Order of Service
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod firmly believes that God serves His people through a worship service. It is in worship that God is able to foster, nourish and strengthen the faith of His people. During the worship service, the Holy Spirit is diligently at work in the hearts of the people as God's Word is spoken, forgiveness is offered and His means of grace are distributed. Our presence in worship is commanded by God (Exodus 20:8-11; Acts 2:42,46; Hebrews 10:25) and during that time we are lavished with His gifts and service to us. The worship service is for our benefit, for we know that even if we do not praise God, "...the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40) What an awesome thought, to know that we can come together on Sunday morning and be in the presence of God's service to us.
As a church, we believe that God is a God of order. Even from the beginning of creation there was order. Traditionally, the LCMS has a general order that is applied to the Worship Service. Our church is considered "Liturgical", meaning our worship follows a general pattern or structure.
Within this structure/format for worship, Lutherans are able to provide a logical sequence to worship. In many ways, it is like a dance as we respond to the gifts that God gives us through the worship service. The order of the service can provide comfort, familiarity and gives the opportunity to teach children and new members how to respond to God.
The Bible does not provide or require a set structure for worship. Being rooted in Scripture, Lutherans have established their liturgy to use God's words in the Bible to set the tone and provide the response for worship.
Individual Lutheran churches make their own decisions as to the style of worship that they offer. Many of the hymns and parts of the liturgy can be found in Scripture, further emphasizing the use of God’s Word as He serves us during worship. There are three sections that can be found in the order of worship: Preparation, Word & Sacrament. Each of these sections contain elements that support that area of worship. The typical order of service in a Lutheran church includes some or all of the following:
The Service of Preparation - allows the people to prepare their hearts and minds for what God has to offer them in the worship service.
The Invocation –calling on the Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), we ask Him for help and support as we begin the service (Mt 28:19)
The Confession of Sins – before we can truly appreciate or internalize the amazing gifts that God has given to us, we must get rid of our burdens. We do this by acknowledging that we have sinned before God and ask for His forgiveness. (I John 1:8-10; Mt 22:37-40)
The Absolution – through His called servant, the pastor, God forgives us of our sins.
Baptisms – Baptism is a means of grace, and also welcomes a person into God's family. Baptisms are done during the Service of Preparation so that as new members of God's family, they may benefit from God's gifts during the rest of the service.
The Service of the Word - this section of the worship service has a strong focus on God's word: spoken, interpreted and applied to our lives.
The Introit, Psalm, or Entrance Hymn - sung or spoken, this part of the service goes into or enters into the Service of the Word.
The Kyrie – meaning, "Lord have Mercy" is our prayer to God stating our need and reliance on Him. (Mt 15:22; Luke 17:13)
The Hymn of Praise in response to the amazing things that God has given and continues to give to us, we sing a song of praise and thanksgiving to our gracious God. (Luke 2:14;Col 3:1;Rv 5:12-13;7:10,12)
The Collect of the Day – each worship service has a theme that it reflects upon, based on Scripture. This prayer follows the theme of the day's worship.
The Lectionary – the LCMS has a three-year Bible reading cycle. With the combination of the Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel readings - people on Sunday morning would be able to hear a large majority of God's Word.
The Old Testament Lesson – points to Christ and the need for him as our Savior.
The New Testament Lesson – focuses on our lives in response and a result of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection.
The Gospel – generally taken from the first four books in the New Testament that refers to Jesus' life and sacrifice for our sins.
Hymn of the Day – echoes the the theme of the day and prepares people for the sermon.
The Sermon – with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the pastor interprets and applies God's Word for our lives.
The Creed – with a firm belief in the Trinity, the congregation publicly confesses the words of the Creed. Spoken together, each individual confesses "I believe...", for we can only confess for ourselves (we do not know what is in the hearts of others). There are three Creeds that are generally used during the worship service:
The Apostles’ Creed – although the author and date written are unknown, this Creed (named after the Apostles) reflect Jesus' teachings to the Apostles. This creed is most commonly used.
The Nicene Creed – written in 325 A.D. during the council of Nicaea, this Creed is generally used during services celebrating Holy Communion or Festival Sundays.
The Athanasian Creed - written in 600 A.D. and named after St. Athanasius, this is a lengthy statement of belief that is generally used on Trinity Sunday.
The Prayers specific and general prayers concerning the various members of the congregation are lifted up to God during this part of the service.
The Service of the Sacrament - the last section in the worship service is a great compliment to what has happened so far and prepares God's people for the conclusion of the service.
The Offerings – feeling blessed by the bounteous gifts that God continuously showers on us, we give back to God a small amount of what He has given us so that the church may continue His work.
The Preface – this is a prayer stated before the Lord's Supper as the pastor prays for those who are about to come to the table. (2 Thess 3:16; 2 Tm 4:22; Ps 86:4; Ps 51; Is 6:3)
The Lord’s Prayer – Jesus taught his disciples this prayer, and by it we learn how to pray to God. (Matt. 11:2-4)
The Words of Institution – The night before Jesus was to be crucified, he shared a Passover meal with his disciples. It is during this meal that he institutes Holy Communion. The pastor's use of Jesus' words blesses, sets apart and makes the visible elements of bread and wine holy as God's people prepare to partake in Christ's body and blood. (Mt 26;Mk 14;Lk 22;1 Cor 11:23)
The Distribution – Holy Communion is then distributed to those who come to the altar and believe in Christ's sacrifice, promise and presence in, with and under the bread and wine - stating their unity in faith.
The Post-Communion Canticle –after God's people have had the opportunity to share in Holy Communion, we lift our voices in song to praise and thank God for His gift.
The Closing Prayer – with consistent conversation to God, this prayer thanks Him for the service and gifts that He has given to us during the worship service and brings it to a conclusion.
The Benediction – on God's behalf and using His words, the pastor blesses the congregation as they leave the worship service and go out into the world. (Numbers 6:24-26)
If you would like more information about Lutheran Worship or the Beliefs of the Lutheran Church, please email St. James or go to the LCMS Web Site.