The Christian Lutheran Service - an overview

 (condensed version of
the Booklet "Why we do what we do", a pew resource of Hope Lutheran)

Welcome to God’s Service

Worship in the Lutheran Church is primarily about what God does for us. Through His Word and Sacraments, He gives us forgiveness, life, and salvation. Our response is one of faith, praise, and service. Lutheran worship follows a liturgical order, offering structure, reverence, and meaning.

Parts of the Divine Service

Invocation

We begin in the name of the Triune God. This reminds us whose presence we are in, and sets apart the time and space as holy.

Confession & Absolution

We confess our sins and receive forgiveness—just as Jesus commands in John 20:22-23. The pastor, in the stead of Christ, speaks words of absolution.

Introit / Psalm

After absolution, we begin with a Psalm, often responsive. The "Gloria Patri" ("Glory be to the Father...") concludes this part.

Kyrie & Hymn of Praise

“Kyrie eleison” (“Lord, have mercy”) acknowledges our need for God. The “Gloria in Excelsis” (or “This Is the Feast”) celebrates the joy of salvation.

Salutation & Collect (Prayer of the Day)

The pastor greets the congregation: “The Lord be with you”, asking for the Spirit’s blessing before the readings.

God Speaks – The Service of the Word

Bible Readings

- Old Testament – God's promises and the prophets.
- Epistle – Apostolic teaching for the Church.
- Gospel – The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

We stand for the Gospel in reverence to Christ’s presence in His Word.

Confession of Faith

We declare our shared beliefs with the Apostles’, Nicene, or Athanasian Creeds, rooted in Scripture and early Church tradition.

Sermon

The sermon applies Law and Gospel to daily life, bringing Christ to the hearers (2 Tim. 4:2).

We Respond – Prayer & Offering

Offering

We give our gifts—money, time, and talents—as a response to God’s love (2 Cor. 9:7).

Prayers of the Church

Together we lift up thanksgiving and intercession for the Church, the world, and those in need (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

God Gives – The Service of the Sacrament

Preface & Sanctus

We lift our hearts to the Lord in joy. The “Sanctus” ("Holy, holy, holy") joins heaven’s worship (Isaiah 6).

The Lord’s Prayer & Words of Institution

We pray as Jesus taught, and then hear His words: “This is my body... this is my blood...” — the heart of Communion (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

Distribution

Christ is truly present in the bread and wine. We receive Him for forgiveness, life, and salvation.

Post-Communion

We sing “Nunc Dimittis” (“Now let Your servant go in peace…” – Luke 2:29-32), and give thanks for the gift received.

Sent Out to Serve

Benediction

With the Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), God sends us out—forgiven, renewed, and blessed to live out our faith.

Other Key Elements

Baptism

In Baptism, God gives new life, forgiveness, and membership in His family (Matthew 28:19-20). We baptize all ages.

Profession of Faith

New members affirm their unity in Christ and commitment to Lutheran teaching.

Music

Music in worship teaches, proclaims, and praises. It blends ancient hymns with contemporary expressions—always focused on Christ.

Symbols & Movements

Crosses, candles, vestments, and liturgical posture reflect theology and help us focus on Christ.

At Hope Lutheran Church, worship is not the end, but the beginning. We are sent to live out our faith in daily life, always returning to the cross, to God’s Word, and to His people.