Into Liturgy, part 1

There is a statement often made during Bible Study when discussing the elements of worship and what might be their historical significance within the greater Lutheran Church. This month we will begin exploring the answers to some of these questions. As we do, we will look at the components of our worship services from start to finish in the order they appear. This month, we begin by discussing the service itself.

Historically, Lutherans have not used the term, “worship service” to describe the act of assembling on the Lord’s Day. In the Lutheran tradition, “Divine Service” is the reason for such assembly. Broadly defined, “Divine Service” refers to any service of the church. More narrowly defined it refers to the service of Holy Communion. In the 21st century, it is most common throughout the greater Lutheran Church for congregations to refer to worship in the narrow sense. Lutheran understanding of the purpose for worship is to “receive God’s good gifts.” The pouring out of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ is God’s “Divine Service” to his people. Through Divine Service, Christians are made children of God in Baptism, have forgiveness of sin through confession and absolution, and receive the gift of faith and salvation in the hearing of the Gospel. This is God’s Divine Service to his people.