Lectionary

The LCMS lectionary is a structured collection of Scripture readings arranged according to the church calendar for use in weekly worship services. It primarily follows a three-year series labeled A, B, and C, each year emphasizing a different Gospel (year A focuses on Matthew, year B on Mark, and year C on Luke), with John interspersed during major festivals and seasons. The readings include three per Sunday: an Old Testament reading, an Epistle (New Testament) reading, and a Gospel reading, often with Psalms appointed for the Introit.

This lectionary system is based on the Revised Common Lectionary but modified by the LCMS to include important biblical texts especially from the Old Testament that connect closely with the Gospel readings, reflecting Lutheran theology. It begins with the church year season of Advent and continues through to the end of the church year, featuring special attention to the historical and festival cycles such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost.

Besides the three-year lectionary, the LCMS also includes a historic one-year lectionary for congregations that prefer it, and a daily lectionary for daily Scripture reading and prayer, which provides two Scripture passages daily — one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.

The LCMS lectionary readings guide worshipers through the central themes of the Christian faith each year, aiming to expose them broadly to the narrative of salvation history and the teaching of Christ as revealed in Scripture. It also preserves the traditional collects of the church while offering some revisions for clarity and emphasis on the Gospel message. This lectionary foundation shapes the weekly sermon texts and supports liturgical worship consistent with confessional Lutheran doctrine.

Specific readings, summaries and recommended hymns for each of the lectionary festivals can be accessed via the "Lectionary Festivals" webpage of the Lutheran Hub website.

Liturgy

The LCMS liturgy, often called the Divine Service, is the worship service format used by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. It has a clear structure that centers on God’s Word and the celebration of Holy Communion, where Jesus’ true body and blood are received with the bread and wine. The service begins with an invitation called the Invocation, followed by the confession of sins and the pastor’s absolution, which reminds worshipers of God’s forgiveness.

Next is a sequence of praises and prayers including the Kyrie (asking for mercy), the Hymn of Praise (like the Gloria in Excelsis), and the Collect prayer for the day. The Word of God is then read through appointed Bible readings, which include Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons. This is followed by the Creed, where the congregation confesses their faith, and then the sermon, which explains and applies God’s Word.

The service continues with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, including specific prayers, the Words of Institution spoken by the pastor, the Sanctus (a hymn of holy praise), and the distribution of Communion. After Communion, there are closing prayers and a blessing. Throughout the service, traditional hymns and responses are sung, creating a rhythm of confession, proclamation, and thanksgiving. The liturgy reflects the LCMS's emphasis on God’s grace, forgiveness, and the real presence of Christ in Communion, helping worshipers to hear and receive God’s gifts faithfully.