---
title: "Question 90: How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? | Westminster Shorter Catechism"
description: "Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 90: How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-90-how-is-the-word-to-be-read-and-heard/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=170"
---

# Question 90: How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? | Westminster Shorter Catechism

That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

Scripture proofs: Prov. 8:34; 1 Pet. 2:1-2; Ps. 119:18; Heb. 4:2; 2 Thess. 2:10; Ps. 119:11; Luke 8:15; Jas. 1:25.

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=170)

## Related reading

- [Keeping the Lord’s Day](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1: What is the chief end of man?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-1-what-is-the-chief-end-of-man/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-1-what-is-the-chief-and-highest-end-of-man/)
- [Find teaching on worship](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=worship)
- [Question 89](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-89-how-is-the-word-made-effectual-to-salvation/)
- [Question 91](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-91-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-90-how-is-the-word-to-be-read-and-heard/