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.
Praise is always centered on God's mighty acts.
Who does not enjoy some praise once in a while? Praise for a job well done is part of what makes doing it worthwhile. Praise is part of any loving relationship, and praise builds community. Praise is also part of the essence of a relationship with God.
Our public worship reflects that. Elements of praise and related aspects enter our worship at various points in prayers, psalms and spiritual songs. In the liturgy, the Hymn of Praise is included, particularly on festivals and in festive seasons, near the end of our gathering and focusing portion and before we proceed with the reading of the Word of God.
In Lutheran Book of Worship, we find two alternatives at this point. One is the "Glory to God in the highest " This is based on the song the angels sang above the shepherds' fields on the night of Jesus' birth. It has been sung by Christians since at least the later part of the fourth century. In the fifth century, it was entitled "morning hymn" in some churches and was used as a part of Morning Prayer.
Since the sixth century, it has often been a part of the liturgy of Holy Communion. In Rome, though, it was considered such an important song that it was only to be sung when the bishop was present.
Lutheran Book of Worship also offers "Worthy is Christ " as an alternative at this point, and it has been received very widely by congregations. It is based on some of the visions of worship in heaven in the Book of Revelation and is particularly appropriate at Easter time when Holy Communion is celebrated.
Praise is always centered on God's mighty acts in nature and in history on behalf of the people of God and all creation. Praise builds up our relationship with God and trains us in the value of offering praise to one another in daily living and in God's service.