages that are assigned for each day of the year. Many denominations and churches utilize the Lectionary, and many preachers use the Lectionary as their assigned text for what they preach each Sunday. Those preachers typically say that they appreciate the discipline and the continuity within scripture that this method provides.
As a worshiper, Iāve been grateful for this system for these first two weeks of the series. I receive the passages via text message at the beginning of the week, and Iāve been using them as my morning devotional. I like the structure that this provides for my week. Kairos staff includes some questions at the bottom of the text message which help illuminate the weekās theme, and prompt further contemplation. Iāve enjoyed reading and re-reading the passages throughout the week while pondering which passage might be preached this Sunday, and how. I feel that having these verses as my āassignmentā for the week has resulted in my giving a more careful and intentional reading. And discovering some wonderful surprises.
For example, the assigned Psalm selection two weeks agoĀ was Ps. 130. Iām sure that Iāve read this Psalm before, possibly even multiple times, but it hasnāt been on my list of favorites. How have I missed it? Having it set as a response to the Old Testament lesson brought it alive for me. What a beautiful proclamation of restoration and redemption! A soothing balm for those times when your soul aches from all the wrongs in this world. If this text had not been selected for me, I would have totally missed this wonderful, poetic verse:
Ā Ā Ā I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
And finally, I attended worship and heard the passages that Iāve been reading used as the basis for the Call to Worship, reflected in the hymn lyrics, and preached upon. Further enrichment and reinforcement of Godās Word. I felt better able to participate, and to drink it in. We welcomed the Spirit in one of our hymns, and I feel as if Iām welcoming in Godās message by preparing all week.
– Nancy Langham