THE CATHOLIC LECTIONARY WEBSITE compiled by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
Basic Steps for Biblical Preaching
How to Prepare for Effective Biblically-Based Preaching
PRAY:
Recall that preaching is a vocation, a God-given ministry, to share God’s Word with others.
Ask God to open your mind and heart, so that you can hear and understand the scriptures.
Ask God to “inspire” you, to work in and through you during your preparation process.
READ:
At least one week in advance (if possible), read the scriptures on which you will be preaching.
Reread the texts every day, at least briefly, so they remain fresh in your mind during the day.
REFLECT:
Meditate on the meaning of the scriptural texts: What is God saying to me/us in this Word?
Consider the people to whom you will be preaching: Who are they? What is their situation?
What is going on around us, in our society/world, that may need to be addressed in your homily?
What message do your people need to hear: information, inspiration, challenge, comfort, etc.?
RESEARCH:
In your Study Bible, read any introductions and footnotes available for the texts you are using.
Using several Bible commentaries, study the texts and their historical and literary contexts.
Consider the inter-relationships between the texts (esp. the First Reading, Psalm, and Gospel).
Study the liturgical/seasonal contexts: What are the readings for the previous and coming weeks?
How are they related to the readings on which you will be preaching?
WRITE:
Decide what the main goal and the principal message of your preaching will be.
Write a basic outline to structure your homily: Introduction, Three Main Parts, Conclusion.
Choose what illustrations you might use, from Bible, other literature, real life experience, etc.
Write out the full text (or at least a detailed bullet-point outline) of your homily.
REHEARSE:
Practice! Practice! Practice! in front of a mirror, with a sound system, and/or with family & friends.
Make an audio or video recording, so that you can see and hear yourself more objectively.
REVIEW:
Ask some people to give you honest feedback, with constructive suggestions for improvement.
Listen to or watch the audio or video recording, and consider what and how you could improve.
Reread your text, analyzing its focus, content, structure, length, vocabulary, relevance, etc.
REVISE:
Thoroughly revise your text, improving whatever you can, in big and small ways alike.
Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite; incorporate whatever feedback you received, as appropriate.
RECOLLECT:
Pray some more; ask for God’s guidance and inspiration; let God use you as an instrument.
Be aware that when delivering your homily, the focus should be on God’s Word, not on you!
PREACH:
Deliver your homily with conviction (believe what you say) and humility (keep focus on God).
Speak professionally: use clear diction, appropriate volume, pace, gestures, body language, etc.
Note: If you are preaching again on the same scriptures, repeat steps 7-10 before your next homily.