Various Names for the Divine Service and their Definitions Divine Service: "God serving us. In turn, we serve the divine." LSB defines Divine Service as, "The name for the regular, weekly service that includes the celebration of the Lord's Supper." The German term for Divine Service is Gottesdienst - "Service of God to his people in Christ Jesus and our service to him which is rendered to Him in Christ's name." (Dr. Wayne Schmidt) God's Activity - God always initiates service (Genesis 3, Genesis 8:20-22, Luke 10:38-40) Our Response - (Psalm 51 - Heart must be right; It is serious act Malachi 1:6-9) 1. Repentance (Isaiah 6:5-7, Acts 2:38, Matthew 3:2, Acts 16:29-31) 2. Magnification of Christ (Luke 2:13-14, Luke 2:20, Philippians 2:5-11, I Corinthians 15:51-57) 3. Life of Good Works (James 1:22, I John 3:17-18, Isaiah 1:2-3) Worship: The usual definition is, "to ascribe worth," or "to honor or revere a supernatural being or power." Lutheran Worship defines worship in the introduction much differently, "Our Lord speaks and we listen. His Word bestows what it says Faith that is born from what is heard acknowledges the gifts received with eager thankfulness and praise...saying back to him what he has said to us, we repeat what is most true and sure. Most true and sure is his name, which he put on us with the water of our Baptism... The rhythm of our worship is from him to us and then from us back to him. he gives his gifts, and together we receive and extol them. We build one another up as we speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Our Lord gives us his body to eat and his blood to drink. Finally his blessing moves us out into our calling, where his gifts have their fruition. how best to do this we may learn from his Word and from the way his Word has prompted his worship through the centuries." (LW 6) The Lutheran Service Book says similarly, "Our Lord is the Lord who serves. Jesus Christ came into the flesh not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.... Our Lord serves us today through His holy Word and Sacraments.... the Lord's service calls forth our service--in sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to Him and in loving service to one another." (LSB viii) Liturgy: "is the body of texts and rites that make up a sacred service." (Grout 33); "From a Greek word meaning "public service." (LSB, xxv) Mass - comes from the service's closing phrase: Ite, missa est (Go, (the congregation) is dismissed). Eucharistic Service: Service which contains the Eucharist. Eucharist means "to give thanks" and refers to the Lord's Supper.
Various Parts of the Divine Service and their Definitions Ordinary: "Parts of the service that remain the same from week to week, such as the Kyrie and Sanctus" (LSB, xxv) Propers: "Parts of the service, such as the Scripture readings, introit, and hymns, that change according to the Sunday or festival of the Church Year." (LSB, xxv) + Preparation + Hymn of Invocation: A hymn may be sung which introduces the service. Many of the rubrics (instructions in red) in the hymnals are optional. The service may start immediately with the invocation. Invocation: Calls to mind the words first spoken to us at baptism. It reminds us that we belong to the family of God. To invoke means to "call upon." We ask God to come and be with us, the God who baptized us. The words begin oddly "in the name" on purpose. The words as such do not limit their meaning. Sentences: It is a Lutheran element to quote Psalm 134:8, Psalm 32:5, and/or I John 1:9 in preparation for confession. These give the rationale behind confession. Confession: We begin the service with a contrite heart before God. See Psalm 51. Confession at the beginning of the service is not absolutely necessary as it is also present in the Kyrie. The preparation is usually omitted all together when Baptism is celebrated. Absolution: Actual forgiveness given to God's people. John 20:23 says, "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Declaration of Grace: A statement which tells the congregation what Jesus has done for them. It includes a prayer for God "May the Lord who has begun this work in us bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen" (LW 159) Usually this is used when there is no communion or an non-ordained assistant leads the service. +Service of the Word+ Introit: Originally the first part of the Divine Service. It comes from the Latin word "introitus" meaning "Entrance." The introit sets the tone for the service and changes from week to week. A Psalm, portion of a Psalm, or Entrance Hymn may be substituted. Kyrie: Short for "Kyrie Eleison" meaning "Lord have mercy." It is found on the lips of many in the Bible such as the Canaanite woman (Matt. 15:22) and the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:13). It has been adapted in different ways such as at the end of prayers, as confession, or as a prayer by itself. The Eastern church used it for petitions for every day needs while the Western church used it for Confession. In many orders of service it may be omitted for a season.
Gloria in Excelis: This is also known as the Hymn of Praise. The most common Hymn is the angelic hymn in Luke 2:14. It is usually omitted during Advent and Lent. It was first used in the Mass in c. 530 in the Liber Pontificalis (Evanson 410) Salutation and Collect of the Day: The Salutation (Greeting): "The Lord be with you," to which the people respond, "And with your spirit" It is from Ruth 2:4, Luke 1:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 and else where." "The term Collect originally came from the Gallican liturgy, indicating that it was a collecting of the petitions of the congregation into one prayer." (Evanson 411). Collects are made up of four parts traditionally: Address -- (necessary) Rationale -- Petition-- (necessary) Benefit or Purpose -- Termination or Doxology-- (necessary) Gradual: Means "to step." The Gradual is a proper that changes with the season. It is usually a scripture passage that was used as a filler while the priest "stepped" from one side of the altar to the other. Often churches will replace the Gradual with a choir anthem. Often in Luther's Day a Cantata (Musical Play based on the Scripture Reading) was performed at this point in the service. Lectionary: "Lego" = "I read", "lectus" = "Reading Book." "lection" = "lesson." "The Christian liturgy owes to the synagogue the practice of readings specific to a calendar and public commentary upon them in a meeting house." (Grout 19) Four reasons to use the lectionary: 1. Avoids Pet Topics - Helps a congregation hear the "full council of God" 2. Promotes Christocentric Worship. 3. Easily and orderly presents doctrine and events of the Bible. 4. Flexible - A Pastor can deviate easily to treat a topic at hand. Pericope: Literally means "to cut around." A reading from scripture "cut out of the whole." The lectionary is made up of pericopes. Readings: One year and three year series. They include readings from all 4 Gospels, Paul's letters, and various Old Testament texts relating to the Gospel lessons. Some of the Epistles also follow with the Gospel. However, many Epistles are read in "Lectio Continua" meaning that a book of the Bible is read continuously chapter by chapter week after week. This is common in Pentecost and during Epiphany. Lutheran Service Book makes use of a new Lectionary based on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCA) in order to be more in conformity with the church at large. Responses and Alleluia before and after the Gospel: Standing shows respect for an account of Christ. We are meeting Christ in action, performing or speaking. "Glory be to You, O Lord" anticipates meeting Jesus. "Praise be to You, O Christ," recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah. "Alleluia" means "Praise the Lord" bringing attention to the words about to be read. The Verse that comes after the Alleluia allows time for movement. There are weekly verses that can be sung. Divine Service for in LSB allows for these to be included.
Creed: The two most common Creeds are the Apostles Creed (Western Creed) and Nicene Creed (325 AD - Eastern Creed). The Athanasian Creed is usually used on Trinity Sunday. See Lutheran Service Book pg. 319 for a more detailed explanation. Hymn of the Day: Hymns have been chosen that especially fit the percopes (Scripture Readings) of the day. This also helps a congregation become more familiar with the wide range of hymns found in the hymnals. Sermon: Often the sermon is based on the Gospel. Preaching is not just restricted to the Divine Service, but may also be included in the Offices. Sometimes a pastor may chose to address a particular topic that is at hand in a particular area. Offering: Giving monetary gifts to God. Often offerings, commissioning, etc. happen at this point. Offertory: Giving a sacrifice to God. In our services today it is an offering up of our voices to God. We commit any personal "vows" to God at this point also. Originally the bread and wine was offered at this point for communion. Luther removed such from the Mass as the Offertory in the Roman Church conveyed the idea of the Sacrifice of the Mass. General Prayer: I Timothy 2:1-4 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." See also Acts 2:42 and Matthew 18:19. + Service of the Sacrament + Preface: The Preface was almost universally used in both Eastern and Western Churches through the centuries. The sentences build anticipation for the Sacrament. The Proper Preface though only included in Western Churches is included in our Lutheran services. This changes based on the season of the church year. Sanctus and Benedictus: The Proper Preface builds including all of heaven and earth together in the presence of God. We realize that the Lord's Supper is not merely some symbolic reenactment of what Jesus did on earth on Maundy Thursday but that we actually are in community with all of heaven and earth as we eat and drink Christ Jesus body and blood in with and under bread and wine. The Sanctus concludes the Preface entering heaven itself quoting Isaiah 6, "Holy, holy, holy..." Sabaoth is the Hebrew Word for "Armies" or "Hosts." The Benedictus comes from Psalm 118:26, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD." The Word "Hosanna" ("Save Us") follows calling to mind the ironic pleading of the crowd on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:9) and the cry in heaven to Jesus (Revelation 7:9-10).
Eucharistic Prayers (Prayer of Thanksgiving): Much ink has been spilt over whether it is okay to pray a prayer of thanksgiving just prior to the Words (Verba) of Institution are read. The principle objection is that attention is shifted from God giving his gifts to us to us doing something for God. This practice follows Luther himself. As a result some Lutheran Pastors omit these prayers still today. Despite this said, Eucharistic Prayers have almost always been present in early church services. Luther calls for proper prayers to be composed that rightly remember what is going on and give thanks for what God does. Some examples of this right remembering are included in Divine Service Setting 1 and 2 in Lutheran Service Book. Eucharistic prayers usually have three parts. 1. Remembering. 2. Call upon the Holy Spirit. 3. Doxology. Lord's Prayer: Traditionally the Lord's Prayer and the Words of Institution are found together. In Luther's Latin Mass they follow the Words of Institution; whereas in the German Mass they proceed the Words. The prayer reminds us that we pray as a family all baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. Words of Institution: These are not magical words, but instead God's Words which do what they say namely giving not merely bread and wine but Jesus' body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. This along with the distribution of the elements is the high point in the divine service as it is ordered in our service books. The Preparation builds to hearing the Readings. The Readings are built upon by their exposition in preaching. Finally through the Preface and Sanctus we receive Jesus himself here with his body and blood. The pastor except in extraordinary circumstances is to administer communion. The Peace (Pax): In the Roman Mass of 1570 after the Sanctus several prayers and commemorations were included (prayer for the church, remembrance of the living and dead, prayer that the sacrifice of the mass be accepted, the Words of institution, remembrance of the death and resurrection of Christ, offering up the sacrifice of Christ's body and blood, remembrance of the departed, Lord's Prayer, the body and blood of Christ mingled as a portion of the bread is dropped into the chalice). (Evanson 429) The peace of all of these was kept in the Lutheran Divine Service because it is 1. A type of Absolution (Calls to minds what Christ does for us.) 2. Demonstrates the action of "forgiving those who have trespassed against us." In other words, we offer the peace of the Lord to our fellow Christians around us, forgiving them. Agnus Dei (Lamb of God): This moving element of the Divine Service was introduced to the service by Pope Sergius I (d. 701) as a way "to cover for breaking the bread into as many pieces as were needed for the Communion" (Evanson 430). The wording of this hymn is taken from John the Baptist in John 1:29. It affirms the real presence of Jesus' body and blood. It has been dropped in most Reformed churches. Post Communion Canticle: "The singing of a communion verse is an ancient practice that antedates even the use of the Introit and the Offertory. In the early church, Psalm 145 and Psalm 34, together with appropriate antiphons, were sung during the communing of the people, until the signal was given that all had communed." In LSB "Thank The Lord" "The Nunc Dimittis" (Song of Simeon - Luke 2:29-32, Lord Let Us Depart) are sung.
Post Communion Collect: A prayer asking for faith toward God and love toward neighbor. Two other versions are included. The Dismissal: Two blessings are common: The Aaronic from Numbers 6:24-26 and the Pauline II Corinthians 13:14. Just as the service opened calling on the name of the Trinity so it closes with his name put upon the people. These blessings are usually not given as prayer but as Words that do what they say.
Church Year The Church Year provides Christian character to worship. A. First Half - Christ's Life (Festival Half) B. Second half - Life of the Christian (Non-Festival Half) Color: Black - Associated with sin, death, solemnity and sorrow. Used on Good Friday. White - A periodic color symbolizing divinity, purity, and joy. Used for Christmas, the Baptism of Jesus, Transfiguration, Maundy Thursday, Easter, Ascension, Trinity, Thanksgiving, and some Minor Festivals. Red - Associated with fire such as Pentecost Sunday, and blood such as the stoning of St. Stephen. Ordinations and Installation also use Red. Green - Associated with life and growth. Fittingly it is displayed during Pentecost and Epiphany. Violet/Purple - A Color bringing to mind penitence and royal mourning. Used primarily during Lent and Advent if blue is not available. Blue - "The color of spiritual love, fidelity, anticipation, and hope. Blue is often used on festivals of St. Mary, the Mother of Our Lord. It is also used as an alternate color for Advent." (Maxwell 27) Gold - The color of riches and glory. Gold can be used on Easter Day the queen of all festivals. Scarlet - May be used during Holy Week. It is a color that calls to mind suffering a passion.
Elements of the Divine Service Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission - Baptizing Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV - 1984) Acts 10:42-43 - Preaching 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." (NIV) I Timothy 4:13 - Reading of Scripture Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. (NIV) I Corinthians 11:24-25 (See also I Cor. 10-11) - The Lord's Supper 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." (NIV) Hebrews 10:24-25 - Gather Together And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV - 1984) I Corinthians 14:40 - Worship is to be done orderly. Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (NIV - 1984) I Timothy 2:1-4 - Prayer "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (NIV) Biblical Descriptions of Worship: Exodus 15:1-21 - The Red Sea Worship Committee - The content of the song is a rehearsing what God has done. Instruments, art, dancing are included. II Chronicles 3-5 - The beauty of the temple. Notice that God is pleased with outward signs. I Samuel 11:15-12:25 - Saul is made king. This is a worship service much more than a civic event. Law and Gospel are proclaimed. Sacrifice, confession, and absolution are given. John 12:1-5 - An expensive offering of perfume is given to Jesus. I Corinthians 14:26-33, 16:1-2 - Orderly Worship What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. (NIV)
Colossians 3:16-17; Ephesians 5:18-20 - The use of Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs indicate that singing was part of early Christian Meetings (Senn 67). Acts 4:38 - Peter's Sermon and a Description of the Early Church Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. (NIV) Matthew 26:30 - Immediately after the Lord's Supper a hymn is sung. When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (NIV) Leviticus and I & II Chronicles - Old Testament Sacrificial System - God Served His People. The People Responded with Sacrifice. The temple and worship therein is a shadow Christ Jesus. Psalm 134 - God Blesses Us. We in turn Bless Him. Psalm 150 - Old Testament Song with instruments.
Timeline for the Divine Service 27-33 AD - Jesus rose from the dead. Christians began gathering in the temple on the first day of the week 111-112 AD Pliny the Younger (Governor of Bithynia and Pontus, not a Christian) wrote Emperor Trajan about Christians. He said that they came together on a fixed day early in the morning eating food of an ordinary kind. They also came together in the evening on the appointed meeting day every week. They gave up the evening gathering after Trajan commanded them not to have clubs. (Senn 73) 150 AD - During the time of Justin the Martyr it is recorded that Christians gathered on the day of the Sun (Sunday). (1st Apology of Justin Martyr, Senn 76) Justin Martyr describes the Shape of Liturgy Gathering Readings Preaching Intercessory Prayers Kiss of Peace Presentation of Bread and Wine Great Thanksgiving Distribution and Reception of Eucharistic Gifts Extended Distribution to the Absent 313 AD Christianity was illegal until this time. Constantine became a Christian and in the Edict of Milan, Christianity was legalized to gather in meeting. 321 AD - Sunday was made a civil day of rest. Government offices were closed on Sunday. Business closed on this day. - Ceremony was not possible before this time. As many people became Christian, the more there was a need for the ordering of the Divine Service. - New opportunities for services. - Local martyrs were remembered only previous to this time. - Palm Sunday processions developed. - The Church year and seasons evolved (Advent, Lent, etc.). Different people did it differently. - The pericope system developed. - Propers were devised. 325 - The Council of Nicea - Met and settled when Easter would occur. It happens on the first Sunday after the first full moon upon or after March 21st. 380 AD Emperor Theodocius - Commended citizens to follow the faith.
520 AD Rule of Benedict - Instructions on how to run a monastery. (The offices, or canonical Hours were first codified. Matins are sung before daybreak, Lauds at sunrise, Prime, Terce, Sext, Nones respectively at about 6 AM, 9 AM, noon, and 3 PM (Grout 34). Vespers are sung at sunset, and Compline usually right after Vespers. The Office consists of prayers, psalms, canticles, antiphons, responses, hymns, and readings (Grout 34). 600 AD The liturgy as we have it today was pretty much in place, especially between the Sanctus and Communion (Grout 36). Although it already existed non-universally in the 300 AD. 1523 - Luther reforms the liturgy by creating the Latin Mass. This was primarily for the University. The Sermon and hymns were in German while the rest of the Service was in Latin. 1525-26 - The German Mass was composed by Luther. The elements of the liturgy were set to German hymn tunes. Lutheran Worship retains this service in Divine Service III. Lutheran Service Book has it in Divine Service Setting 5. 1570 - Council of Trent Pope Pius V issued a Missal that fixed the texts and rites of the Mass to reflect decisions of the Council of Trent. Examples of Liturgies: The Canon Of Hippolytus (215 AD Senn pg. 78, East Syrian rite pg. 117, West Syrian formed about 400 AD
A List of Terms (See Lee A. Maxwell, The Altar Guild Manual, 29-71) A. Sacred Space E. Sacramental Vessels and Linens 1. Narthex - Entry Way 1. Chalice - Cup 2. Nave - Main body of building (ship) 2. Paten - Plate for bread 3. Transept - Wings of the church 3. Flagon - Pitcher for wine 4. Chancel - Where the pastor stands 4. Pyx - Private smaller bread box. 5. Epistle/South - Right 5. Ciborium - chalice shaped bread box 6. Gospel/North - Left 6. Corporal - Place for Bread 7. Purificator - Keeps Chalice Clean B. Liturgical Furniture 8. Pall - Cover 1. Altar, pulpit, lectern, font 9. Veil - Covers the top of elements 2. Credence - Place for Communion Elements 10. Burse - Envelope Napkin (or offering plates) 3. Mensa - Table of Altar F. Vestments 4. Gradine - Candle Shelf - Second Level 1. Cassock - Black Robe 5. Reredos - Decorative panel behind Altar 2. Surplice - White worn over Cassock 6. Dossal - Ornamental cloth behind altar 3. Alb - White robe worn by pastor and worship assistants. C. Liturgical Appointments 4. Stole - calls to mind the yoke 1. Paschal Candle (burden) of ordination 2. Processional Cross 5. Chasuble - Worn for communion 3. Candelabra service over alb. 4. Missal Stand - Book Stand 6. Cope - Outdoor coat for processions. 5. Thurible - Incense 6. Incense Boat - Holds incense to be burned D. Paraments and Linens 1. Fair Linen - White linen over altar, unstained 2. Superfrontal - Parament which covers the front of altar 3. Frontal - Parament which covers the whole front of the altar 4. Laudian Frontal - Drapes over the entire altar. 5. Antependia - Attached to the front of the pulpit or lectern
Works Cited Grout, Donald Jay, Claude V. Palisca, A History of Western Music. Norton: New York. 1996. Evanson, Charles J. "The Divine Service." Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, ed. Fret L. Precht. Concordia: St. Louis. 1993 Lutheran Service Book. Concordia: St. Louis. 2006. Lutheran Worship. Concordia: St. Louis. 1982. Maxwell, Lee A. Altar Guild Manual. Concordia: St. Louis 1996. Schmidt, Wayne "The Place of Worship," Lutheran Worship: History and Practice, ed. Fred L. Precht. St. Louis: Concordia. Senn, Frank C., Christian Liturgy. Fortress Press: Minneapolis. 1997