Lectionaries

What is a Lectionary?

Lectionaries are lists of readings, most often used in worship services and personal devotions.  The word ‘lectionary’ comes from the Latin ‘lectio’, which means: a reading.  Lectionaries of Biblical readings have been used since the 4th century.

Benefits

1. The entire Bible can be read over time in small sections.
2. Readings follow the rhythm of the church year so readers can engage events in the church calendar, like Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
3. Readings focus on passages that focus on core doctrinal truths, such as the birth of the church at Pentecost, the Incarnation or the Trinity.
4. Following daily readings allows readers the opportunity to unite in devotions with millions of other Christians using lectionaries around the world. 

Revised Common Lectionary

The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) is the most widely read lectionary.  It was developed by several denominations out of a concern for Church unity and a desire for a common experience of Scripture.

The RCL covers most of the Bible in 3 years. Sunday readings focus on the gospels while selections from the Old and New Testaments round out the week.  There are also readings for major feast days.  Sometimes, there are readings from the Apocryphal/ Deutero-Canonical books. When this occurs, there is always an alternative reading from the Old Testament.

Find the Revised Common Lectionary here

Robert M’Cheyne’s Lectionary or Daily Reading Schedule

This lectionary is based on 300 sermons by Robert M’Cheyne, who died in 1843, age 29.

Robert M’Cheyne served as minister of St. Peter’s Church in Dundee, Scotland from 1836-1843 and was known as a man who loved his Lord deeply, preached salvation with clarity and power, and traveled to Palestine to show his love for both Arabs and Jews.  Although his life was short, it brought remarkable blessing and his devotion to God serves as an inspiration to many.

Find M’Cheyne’s Daily Reading Schedule here

The Bible Society

Find the Bible Societies daily scripture readings here