It's been a number of years since I read the book The Fire and the Staff * but it was my first real eye opener and in depth look at how doctrine and practice are interwoven together. How we worship (practice) influences what we believe (doctrine) and likewise what we believe will guide how we worship. Having just gone through the previous chapters in this book and reviewed what it is that Lutherans believe (in a nutshell), one will see this expressed in a Lutheran worship service. Lutheran spirituality is embodied, expressed tangibly, in Lutheran worship. Law and Gospel, the saving Word and Sacraments, the vocation of the pastor, and the Real Presence of Christ animate the liturgy at every point. Every week in worship, the Christian takes part in a divine drama, a mystery, in which Christ's gifts are received. (pg 138)
This topic actually opens up a whole can of worms that he didn't touch upon or this book would have been a lot longer! He stayed focused solely on how Lutherans do worship and why. I think the big difference between our worship and other Christian denomination worship is: How we define what the purpose of worship is? What do we hope to accomplish by it? What is the mission and ministry of the church? What is the role of the pastor? It's the answer to these questions (and others) that will guide what actually happens on a Sunday morning in any given Christian church.
Lutheran worship has an objective quality about it, the sense that grace is actually operating outside of one's own perceptions, that is very different from the more subjective styles favoured by other theologies. (pg109) I really appreciate this about our worship! I don't want to need my emotions to know if God is really present because I don't trust them. I want to know, objectively, that He is present and working regardless of anything else I may perceive or not. God wants that for us too so that we have that assurance and can rest in His promises. Lutheran worship is Christ-centred, not human-centred. (pg 109)
Our worship has such a rich heritage and is so grounded in Scripture that regardless of what's new or popular out there in the culture, there's a stark contrast to the culture of worship that speaks sacred. This time, this space is set apart as holy and special and God is working through His means of grace.
Lutheran worship bathes the congregation in the Word of God. The readings, the liturgical responses, the great set-pieces such as the Introit and the Kyrie, are not "vain repetitions" as our critics say. They are the very words of the Bible. Lutheran hymns are not emotional effusions. They are doctrinally and article rigorous explorations of a Biblical text. The creed and the prayers are grounded in Scripture. A Lutheran sermon is never a moralistic pep talk, nor a mediation on current events or pop psychology, but the proclamation of both Law and Gospel, drawn from the appointed text in Scripture. And Holy Communion is the fulfillment of the Lord's promises as recorded in the New Testament. The Word of God permeates Lutheran worship, and the Word of God is a means of grace. (pg 110) - my favourite quote from this chapter:)
I think it fair to say that for most regular church going Lutherans, much of what is done on a Sunday morning might actually pass us by. I know it did for me for many years. Our practice of youth confirmation and adult instruction is quite thorough in it's study of doctrine but usually light on the explanation of the liturgy. It's a shame really because there's so much to appreciate and learn from if you know what to pay attention to and have some knowledge of the historical background. It would make for an excellent Bible study series, in my opinion. But for personal growth in this area, one can do some research and study. Having a home hymnal is really a must. You can Google any of the hymns/hymn writers and find out some back story or challenge yourself to find the Scripture that is used in the hymn itself. Your pastor might loan you his hymnal handbook too that includes some information you might find interesting. I already mentioned the Fire and the Staff. There's also the ABC's of Worship and Church, Mission and Ministry that are great resources. You can download the iCal Church Calendar to your Windows or Mac to raise awareness of the church year. You can download the church calendar readings (or Lectionary also found in the front of the hymnal) to know the texts coming up in worship. And, of course, Issues, etc has plenty of podcasts on the matter.
I would like to suggest a few specific podcasts to gain a better understanding of where the other side of Christianity may be coming from. I found it very enlightening and helped me better understand the meaning behind some of the conversations I've had with my Christian friends from other denominations. Understanding has also helped me to grow a better appreciation for what we Lutherans have, do and preach.
The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: The Divine Service
The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: The Office of the Pastor *
Personally, aside from our liturgy and practice being rooted in the Word of God, I appreciate the sameness found throughout our churches. If I am traveling and visit a WELS church, we know we can expect to hear and participate in our familiar practices of worship. We will hear a message preached that we agree with. Of course, each church is unique in it's own way, but there is a familiarity that makes one feel at home even when quite far away from home. Also, with my family being so spread out and far apart, I know they are hearing the same texts on any given Sunday morning as I am. We are connected even when far apart! And finally, Vieth touched upon this when he referenced John Kleinig's comments on the subject. When we worship in church, we are also worshiping along with the saints and the angels in heaven. (pg 141) Our worship is a reflection of what heaven will be like and we join in the worship of all the saints triumphant that have gone before us and with the angels themselves.
I have definitely grown in my appreciating of the liturgy over the years and have tried to bring it into my own home in some ways. Following the liturgy is teaching Biblical truths and why keep it just in church? Teaching Biblical truths should extend into our daily lives and homes and this is one avenue I learned from my own mother that can be very effective.
*While I suggest reading or listening to these sources only because I thought so much of them, please note that they are of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and while we have much in common with them, we are not in fellowship with them. One of the points we differ on is having to do with the "Divine Call" and "Mission and Ministry". Just a point to be aware:) Talk with your pastor for more information!
And we pray,
Lord God, revealed to Moses in a burning bush, to Israel in a cloudy pillar, to Isaiah on a lofty throne: help us in our worship to stand before You as on holy ground, seek the company of Your grace, hear and obey the voice of Your Word. Remove from us all hindrances to proper confessions and forgiveness, to attentive hearing and obedience, to sincere praise and thanksgiving, that we may go forth with Your benediction; through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
What aspect do you most appreciate in the liturgy and why?
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