Skriftlesning

Skriftlesning, also written skriftläsning or skriftlesing in various Scandinavian languages, is the act of reading sacred scriptures aloud during religious worship. The term combines the word for 'scripture' (skrift) and 'reading' (lesning), and it is used across Lutheran, Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, and other Christian traditions as well as in some secular contexts for liturgical readings.

In many Christian denominations, scripture passages are selected from a lectionary—a scheduled set of readings for each Sunday and liturgical season. A typical service may include a reading from the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament, followed by a psalm, then a New Testament epistle and a Gospel reading. Readings are usually proclaimed by a lector or reader, sometimes with a brief introduction, and may be followed by a homily or sermon.

Historically, scriptural reading has been central since early Christian assemblies. Over time, churches developed lectionaries to organize readings across the year. In the Catholic Church, the Roman Rite Lectionary (and extended via the Lectionary for Mass) is used; many Protestant churches use the Revised Common Lectionary or other national lectionaries. In Lutheran and Anglican liturgies, the practice is closely tied to the liturgical calendar and the pew Bible readings.

Modern practice varies by denomination and language; some congregations emphasize lay participation in the reading, others delegate to ordained ministers. In some contexts, skriftlesning is combined with responses or antiphons, and in others it is primarily a preludial element to the sermon.