“The liturgy is the privileged setting in which God speaks to us in the midst of our lives; he speaks today to his people, who hear and respond. Every liturgical action is by its very nature steeped in sacred Scripture.”


“Thanks to the (Holy Spirit), ‘the word of God becomes the foundation of the liturgical celebration, and the rule and support of all our life.’” 

(Pope Benedict XVI )

When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, the readings from the Word of God are to be listened to reverently by everyone, for they are an element of the greatest importance in the Liturgy.  (General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM], no. 29)

PRAYER FOR PREPARING TO PROCLAIM THE WORD OF GOD:

Almighty God, cleanse my heart and my lips that I may worthily proclaim your Gospel; bless my efforts to prepare, that I may meditate on your Word, understand it better, and proclaim it faithfully to your people; surround my ministry with your presence, that I may carefully perform the task entrusted to me, preach Jesus Christ to others, announce the Word of God properly, watch it grow in the hearts of listeners and give glory to you, Father, through your Son and in the Holy Spirit.  (From “Messengers of God’s Word: A Handbook for Lectors,”  Fr. Joseph M Champlin)