The Good News has come to us dramatically. Worship is thus an unfolding drama that moves through various acts to a climax of sacrificial self-offering to God. So worship services should move with dramatic power.

How should an interaction with the King of kings be conducted? God and his people are communicating to each other.

When we hear the Scripture read we are listening to the voice of the living God. We don't listen to the Bible reading simply to learn something interesting. Our silent prayer is always 'Beyond the sacred page I seek you, Lord. My Spirit yearns for you, O Living Word.'

The readings should be somewhere near the preaching, to make clear the connection. I like the discipline of the lectionary; it ensures our readings and preaching range over the whole Bible. But don't follow it slavishly: in biblically literate congregations there is merit in preaching consecutively through various books of the Bible, with rotating themes from Old Testament, Gospel, and Epistle, interspersed with 'special days' (Trinity Sunday, Pentecost, Advent, Christmas, Easter etc)... Let us listen very carefully to the Bible and sermon!

Thank you for those who faithfully received, proclaimed, recorded, transcribed and translated your Word in Scripture. As I hold a Bible in my hands, may I not forget the diligent labours of these dedicated people. And give me ears to hear your word in the preaching. Amen.