A Short Liturgy for the Reading of Holy Scripture

Opening Sentence

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

A Confession of Sin
I have strayed from your ways like a lost sheep.
I have followed too much the desires of my own heart.
I have broken your holy laws.
I have left undone what I ought to have done,
And I have done what I ought not to have done,
And, apart from Jesus, there is no health in me.

Lord, have mercy upon me, a miserable offender.
Spare me as I confess my faults.
Restore me as I humbly repent, according to your promises declared to me in Christ Jesus my Lord.
And for his sake, O most merciful Father, grant that today I may live a godly, righteous, and sober life.

Thank you for the assurance of forgiveness that I find in your Word, that you always meet true confession with forgiveness. Amen.

Prayer for Illumination
Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy Scripture to be written for my learning: Grant that I may now hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest your Word, that by patience and the comfort of your promises, I may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given to your saints in the Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Reading of Scripture
(Read the appointed passage of Scripture)

A Prayer of Reflection
O Lord, your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Write your truth upon my heart today, that I may not only hear your life giving Word, but walk in your ways, love what you command, and trust in your promises, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Closing Blessing
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.