Lutheran Worship

We live in a world of choices – in fact, many Americans worship “choice”. We like to have options. We enjoy a variety in many aspects of our lives. Worship is no exception. We have a plethora of hymns, songs, instruments, prayers, and styles from which to choose. With so many options, how do we choose wisely? How do we know what belongs in worship and what doesn’t? What choices will best reflect who we are and what we value as Lutherans? What choices will detract from the real purpose and meaning in worship? And what choices will honor our Savior Jesus?

Over the next few months, the newsletter will feature a series on Lutheran worship. We’ll look at a few characteristics of worship and follow our path of worship noting what we do in our worship services and why. Lord-willing, this series will give you a greater appreciation for our worship and help you find more fulfillment in your worship life.

Our Path of Worship: Centered on the Gospel

Orderly and Reverent

The Invocation

Confession & Absolution

The Word

The Sacraments

Prayer and Praise

Our Offerings

The Blessing

I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…for in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed. (Romans 1:16-17)

Our worship as Lutherans is, at its heart and core, centered on the gospel. The gospel is the good news about our Savior Jesus who came to be a substitute for sinners. He became our sin and punishment, so that in him God has declared us righteous. His forgiveness is living and active, brought to us every time the word is preached, every time the Holy Spirit causes us to relive our baptism in daily repentance, and every time we receive his body and blood in the Lord’s Supper. The gospel gives forgiveness of sins, spiritual life, and eternal salvation. These are the most precious gifts we receive as we come to worship our Lord.

The gospel is powerful. The gospel is beautiful. Therefore, as we enter into God’s house, we demonstrate our respect and reverence for this beautiful gift. We honor our Savior in worship trusting that he will feed us with his Word. That’s why we call our meeting place the sanctuary – a place set apart from the stress and cares of the world. The world remains outside, while on the inside we are privileged to meet God face-to-face to receive his blessings.

What a blessing we have in the gospel of Christ! He is the center and focus of our worship because we have true life only in him. What a privilege to rejoice in this gospel on a weekly basis! By God’s grace alone do we preach and teach and hear the gospel in its truth and purity. That is what sets Lutheran Worship apart from so many others in the world. No matter what styles of worship we choose, we can be thankful for God’s great blessing of the gospel! We show our thanks by putting this gospel at the center of our worship.