This is a continuation of my series that tries to help explain the elements of the Divine Service. At the conclusion of explanations, I'll also discuss whether something is sacrificial (we serve God) or sacramental (God serves us), what Scripture inspired this element, any (contemporary) alternatives, and any hymns based on that element.
The Divine Service is broken into 4 main sections: the Service of the Word and the Service of the Sacrament, with an introduction (Acts of Entrance) and a conclusion (Acts of Dismissal).
Prelude
Explanation: Members can use the time to tune out their thoughts and cares of the outside world and tune in to the thoughts and cares of the spiritual world, namely our sin and God's solution. The front of the Lutheran Service Book (the LCMS' hymnal) has some very nice prayers that do just this.
Musically speaking, it is a great time to introduce an hymn tune that that may not be familiar to members of the congregation.
Sacrificial (we pray and meditate on His work for us)
Alternatives: While the prelude is optional, it is very useful and can be done effectively across musical boundaries. Controlled silence can be very effectual, but can quickly turn uncomfortable.
Sacrificial (we pray and meditate on His work for us)
Alternatives: While the prelude is optional, it is very useful and can be done effectively across musical boundaries. Controlled silence can be very effectual, but can quickly turn uncomfortable.
Opening Hymn/Gathering Song
Explanation: In purpose, this is a cross between the prelude (focuses our thoughts) and the invocation (invites God's Spirit on the congregation)
Scripture: Psalm 100:4, Psalm 144:5
Both Sacramental and Sacrificial (we sing and invite God's Spirit, Which has already come down)
Alternatives: There are quite a few good "contemporary" songs of invocation.
Invocation
Explanation:
1) We invoke, or call on, the Name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to bless our service. But there is much more to the invocation.
2) His Name was placed on us in our Baptism and we remember this in the invocation, which is why many make the sign of the cross (first done at their Baptism)
3) Christ tells us that "wherever 2 or 3 are gathered in My Name, there I Am among them." (Matt. 18:20, ESV, capitalisation added).
4) Christ's Name has power. St. John records in his account of the GoodNews that when the soldiers came to take Jesus away, they asked him if He was Jesus. "When Jesus said to them, 'I Am He,' (they) backed away and fell to the ground." (18:6, GWT, capitalisation added)
Sacramental (God comes to us, just as He promised)
Alternatives: The invocation can easily be expanded. For example, "In the Name of the Father Who creates us etc. It's also very easy to make this seasonal. For example, "In the Name of the Son Who (came to us in the flesh, died for us, etc.)." The only danger is making this section too long.
Hymns: Heavenly Father, Jesus Taught Us by Emanuel Cronenwett. It can be found in the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnal; The meter is 87 87 D and I think Hyfrydol (LSB 700) fits it well.
Heav'nly Father, Jesus taught us
Trustingly to call Thee ours;
Lovingly Thy mercy sought us
Early in life's tender hours.
Thou from Satan's realm hast saved us,
Hast adopted us Thine own;
In baptismal water cleansed us,
Given us a fadeless crown.
Heav'nly Father, Jesus taught us
Thus to call Thee, in His Name;
His enduring merits wrought us
Graciously this childhood's claim.
Then with 'Abba, Father!' come we,
Place us wholly in Thy care;
O, let nothing rend us from Thee!
Heed and hear Thy children's prayer.
Heav'nly Father, Jesus taught us
That, where Thou art we shall be;
Hence the Holy Spirit brought us
Into childlike faith in Thee.
In Thine house are mansions spacious,
For the many ransomed blest!
Take us, then, O Father gracious!
There are home, sweet peace, and rest.
Emanuel Cronenwett, alt.
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