Lutherans are not unique in how they worship God in the Divine Service, in fact, the vast majority of historic Christians traditions look very similar. What are those similarities? There are a lot but lets just consider two: the form and content of the public gathering (commonly referred to as, the Divine Service, the Mass, Divine Liturgy).
The form of the service is structured around two major pillars: the reading and preaching of the Word of God, and the receiving of the body and blood of Jesus in the Lord’s Supper. The other things that fill in around these are songs and prayers.
The content of these various forms is often Scripture itself (Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus, Words of Institution, Benediction, etc.) or inspired by Scripture (confession of sin, songs of praise). Lutherans believe that because God is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise, we don’t want to haphazardly just says things on the fly in a service but rather give Him our very best by prayerfully and carefully shaping our prayers, songs, and liturgy. The liturgy has been shaped over thousands of years by faithful Christians and we now have the privilege of being discipled by them.
Now that we have a basic understanding of form and content, let’s consider seven reasons Lutherans (and other historic traditions) don’t just tolerate but really love worshiping God through liturgical worship:
1. Structure and Order: Liturgy provides a structured framework for worship, guiding both the clergy and laity through a consistent pattern of service. This structure helps to maintain focus, prevent distractions, and ensure that key elements of Christian faith and practice are included in each service.
2. Biblical Model of Worship: The order of historic liturgy is rooted in Scripture where we find God’s people gathering in God’s presence confessing their sin, worshiping Him, hearing His Word read and expounded, and it culminating in the breaking of bread of Holy Communion. Much of the Divine Service is inspired by or directly found in Scripture.
3. Historical Continuity: Lutheran liturgy is deeply rooted in the history of the Church, drawing from ancient traditions and practices. By following a historic liturgy, Lutherans connect with Christians from past generations, reinforcing a sense of continuity and shared heritage.
4. Communal Participation: Liturgy is designed to be participatory, encouraging active involvement from the entire congregation. The use of shared prayers, hymns, and responses helps to foster a sense of community and shared worship. It’s not just the job of a few professional singers, but the work of the entire congregation. Liturgy literally means “the work of the people.”
5. Holy Eucharist: Lutheranism is a deeply sacramental tradition that values the place of the sacraments in Christian worship. The summit of the Divine Service is when we hear Christ’s promise and gift of His holy body and blood being given to us.
6. Education and Discipleship: The liturgy incorporates key elements of Christian doctrine and practice, serving as a form of catechesis (religious instruction). Through the regular repetition of creeds, prayers, and scripture readings, Lutherans are reminded of fundamental Christian beliefs and values.
7. Spiritual Growth: Liturgy provides a framework for spiritual growth by encouraging reflection, contemplation, and engagement with the Word of God. The structured approach to worship can help individuals deepen their relationship with God and experience a more profound encounter with the divine.
8. Sanctifying Time and Space: The liturgy follows the rhythm of the Church Year, marking seasons like Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. This cyclical pattern helps Lutherans to understand the gospel story and its implications for their lives, sanctifying time and reminding them of God's presence in all aspects of life.
In essence, Lutheran liturgy is more than just a set of rituals; it is a framework for worship that nourishes the soul, shapes the mind, and unites the hearts of believers in their journey of faith.
If you would like to experience the historic liturgy, you are invited to join us at Trinity for the Divine Service at 10:30am every Sunday.