Posts that are a part of the “Our Worship” object lesson series.
What is the Offertory? The Offertory is a response to the message. It is a prayer asking God to renew us by His grace and to continue to strengthen our faith in Him. The words of the traditional Offertory are from Psalm 51:10-12. The Offertory is also our confession of faith that God can and … [Read more…]
What is the Offering? The Offering is a response by God’s people to the grace they have received. It is one way of saying thanks to God for what He has done for us. God uses this to continue the ministry of the Gospel in our local congregation and in mission work elsewhere. But the … [Read more…]
What is the sermon? The sermon is a preaching of, and comment on, God’s Word. It is intended to apply the teachings of God’s Word to our lives. It consists of the application of Law and Gospel rightly divided so that we flee from our sins to Jesus for forgiveness, eternal life, and the grace … [Read more…]
What is a creed? A creed is a statement of what we believe. It comes from the Latin credo, which means “I believe.” The creeds we use in worship are simple statements of our faith, a faith shared by countless Christians over the ages. Sometimes we use the Apostles Creed, which is a statement of … [Read more…]
What are the scripture readings? The scripture readings are those sections of the Word of God chosen for each particular Sunday. They are organized in such a way so that the various teachings of Scripture are regularly presented to God’s people. These lessons include a reading from the Old Testament (or Acts at certain times), … [Read more…]
What is the Collect? The word “Collect” comes from the Gallican liturgy, and stands for a collection of petitions of God’s people. It came to be a summary prayer regarding the readings and service theme for the day. It is preceded by the words, “The Lord be with you, and with your spirit.” This is … [Read more…]
What is the Gloria in Excelsis? The “Gloria in Excelsis” is a song of praise to God. This song of praise begins with the words of the angels in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” The Latin words “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” literally mean “Glory … [Read more…]
What is the Kyrie? The Kyrie is a prayer for mercy. It is short for the Latin, “Kyrie, eleison”, which means “Lord, have mercy.” The three phrases of the Kyrie remind us that our cries for mercy are heard and answered by the Triune God. This cry for mercy is not just about our sins, … [Read more…]
What is the Gloria Patri? The Gloria Patri is the response at the end of the Introit. It includes the words, “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.” or some variation. What … [Read more…]
What is the Introit? “Introit” is Latin meaning “entrance hymn.” In the early church, the Invocation, Confession and Absolution took place at the back entrance of the sanctuary where the Baptismal Font was located. The pastor would then enter the sanctuary during the Introit as a reminder to the congregation that Christ was coming into … [Read more…]