Narrative Lectionary
We follow the teachings of Scripture through the Narrative Lectionary!
What is the narrative lectionary?
The Narrative Lectionary is a four-year cycle of readings, developed by theologians at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. On the Sundays from September through May each year the texts follow the sweep of the biblical story, from Creation through the early Christian church.
The texts show the breadth and variety of voices within Scripture. They invite people to hear the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the prophets, Jesus, and Paul. Listening to the many different voices within Scripture gives us a broader understanding of God's story and action in the world and, for us as 21st-century believers, deepens our life of faith.
What are the readings?
The texts include the major episodes in Scripture. They are arranged in a narrative sequence to help people see Scripture as a story that has coherence and a dynamic movement:
From September to mid-December, the texts begin with the early chapters of Genesis, move through the stories of Israel’s early history, the exodus, the kings, prophets, exile and return.
From Christmas to Easter, there is sustained reading of one of the four gospels.
From Easter to Pentecost. the texts are chosen from Acts and Paul’s letters.
Why these readings?
Texts were selected that lead well to the proclamation of what God is doing. The stories tell of hope and disappointment, suffering and redemption. In all these varied contexts, we find God dealing with the complexities of human life. Stories from the gospels differ each year, avoiding repetition and highlighting what is distinctive about each gospel’s telling of the story of Jesus.
The Church Year helped to shape the flow of the Narrative Lectionary. Old Testament readings move through the story of God’s dealings with Israel and culminate in Advent with the prophets who speak of longing and hope. Readings from the gospels fit the movement from Christmas and Epiphany to the Transfiguration, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Easter. Selections from the book of Acts and Paul’s letters trace the outward movement of the resurrection message, culminating on Pentecost with readings focusing on the Spirit.
To learn more, go to the Working Preacher website at Luther Seminary here.
What about my daily Bible reading?
To help further our weekly study during worship, the Narrative Lectionary also offers a calendar of daily readings. These help to fill in the gaps between the readings each Sunday. We distribute the readings weekly in worship. If you're interested in downloading them for the entire NL year, go here.
Or, you can add them to the digital calendar on your phone. Go here, then scroll down until you see the RSS icon (like a lopsided wi-fi symbol), click it and select the type of calendar you use. Once you do, it will be added to your digital calendar.