How Lutherans Worship

The words and actions through which Lutherans worship God are many and varied, representing a variety of ethnic groups and patterns of piety. Lutheran congregations are seldom identical in the way they worship. Still, for most Lutherans, certain styles and formats are generally used:

1. Lutheran worship is liturgical, following a common order of service adopted by the Church.
2. Lutheran worship is biblical. It has roots in the life of the Old Testament people and of the New Testament Church. It uses the language of Scripture and celebrates the biblical message.
3. Lutheran worship employs the historic heritage of Christian worship common to major branches of the Church, as it has developed over 20 centuries.
4. In the spirit of the Reformation, Lutherans worship in the contemporary language of the people. Lay persons, as well as the clergy, participate actively in appropriate leadership roles.
5. Lutheran worship employs the arts, both musical and visual, as gifts from God to be used to his glory and for the instruction of his people.

Listed below is a summary of the different segments of worship.

The Preparation: A musical prelude begins worship, not only to establish a mood, but as an offering - a creation of artistic talent for God’s glory.

Confession and Forgiveness: A brief order of spiritual preparation precedes the Service so that with "clean hands and a pure heart" we may "stand in the holy place" of the Lord (Psalm 24).

The Entrance Rite: Because worship is not a solo performance by the minister, but an activity of the people both here and elsewhere in the liturgy, the congregation responds to the greeting. Additionally, the Hymn of Praise that follows expresses our joy for the gifts that our Lord provides. The Entrance Rite is concluded with the Prayer of the Day.

The Scripture Readings: Three Scripture lessons are read at each service, sometimes interspersed with other biblical passages such as a Psalm.

Sermon, Hymn, Creed: The sermon is usually based on one or more of the Scripture readings, expounding the Word and applying it to our own times and conditions. The Hymn of the Day is sung and fits the theme of the lessons and sermon. The Creed, which embodies the Church’s ancient and universal confession of faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is then recited.

The Prayers: Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession for the needs of the Church, of society and a wide variety of individuals form a fitting conclusion to the Ministry of the Word.

Peace, Offering, Offertory: As we begin the communion rite, ministers and people share the peace with one another. The Offering of the people is gathered as the altar table is made ready for the Lord’s Supper.

The Great Thanksgiving: Just as Jesus at the table with his disciples offered thanks in accordance with Jewish practice, so we embody in our celebration of his Supper a great prayer of thanksgiving.

The Communion: The "Body of Christ given for you; the Blood of Christ shed for you," are spoken by the Pastors and communion assistants as they give the Sacrament to the people.

The Post Communion: As the Lord’s table is cleared, we sing a song of rejoicing.

The benediction is 3,200 years old, coming from the time of Moses and Aaron.
In it, God blesses us in order that we may be a blessing to others.

What Lutherans Believe
Answers to the essential questions of what Lutherans believe about Jesus Christ, the Bible and other topics. Provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.