Unpacking the Liturgy
A resource for parents and children to understand the liturgical elements of the Anglican Church.
The booklet is intended as a pew resource, mainly to equip parents to help children both understand and participate in liturgical worship. I recommend that anyone printing it should colour print double-sided A4 in a booklet format.
Download the resource here
Introduction
It is not unusual for a precious treasure to be placed high on a shelf simply to gather dust. At times we have done this with our Anglican liturgy. But this taonga, while valuable, is not fragile nor is it to be admired from afar. The gift of liturgical worship is participatory and interactive. So, let’s bring it down from the proverbial shelf and unpack its treasures.
Anglican liturgy beautifully recounts the saving acts of God and focuses our attention on Jesus Christ, that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we might behold God and worship him together.
This booklet follows the pattern of our liturgy and explains the various parts of Anglican worship. We hope this helps you understand and participate more fully in worship.
How to use this booklet: Parents, we encourage you to pick one part of the liturgy each week and talk about it with your child(ren) before church. Ask them to look for that part of the liturgy and to participate in it. Over time, as their understanding of liturgy grows, their ability to participate in worship will increase. If you or your child’s appreciation for the liturgy grows into a desire to assist in leading, please speak with your priest.
LITURGY AND THE FAITH FORMATION OF CHILDREN
In the family of God every generation is responsible to support and encourage the spiritual development of children in the local faith community (parish). Whether you have received the gift of singleness or marriage, childless, parenting, godparenting or grandparenting, all provide essential nurturing, modeling, mentoring and prayer for children and young people who are growing in the knowledge of God and the gospel of Jesus the Christ.
Through repetition and participation, liturgy helps children (and people of any age) to practice and learn the faith, that they may by God’s grace grow into people whose experience of God’s love for them overflows in lives of worship, proclaiming and displaying the glory of God to those around them.
Supporting Faith Formation
Perhaps you are wondering how you can support the faith formation of children in this parish? Great question! Your weekly joyful participation in the liturgy is one way you can model the faith.
As Anglicans, we believe that from baptism children are full members of the body of Christ. So take an interest in the children, youth and young people in your parish. Speak with them, get to know them. Encourage children and youth to exercise the gifts the Spirit gives them for the good of the whole church. In doing so, you honour and affirm their value as members of the body, and the church is built up as they use their gifts among us.
Additionally, you may desire to initiate a special friendship with a family by cultivating a relationship of shared hospitality where you have the opportunity to share stories of your experience of God’s faithfulness.
Finally, and most importantly, we can pray:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, we thank you for the joy and care of children. Give us calm strength, patient wisdom and courage as we bring them up in the faith, that they may love you and all that is just, true and good. May they never know a day apart from you, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
WHAT IS LITURGY?
The word “liturgy” means work of the people.
Our Anglican liturgy is our shared work of offering worship to God. The liturgy patterns our collective sacrifice of prayer and praise to God as he has called for it to be offered.
You may have noticed how worship in the Anglican tradition is interactive and participatory, engaging our minds and reorienting our hearts as we speak and move our bodies. Through weekly repetition and participation in the liturgy, the Holy Spirit trains and shapes us into a people who glorify God with their whole lives.
If liturgy is new to you, we encourage you to participate as much as you feel comfortable. As we all become more familiar with the liturgy, may God use it to fix our eyes on Jesus the Christ, and the story of his life, death, resurrection, ascension and coming Kingdom.
Where does the Liturgy come from?
It has been said that Anglican liturgy is the Bible arranged for worship. That’s because approximately 70–80% of our Eucharistic Liturgy either directly quotes scripture, paraphrases or alludes to it.
While the roots of Christian liturgy can be traced back 3,000 years to the earliest known records of Jewish worship, many of the prayers and phrases in our liturgy have their roots in the practice of the early church, who “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42).
What are the main parts of the liturgy?
In keeping with early forms of Christian worship, the liturgy we celebrate together each Sunday has two main components: Scripture and Sacrament (Word and Table). We recount the story of God’s love for the world in the scriptures and enact his love in the sacrament of Communion.
PART 1: MINISTRY OF THE WORD & PRAYER
PROCESSIONAL
Processional means moving forward.
Each week we are gathered together from our lives outside the church building – school, jobs, activities – and move forward together into the presence of God. If your church doesn’t process a cross, you can remind yourself as you walk into worship on Sunday that we are approaching God through Christ.
Processing behind the cross is an ancient Christian practice. We are led into worship by a cross to symbolize that we approach God through Christ. Often a child leads the way, carrying the cross as crucifer. This reminds us all that Jesus said we are to receive the kingdom of God like children (Mark 10:15). What do you think that means?
Would you like to lead as crucifer? Talk with your priest.
CALL TO WORSHIP
With these words we hear the welcome of God as we are invited to approach God in peace. It is God who initiates, God who invites us, God who welcomes us. We respond to God’s invitation and speak to one another, acknowledging that in God’s presence we are filled with truth and joy.
This is the first time in the liturgy where we hear our many voices join as one as we respond to God.
Listen as we respond. Do you hear how beautiful it sounds when we speak to God with one voice?
Grace and peace to you from God. God fill you with truth and joy.
COLLECT FOR PURITY
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, so that we may truly love you and worthily praise your holy name; through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The words of this prayer remind us that God sees all, yet is merciful. Knowing that God is merciful encourages us as we ask God to help us examine our thoughts and desires that we might see things the way God sees them. We face God and open ourselves to his help. Only God can make new what sin has spoiled.
SUMMARY OF THE LAW
Hear the teaching of Christ:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength.
This is the first commandment. And a second is this:
You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Spirit of God, search our hearts.
Just like a compass points to true north, helping us to find our way in the wilderness, God’s commands through his law and the teaching of Christ point us in the direction of God’s best way, the path of life. The summary of the law reminds us of God’s commands. Often, when we hear these words spoken over us, we are convicted of the ways in which we have not obeyed God’s commands. We all fail to perfectly love God and love our neighbours. God is kind to show us where we have not kept his way. If the Holy Spirit brings something to mind, don’t ignore it but confess, repent and receive forgiveness.
Confession
To confess means to admit wrongdoing. During this part of the liturgy, we admit we have not lived in a way that matches God’s good way. We name our sin and admit fault. Before confessing our sin, the priest encourages us: God has promised forgiveness to all who truly repent, turn to Christ in faith and are themselves forgiving. After silently calling to mind our sins, we confess aloud together with these words:
Merciful God, we have sinned in what we have thought and said, in the wrong we have done and in the good we have not done. We have sinned in ignorance; we have sinned in weakness; we have sinned through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry. We repent and turn to you. Forgive us, for our Saviour Christ’s sake, and renew our lives to the glory of your name. Amen.
Did you notice how the confession is not individual but corporate? Circle all the times you see “we” in the above confession. How many did you find? Why do you think the confession uses “we” instead of “I”?
ASSURANCE
After the confession, the priest reminds us of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Watch as the priest makes the sign of the cross and listen as these words are spoken over us:
Through the cross of Christ,
God have mercy on you, pardon you and set you free. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
God strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal.
We are forgiven through the cross of Christ! A priest declares these words as a representative of Jesus our Great High Priest.
Notice: How do you feel when you hear these words of God’s forgiveness spoken over you and the people?
Knowing that we are forgiven and reconciled (brought back in a loving relationship) to God empowers us to speak words of forgiveness to others.
Is there someone God is asking you to forgive? Maybe a sibling or friend...
SINGING
In response to God’s holiness and mercy, we stand and offer praise to God with joyful song. In a way, this part of the liturgy is musical prayer and thanksgiving to God. The musicians choose songs that remind us of God’s character (what God is like), or God’s big story (what God has done, is doing and will do in the future).
Many times the songs we sing to God echo the grace and forgiveness we have received.
What are your favourite songs to sing to God?
COLLECT OF THE DAY
The collect gathers the prayers of God’s people into one.
Just like a rope joins many strands in one, the collect joins together worship from believers all across the world who are praying this same prayer.
Try praying the collect with open hands and slightly outstretched arms as a way to remember our prayer is joined with the prayers of the faithful across the world.
The collect generally follows this pattern:
First, we name God and remind ourselves of his character & actions.
Second, we make a request.
Third, we call on Jesus as part of the Trinity.
Finally, we agree together saying Amen.
As you pray, did you spot the pattern of the collect?
READINGS
Scripture is God’s word written, given by the Holy Spirit through the prophets and apostles. Through scripture we get to know who God is, what he is like, what he has done, is doing and will do in the world. Naturally, when we gather in God’s presence to worship, we take the time to listen to Him as he speaks to us through his Word.
The scripture readings usually include a passage from the Old Testament, a Psalm and a Gospel. A New Testament reading may also be included.
God continues to speak to us through scripture. So when the reader encourages us to, “HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCH” we respond with gratitude: “THANKS BE TO GOD.”
THE GOSPEL READING
The Gospel is often proclaimed from among the people to remind us of the incarnation of Jesus, how the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We stand to receive the Gospel as an act of worship.
Can you find today’s gospel reading in your Bible? The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are the first 4 books of the New Testament.
SERMON
After God’s word is proclaimed in the readings, someone preaches, helping us to consider God’s word, what it meant to the first hearers and what it means for our lives today. Sometimes you will hear stories to help us understand the scripture (just like the parables Jesus told!), often the sermon will include an encouragement.
The sermons at our church usually focus on one of the readings or show how the readings relate. Did you notice which reading was the focus today?
Jesus compares God’s word to a seed (Luke 8). When we take in God’s word it is like a plant taking root. When plants have strong roots, they produce a lot of fruit. When we spend time with Jesus in his word, and allow his word to take root in our hearts, we grow deep and strong in Christ.
How is God revealing himself to us as we read his word?
How have you noticed God’s word change the way you think or act?
NICENE CREED
In response to the word of God which has been proclaimed and preached, we affirm our faith by reciting the Creed together.
We repeat our most deeply held beliefs about the nature of God and his work in the world each week to ensure that what we heard preached is in keeping with what the global and historic church believes. In this way, the Creed serves as guardrails for us.
We stand to say it because it is an act of praise. Having received the faith handed down to us, we now declare the great story of salvation and our eternal hope.
The Nicene Creed is an ancient (1700-year-old) summary of what we believe. When we recite it, we join with the global and historic church in declaring the faith as it has been handed down to us.
Just as this chain connects one link to another, the Nicene Creed connects us to our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world and throughout history.
NICENE CREED (text)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became fully human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
and has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
We give thanks and intercede for:
the church (universal & local)
the world and our nation
our communities & leaders
and the community of heaven
those in need
We remember who God is and what he is like (shepherd, healer, redeemer, king) and ask him to act according to his character and goodness.
These prayers may take many different forms. Even though only one person is speaking to lead us, we are all actively praying together. We join in prayer by silently adding our own intercessions, and by saying:
“Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
We pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen.
PART 2: THE MINISTRY OF THE TABLE
(Also known as Ministry of the Sacrament, Holy Communion, The Eucharist)
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Having received assurance of peace with God through Christ Jesus, we now practice the reconciliation we have received by extending God’s peace to one another before we come to the Lord’s table to receive Communion.
Who will you share the peace of God with?
OFFERTORY
In Christ, God has provided for our greatest need. Now, out of what we have received, we give back a portion to God. We give an offering of thanksgiving and praise, money, bread and wine which are placed on the table.
“For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” (1 Chronicles 29:14)
We only give a portion of our resources back to God, but we give ALL of our lives, including our time and talents, so we pray back and forth with the priest:
The Lord is here.
God’s spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to offer thanks and praise.
THE LORD’S TABLE (Holy Communion)
The most special part of the liturgy is the celebration of the Lord’s Table. Have you ever noticed how fancy the table is? There are candles. There is bread on a special plate. There is even wine in a shiny cup (chalice). And in churches that use a tablecloth, it is changed according to the liturgical season (look for the colours: purple, white/gold, green, red).
From this table we receive the sacrament of communion. A sacrament is an outward visible sign of an inward spiritual grace; it is something that we experience in our physical bodies that provides spiritual nourishment for our souls.
What is the outward visible sign of the Eucharist?
The bread & wine.
What is the inward spiritual grace?
The life of Christ, the body and blood, given by Christ and received by faith with thanksgiving.
RECEIVING COMMUNION
This is the family meal of the Church. This meal strengthens us in our union with the living Christ and with one another for service in the world. Jesus gave us this meal as a continual recalling of his life, death and resurrection. Before Jesus died, he gave his disciples bread and said “this is my body,” he gave them wine and said “this is my blood”.
As we eat the bread and drink the wine we remember Christ’s death, proclaim his resurrection, and hope in his coming again. We remember that we are united in Christ, and find belonging in the family of God. So we say:
Jesus Christ is our host. He invites you to his table. Will you accept his invitation?
We come forward regardless of age, background, race, experiences, or abilities. We come with empty hands, ready to receive Christ, for he meets us here in a special way.
If you do not wish to receive communion, you can still respond to Jesus’ invitation by coming forward to receive a blessing.
WE WHO ARE MANY ARE ONE BODY, FOR WE ALL SHARE THE ONE BREAD.
RECESSIONAL
Having been strengthened in our union with the living Christ and with one another for service in the world, the recessional transitions us from the formal liturgy of the gathered church to our individual lives of faithfulness to God as we disperse.
We continue following Christ in our daily lives through work and worship, shaped and directed by God. The Holy Spirit empowers us as we witness to the gospel of Christ Jesus in our communities, proclaim the reconciliation God offers to all people, love our neighbours, extend generosity and hospitality, and participate with God in his ongoing work of reconciliation in the world.
THE BENEDICTION
As a last word in the liturgy, we are sent out with one final blessing, giving thanks to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who is always with us. There are a variety of benedictions, but you’ll likely be familiar with one of these:
Go now to love and serve the Lord. Go in peace. Amen. We go in the name of Christ.
OR
Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you now, and remain with you always. Amen.
One version of the benediction asks Jesus to “scatter the darkness from before your path.” A candle can remind us of the light of Christ. Even when our week is sad or confusing, Jesus Christ scatters the darkness, offering us hope and peace. We can share the hope and peace of Christ with others as we go into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit!
Sources
Created for use in the Anglican Church of New Zealand
Sources: A New Zealand Prayer Book/He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, Anglican Compass, Center for Faith and Children
-
DescriIt is not unusual for a precious treasure to be placed high on a shelf simply to gather dust. At times we have done this with our Anglican liturgy. But this taonga, while valuable, is not fragile nor is it to be admired from afar. The gift of liturgical worship is participatory and interactive. So, let’s bring it down from the proverbial shelf and unpack its treasures.
Anglican liturgy beautifully recounts the saving acts of God and focuses our attention on Jesus Christ, that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we might behold God and worship him together.
This booklet follows the pattern of our liturgy and explains the various parts of Anglican worship. We hope this helps you understand and participate more fully in worship.
How to use this booklet: Parents, we encourage you to pick one part of the liturgy each week and talk about it with your child(ren) before church. Ask them to look for that part of the liturgy and to participate in it. Over time, as their understanding of liturgy grows, their ability to participate in worship will increase. If you or your child’s appreciation for the liturgy grows into a desire to assist in leading, please speak with your priest.ption text goes here
-
In the family of God every generation is responsible to support and encourage the spiritual development of children in the local faith community (parish). Whether you have received the gift of singleness or marriage, childless, parenting, godparenting or grandparenting, all provide essential nurturing, modeling, mentoring and prayer for children and young people who are growing in the knowledge of God and the gospel of Jesus the Christ.
Through repetition and participation, liturgy helps children (and people of any age) to practice and learn the faith, that they may by God’s grace grow into people whose experience of God’s love for them overflows in lives of worship, proclaiming and displaying the glory of God to those around them.
-
Perhaps you are wondering how you can support the faith formation of children in this parish? Great question! Your weekly joyful participation in the liturgy is one way you can model the faith.
As Anglicans, we believe that from baptism children are full members of the body of Christ. So take an interest in the children, youth and young people in your parish. Speak with them, get to know them. Encourage children and youth to exercise the gifts the Spirit gives them for the good of the whole church. In doing so, you honour and affirm their value as members of the body, and the church is built up as they use their gifts among us.
Additionally, you may desire to initiate a special friendship with a family by cultivating a relationship of shared hospitality where you have the opportunity to share stories of your experience of God’s faithfulness.
Finally, and most importantly, we can pray:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, we thank you for the joy and care of children. Give us calm strength, patient wisdom and courage as we bring them up in the faith, that they may love you and all that is just, true and good. May they never know a day apart from you, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
-
Item descriptionThe word “liturgy” means work of the people.
Our Anglican liturgy is our shared work of offering worship to God. The liturgy patterns our collective sacrifice of prayer and praise to God as he has called for it to be offered.
You may have noticed how worship in the Anglican tradition is interactive and participatory, engaging our minds and reorienting our hearts as we speak and move our bodies. Through weekly repetition and participation in the liturgy, the Holy Spirit trains and shapes us into a people who glorify God with their whole lives.
If liturgy is new to you, we encourage you to participate as much as you feel comfortable. As we all become more familiar with the liturgy, may God use it to fix our eyes on Jesus the Christ, and the story of his life, death, resurrection, ascension and coming Kingdom.
Where does the Liturgy come from?
It has been said that Anglican liturgy is the Bible arranged for worship. That’s because approximately 70–80% of our Eucharistic Liturgy either directly quotes scripture, paraphrases or alludes to it.
While the roots of Christian liturgy can be traced back 3,000 years to the earliest known records of Jewish worship, many of the prayers and phrases in our liturgy have their roots in the practice of the early church, who “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42).
What are the main parts of the liturgy?
In keeping with early forms of Christian worship, the liturgy we celebrate together each Sunday has two main components: Scripture and Sacrament (Word and Table). We recount the story of God’s love for the world in the scriptures and enact his love in the sacrament of Communion.
-
Item descriptionPROCESSIONAL
Processional means moving forward.
Each week we are gathered together from our lives outside the church building – school, jobs, activities – and move forward together into the presence of God. If your church doesn’t process a cross, you can remind yourself as you walk into worship on Sunday that we are approaching God through Christ.Processing behind the cross is an ancient Christian practice. We are led into worship by a cross to symbolize that we approach God through Christ. Often a child leads the way, carrying the cross as crucifer. This reminds us all that Jesus said we are to receive the kingdom of God like children (Mark 10:15). What do you think that means?
Would you like to lead as crucifer? Talk with your priest.CALL TO WORSHIP
With these words we hear the welcome of God as we are invited to approach God in peace. It is God who initiates, God who invites us, God who welcomes us. We respond to God’s invitation and speak to one another, acknowledging that in God’s presence we are filled with truth and joy.
This is the first time in the liturgy where we hear our many voices join as one as we respond to God.
Listen as we respond. Do you hear how beautiful it sounds when we speak to God with one voice?
Grace and peace to you from God. God fill you with truth and joy.COLLECT FOR PURITY
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, so that we may truly love you and worthily praise your holy name; through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The words of this prayer remind us that God sees all, yet is merciful. Knowing that God is merciful encourages us as we ask God to help us examine our thoughts and desires that we might see things the way God sees them. We face God and open ourselves to his help. Only God can make new what sin has spoiled.
SUMMARY OF THE LAW
Hear the teaching of Christ:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength.
This is the first commandment. And a second is this:
You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Spirit of God, search our hearts.
Just like a compass points to true north, helping us to find our way in the wilderness, God’s commands through his law and the teaching of Christ point us in the direction of God’s best way, the path of life. The summary of the law reminds us of God’s commands. Often, when we hear these words spoken over us, we are convicted of the ways in which we have not obeyed God’s commands. We all fail to perfectly love God and love our neighbours. God is kind to show us where we have not kept his way. If the Holy Spirit brings something to mind, don’t ignore it but confess, repent and receive forgiveness.
Confession
To confess means to admit wrongdoing. During this part of the liturgy, we admit we have not lived in a way that matches God’s good way. We name our sin and admit fault. Before confessing our sin, the priest encourages us: God has promised forgiveness to all who truly repent, turn to Christ in faith and are themselves forgiving. After silently calling to mind our sins, we confess aloud together with these words:
Merciful God, we have sinned in what we have thought and said, in the wrong we have done and in the good we have not done. We have sinned in ignorance; we have sinned in weakness; we have sinned through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry. We repent and turn to you. Forgive us, for our Saviour Christ’s sake, and renew our lives to the glory of your name. Amen.
Did you notice how the confession is not individual but corporate? Circle all the times you see “we” in the above confession. How many did you find? Why do you think the confession uses “we” instead of “I”?
ASSURANCE
After the confession, the priest reminds us of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Watch as the priest makes the sign of the cross and listen as these words are spoken over us:
Through the cross of Christ,
God have mercy on you, pardon you and set you free. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
God strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal.We are forgiven through the cross of Christ! A priest declares these words as a representative of Jesus our Great High Priest.
Notice: How do you feel when you hear these words of God’s forgiveness spoken over you and the people?Knowing that we are forgiven and reconciled (brought back in a loving relationship) to God empowers us to speak words of forgiveness to others.
Is there someone God is asking you to forgive? Maybe a sibling or friend...SINGING
In response to God’s holiness and mercy, we stand and offer praise to God with joyful song. In a way, this part of the liturgy is musical prayer and thanksgiving to God. The musicians choose songs that remind us of God’s character (what God is like), or God’s big story (what God has done, is doing and will do in the future).
Many times the songs we sing to God echo the grace and forgiveness we have received.
What are your favourite songs to sing to God?COLLECT OF THE DAY
The collect gathers the prayers of God’s people into one.
Just like a rope joins many strands in one, the collect joins together worship from believers all across the world who are praying this same prayer.Try praying the collect with open hands and slightly outstretched arms as a way to remember our prayer is joined with the prayers of the faithful across the world.
The collect generally follows this pattern:
First, we name God and remind ourselves of his character & actions.
Second, we make a request.
Third, we call on Jesus as part of the Trinity.
Finally, we agree together saying Amen.
As you pray, did you spot the pattern of the collect?
READINGS
Scripture is God’s word written, given by the Holy Spirit through the prophets and apostles. Through scripture we get to know who God is, what he is like, what he has done, is doing and will do in the world. Naturally, when we gather in God’s presence to worship, we take the time to listen to Him as he speaks to us through his Word.
The scripture readings usually include a passage from the Old Testament, a Psalm and a Gospel. A New Testament reading may also be included.
God continues to speak to us through scripture. So when the reader encourages us to, “HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCH” we respond with gratitude: “THANKS BE TO GOD.”
THE GOSPEL READING
The Gospel is often proclaimed from among the people to remind us of the incarnation of Jesus, how the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We stand to receive the Gospel as an act of worship.
Can you find today’s gospel reading in your Bible? The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are the first 4 books of the New Testament.
SERMON
After God’s word is proclaimed in the readings, someone preaches, helping us to consider God’s word, what it meant to the first hearers and what it means for our lives today. Sometimes you will hear stories to help us understand the scripture (just like the parables Jesus told!), often the sermon will include an encouragement.
The sermons at our church usually focus on one of the readings or show how the readings relate. Did you notice which reading was the focus today?
Jesus compares God’s word to a seed (Luke 8). When we take in God’s word it is like a plant taking root. When plants have strong roots, they produce a lot of fruit. When we spend time with Jesus in his word, and allow his word to take root in our hearts, we grow deep and strong in Christ.
How is God revealing himself to us as we read his word?
How have you noticed God’s word change the way you think or act?NICENE CREED
In response to the word of God which has been proclaimed and preached, we affirm our faith by reciting the Creed together.
We repeat our most deeply held beliefs about the nature of God and his work in the world each week to ensure that what we heard preached is in keeping with what the global and historic church believes. In this way, the Creed serves as guardrails for us.We stand to say it because it is an act of praise. Having received the faith handed down to us, we now declare the great story of salvation and our eternal hope.
The Nicene Creed is an ancient (1700-year-old) summary of what we believe. When we recite it, we join with the global and historic church in declaring the faith as it has been handed down to us.
Just as this chain connects one link to another, the Nicene Creed connects us to our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world and throughout history.
NICENE CREED (text)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father;
through him all things were made.For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became fully human.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
and has spoken through the prophets.We believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
We give thanks and intercede for:
the church (universal & local)
the world and our nation
our communities & leaders
and the community of heaven
those in need
We remember who God is and what he is like (shepherd, healer, redeemer, king) and ask him to act according to his character and goodness.
These prayers may take many different forms. Even though only one person is speaking to lead us, we are all actively praying together. We join in prayer by silently adding our own intercessions, and by saying:
“Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.”THE LORD’S PRAYER
We pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen. -
(Also known as Ministry of the Sacrament, Holy Communion, The Eucharist)
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Having received assurance of peace with God through Christ Jesus, we now practice the reconciliation we have received by extending God’s peace to one another before we come to the Lord’s table to receive Communion.
Who will you share the peace of God with?OFFERTORY
In Christ, God has provided for our greatest need. Now, out of what we have received, we give back a portion to God. We give an offering of thanksgiving and praise, money, bread and wine which are placed on the table.
“For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” (1 Chronicles 29:14)
We only give a portion of our resources back to God, but we give ALL of our lives, including our time and talents, so we pray back and forth with the priest:
The Lord is here.
God’s spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to offer thanks and praise.THE LORD’S TABLE (Holy Communion)
The most special part of the liturgy is the celebration of the Lord’s Table. Have you ever noticed how fancy the table is? There are candles. There is bread on a special plate. There is even wine in a shiny cup (chalice). And in churches that use a tablecloth, it is changed according to the liturgical season (look for the colours: purple, white/gold, green, red).
From this table we receive the sacrament of communion. A sacrament is an outward visible sign of an inward spiritual grace; it is something that we experience in our physical bodies that provides spiritual nourishment for our souls.
What is the outward visible sign of the Eucharist?
The bread & wine.
What is the inward spiritual grace?
The life of Christ, the body and blood, given by Christ and received by faith with thanksgiving.RECEIVING COMMUNION
This is the family meal of the Church. This meal strengthens us in our union with the living Christ and with one another for service in the world. Jesus gave us this meal as a continual recalling of his life, death and resurrection. Before Jesus died, he gave his disciples bread and said “this is my body,” he gave them wine and said “this is my blood”.
As we eat the bread and drink the wine we remember Christ’s death, proclaim his resurrection, and hope in his coming again. We remember that we are united in Christ, and find belonging in the family of God. So we say:
Jesus Christ is our host. He invites you to his table. Will you accept his invitation?We come forward regardless of age, background, race, experiences, or abilities. We come with empty hands, ready to receive Christ, for he meets us here in a special way.
If you do not wish to receive communion, you can still respond to Jesus’ invitation by coming forward to receive a blessing.WE WHO ARE MANY ARE ONE BODY, FOR WE ALL SHARE THE ONE BREAD.
RECESSIONAL
Having been strengthened in our union with the living Christ and with one another for service in the world, the recessional transitions us from the formal liturgy of the gathered church to our individual lives of faithfulness to God as we disperse.
We continue following Christ in our daily lives through work and worship, shaped and directed by God. The Holy Spirit empowers us as we witness to the gospel of Christ Jesus in our communities, proclaim the reconciliation God offers to all people, love our neighbours, extend generosity and hospitality, and participate with God in his ongoing work of reconciliation in the world.
THE BENEDICTION
As a last word in the liturgy, we are sent out with one final blessing, giving thanks to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who is always with us. There are a variety of benedictions, but you’ll likely be familiar with one of these:
Go now to love and serve the Lord. Go in peace. Amen. We go in the name of Christ.
OR
Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you now, and remain with you always. Amen.One version of the benediction asks Jesus to “scatter the darkness from before your path.” A candle can remind us of the light of Christ. Even when our week is sad or confusing, Jesus Christ scatters the darkness, offering us hope and peace. We can share the hope and peace of Christ with others as we go into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit!
Sources
Created for use in the Anglican Church of New Zealand
Sources: A New Zealand Prayer Book/He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, Anglican Compass, Center for Faith and Children
