lectionary
Definition
Noun: A lectionary is a book or list containing a collection of scripture readings (lections) appointed for Christian worship, especially for use during church services throughout the liturgical year.
Usage Examples
- (A book of designated Bible passages for worship.)
- (A schedule of scripture readings repeated over several years.)
Advanced Usage
"Lectionary-based preaching": A style of sermon preparation that follows the readings assigned in the lectionary.
- The pastor's lectionary-based sermons allowed the congregation to study the same passages together. (Sermons tied to the appointed readings.)
"The Revised Common Lectionary": A modern, ecumenical version of the lectionary used by many Protestant denominations.
- Our church adopted the Revised Common Lectionary to align with other congregations. (A standardized set of readings for shared worship.)
Variants and Related Words
Lection (n): a reading from Scripture, especially in a church service.
- The morning lection was taken from the Book of Psalms. (A specific Bible passage read aloud.)
Lectionary year (n): a specific year in a multi-year cycle (e.g., Year A, B, or C).
- We are currently in Lectionary Year B, which focuses on the Gospel of Mark. (The designated year for particular readings.)
Synonyms
- Book of readings: a volume containing selected scriptural passages.
- Scripture schedule: a plan outlining which Bible passages are to be read on given dates.
Related Idioms
- "To read from the lectionary": To follow the appointed biblical text in worship.
- During the service, the deacon read from the lectionary as prescribed. (To perform the assigned reading.)