The First Lesson is usually a selection from the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures. Three Scripture lessons are usually read at each service, interspersed with other biblical passages. Several Christian bodies, Lutherans among them, use a three-year lectionary. The Word of God in Holy Scripture has always been a major element of Christian worship.
We make this prayer our own by responding "Amen." Like several other prayers in the liturgy, it is introduced by a greeting and response in which minister and people ask the Lord's presence upon each other. It is brief, focusing on a central theme for a particular Sunday or holy day. The Prayer of the Day marks the conclusion of the entrance rite. An alternate is "This is the feast," a modern song based on phrases from the Book of Revelation. "Glory to God in the highest" is an ancient song which begins with the angels' Christmas carol (Luke 2:14) and swells into a profound adoration of the Holy Trinity. The Hymn of Praise which follows expresses our joy for the gifts which our Lord brings. In a series of petitions, a minister asks for peace and salvation for ourselves and the world, the people joining in the response, "Lord, have mercy" (in Greek, Kyrie eleison). In the Kyrie, we greet our Lord as people of old greeted a king when he came to their city. Because worship is not a solo performance by the minister, but an activity of the people, here and elsewhere in the liturgy, the congregation responds to the greeting. Then the presiding minister greets the assembled congregation in words similar to those used by the apostles in addressing early Christian churches (see Romans 1:7). We begin the Service with a Hymn or Psalm while the leaders of worship (and often the choir) go to their places. This leaflet will help you understand and participate in this central Service of Word and Sacrament. It provides resources for a rich life of congregational and personal prayer, centered in the Service of Holy Communion. Most North American Lutherans use the Lutheran Book of Worship as their liturgical guide. (5) Lutheran worship employs the arts - musical and visual - as gifts from God to be used to his glory and for the instruction of his people. Lay persons, as well as the clergy, participate actively in appropriate leadership roles. (4) In the spirit of the Reformation, Lutherans worship in the contemporary language of the people. (3) Lutheran worship employs the historic heritage of Christian worship common to major branches of the Church, as it has developed over 20 centuries. It uses the language of Scripture and celebrates the biblical message.
It has roots in the life of the Old Testament people and of the New Testament Church. (1) Lutheran worship is liturgical, following a common order of service adopted by the Church. Still, for most Lutherans, certain facts hold true:
Representing a variety of ethnic groups and patterns of piety, Lutheran congregations are seldom identical in the way they worship. The words and actions through which Lutherans worship God are many and varied.