Copyright: © 1997 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. This document may be freely reproduced for non-commercial purposes with credit and mention of the Lift Up Your Hearts web site http://www.worship.ca/ as the source.
Acts of Worship appeared as a series of
articles in Canada Lutheran, the magazine
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada. Richard Stetson is Assistant to the Bishop with responsibility for
worship.
The regular gathering of believers is central to the practice of the faith.
Since the beginnings of the Christian Church, the regular gathering of believers for worship, instruction and mutual encouragement has been central to the practice of the faith. "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
One of the earliest descriptions of Christian worship is in the defence of Christianity addressed to the Roman Emperor by Justin Martyr in the mid-second century. He makes the point that on "the day named after the sun" all Christians from the town and from rural areas gather in one place. He does not mention any special "gathering elements" of worship, but he does emphasize the act of gathering.
Later, in the writings of Augustine, fifth-century bishop of Hippo in north Africa, we read of a greeting between the presider and the congregation signaling the beginning of worship. In some places, the presider's greeting was, "Peace be with you," while in others it was, "The Lord be with you." The congregation's response was always, "And with your spirit." In this way, it was explained, the congregation acknowledged the Spirit given with the laying on of hands at ordination and that their ministers presided in the name of Christ.
As Christianity became well established in the Roman Empire in the fourth century, churches in larger centres grew, as did the number of clergy and assistants leading worship. Service began with a procession of leaders into the church. The Book of the Gospels was also carried in the procession.
The Psalms, such as Psalm 95, taught the church, "O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" (Psalm 95:1-2). Congregations began to sing an entrance psalm during these processions. The Prayer of the Day was soon added.
There are also some other things used for setting the tone of prayer, praise and thanksgiving as the congregation gathers in God's service. These will be considered at another time.