Lutheran Worship Is Characterized By Reverence And Dignity (4 of 7)
By: A.L. Barry
Building on our first
three theses, it is important now to say that Lutheran
worship needs to be characterized by reverence and
dignity. I am concerned when I notice a movement away
from a sense of reverence and dignity in our Lutheran
worship. Let me speak plainly. I am troubled when I
notice some of our pastors conducting the liturgy as if
they were entertaining friends in their home, with
little quips and humorous asides sprinkled
throughout the service. This robs the people of the
opportunity to focus their thoughts on Jesus Christ. Such self-indulgence has no place
in our worship services. A sense of reverent awe and dignity needs to permeate our
Lutheran worship services.
Our Lutheran worship services should be known as truly
sacred events, marked by a deep sense of the holiness and majesty of God. We need
to realize that when we attend the worship service,
truly holy things are going on. God is with us. He is
present among us through Word and Sacrament. The
great struggle of God against Satan is taking place
as life and salvation are given out. These are serious
matters. The angels in heaven sing, “Holy, holy, holy
is God the Lord of Sabaoth!” and cover their faces
at the sight of the holy God. Dare we behave in a
manner that clearly conflicts with this wonderful
sense of reverence and dignity?
A Presentation to the Real Life Worship Conference
Sponsored by the LCMS Commission on Worship
Denver, Colorado
February 1998
Lutheran Worship: 2000 and Beyond
Seven Theses on Worship
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