Don't be nervous—take it slowly.

Almost all the instructions you need are printed in the Book of Common Prayer in what are called rubrics—usually in italics just before each passage.

Choosing a passage

Suggested selection of suitable passages (from the Book of Common Prayer):

• A selection from Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer or Holy Communion. (Omitting any words spoken by the Priest-Absolution, Consecration, Exhortations, Prayer of Humble Access, Post Communion Prayers, Blessing).
• One or more of the Psalms
• The Collect, Epistle and Gospel for any Sunday or Holy Day.
• Any suitable passages from The Catechism, Special Prayers and Thanksgivings, The Litany, Commination, Forms of Prayer to be used at Sea.

If you are not sure that your chosen passages are appropriate, please contact a clergyman, your local organiser or the National Administrator.

Introducing your reading

Passages may be either directly from a Prayer Book, or from your own written or printed copy of the text.

The chosen passages must be introduced in the appropriate manner, e.g.:

'Psalm one hundred'
'The Order for Evening Prayer'
'A General Confession'
'The First Sunday In Lent .The Collect.'...

An Epistle should be introduced: 'The Epistle is written in the xxx chapter of xxx beginning at the xxx verse', concluding with 'Here endeth the Epistle'.

The Gospel should be introduced: 'The Holy Gospel is written in the xxx chapter of xxx beginning at the xxx verse'. There are no closing words for the Gospel.

If you are in any way uncertain, read the rubric printed in the book carefully and if still in doubt ask a clergyman or a teacher.

No additional words of your own should be added as an introduction or conclusion to the presentation.

Remember:

This is a recitation in church, a place of worship. And these are Holy words. It is not a presentation or dramatisation. However, emphasis, pauses and rhythm are key.

Your teacher or a clergyman will help you - or find recordings of readings being made in cathedrals and churches, or visit one and hear for yourself how it is done in Holy places.