Divine Service 3 Single Pastor with Free Standing Altar Part 3

Lection Readings pericope preface introduction rubrics

Old TestamentThe Old Testament is generally prefaced with the words In those days, or Thus saith the Lord God, or as may be required by the opening words (In those days the prophet Daniel said, etc.) Sometimes no preface is needed.EpistleThe Pauline letters are normally prefaced with Brethren, unless the word “brethren” or “brothers” appears in the first sentence or two, or if the letter is addressed to an individual.

If the letter is addressed to an individual (Timothy, Titus, etc.) it should be prefaced with Dearly beloved," as with the letters from Peter, John, and Jude.

The letter to the Hebrews is assumed to have been penned by Paul. If the Epistle is from the Acts of the Apostles or the Revelation to St. John it begins with In those days like unto the Old Testament or as the sense requires.GospelThe Gospel is normally prefaced with At that time and, if the sense requires it, continued with "Jesus said to" or "Jesus spoke this parable to" and then either "His disciples," "the pharisees," or even, as is the case for Judica, "to the Jewish crowds." For example: At that time Jesus said to His disciples . . . At that time Jesus spoke this parable to the pharisees . . ." or simply "At that time . . ."Sometimes, early in the pericope, a pronoun will have to be replaced with the proper noun in order to make clear who is speaking.Sometimes there is no preface at all. On Christmas Day the Gospel begins without preface: “In the beginning . . .likewise, Epiphany: “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem . . In all cases, the preface serves to place the Lection into context.Reference: Lamburn, Ritual Notes p. 105-6; 109

Rev. David Petersen
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Fort Wayne, Indiana