The Unity of the Church – Use of the lectionary is one of the most ecumenical acts across Christendom. “A set of readings identical across the churches binds us together with all the other assemblies that are using the same readings…We relinquish personal preferences for the greater goal of common practice. We stand together, wherever we meet, hearing the same gospel each week.”

Encountering the Full Breadth of the Scriptures – Inevitably, preachers have favorite scriptures or passages with which they are more familiar and comfortable. The lectionary challenges preachers to wrestle with tough texts that might otherwise be avoided. The lectionary also revisits passages every three years, reminding us that “God [and the scriptures] are still speaking.”

Liturgical Planning – The lectionary offers a three-year cycle of readings, each of which includes Hebrew Scripture (the Old Testament), a Psalm in response, an Epistle reading, and the Gospel. A standard set of readings for each Sunday allows worship planners and musicians to look ahead and plan music, art, and instruction that complements the fixed readings. The readings also follow the Christian year and illuminate each special season in the life of the church. The lectionary serves to remind us of the seasons of church life — and how those differ from seasons, such as Christmas, on a calendar marking national holidays.