tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42648012998922629292024-03-13T06:08:38.738-05:00Variations on a Liturgical ThemeExploring the liturgical lexiconMicah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-38811805533212425842012-12-20T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-21T08:55:27.546-06:00A Thought on JustificationThere are those Lutherans who inexplicably deny the teaching of the two kinds of righteousness (2KR), even though Luther himself gave a sermon on them. The following is the second section under "Fragments on Justification" by the first confessional Lutheran in America, David Henkel (1791-1831), founder of the first confessional synod in America, the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod. If such a staunch confessional Lutheran could argue in the 1800's for 2KR, perhaps it is legitimate.<br />
I have slightly edited his text, updating punctuation and citation, altering his bible quotes to the ESV, and only changing those words which could be misunderstood today.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Constantia, serif;">II. The
two-fold justification, the one before God, the other before the world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Without this distinction, the subject cannot properly be
illustrated. There are sundry texts which exclude all good works with respect
to our justification, whilst others include it as necessary. This perplexes
some minds, and to reconcile this apparent contradiction, they conclude that
both faith and good works are needed to justify a person in the sight of God. Nevertheless,
this does not harmonize those different texts. For such a text as this- “For we
hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law,” Rom. 8:20-
does not admit the least addition of works in the article of our justification.
But as the Scriptures speak of a justification in the sight of the world, as well
as in the sight of God, it is not difficult to discover a harmony between those
apparent repugnant texts. This is elucidated by the following specimens:</div>
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</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. “For by works of the law no human being will be
justified in (God’s) sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin,” Rom.
3:20. This text speaks of a justification in the sight of God, which positively
excludes all legal works.</div>
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</div>
<br />
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2. “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has
something to boast about, but not before God,” Rom. 4:2. From this text it may be
concluded that there is a justification by works; but not before God; hence it
must be before the world. Just as the justification before God is without works,
even so the justification before the world cannot be otherwise, but by works. It
is said “God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by
angels, etc.,” I Tim. 3:16. Christ was justified in the spirit, but not in the
sight of God; because He knew His son as just and holy from eternity. Through
the spirit He wrought miracles- Matt. 12:28- which were calculated to justify
Him the Messiah in the sight of the world. He therefore says, “If I am not doing
the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though
you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that
the Father is in Me and I am in the Father,” John 10:37-38. Again: “By your
words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt.
12:37. Now we know, that in the sight of God words are not necessary- either to
justify or condemn us, because He knows all secrets of the heart before words
are uttered- but so the world can be informed of the intention of the heart, words
are necessary, and by which we either stand justified, or else convicted of an
error.</div>
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</div>
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3. It has been supposed by some that St. James- when he
insists upon good works, in chapter 2, as necessary for justification-
contradicted St. Paul, who excludes them. James does not allude to the same
justification. “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show
me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works,”
James 2:18. As this text speaks of showing one's faith by works, it must be a
manifestation of our justification; hence such justification as is in the sight
of the world. For we need not to show our faith to God, because He is omniscient.
Again: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his
son Isaac on the altar?” James 2:21. Abraham, by yielding obedience to the
divine mandate to offer his son Isaac, could not allude to a justification before
God. Abraham was circumcised prior to the birth of Isaac, which is evident from
the Scriptures; (see Gen 17) hence before he could offer him upon the altar.
Now, Abraham received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that
he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised, Rom. 4:11. Hence, as Abraham
was circumcised before he offered his son Isaac upon the altar, and as
circumcision was a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, it is
evident that he was justified in the sight of God before he was about to
sacrifice his son. As he was justified in God's sight before he performed this
work, it must be concluded that he thereby showed himself as just in the sight
of the world. This is confirmed by St. Paul: “For if Abraham was justified by
works, he has something to boast about, but not before God,” Rom. 4:2. Since Abraham
might glory by his works, but not before God, the conclusion is that he might
have a glory in the sight of the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When St. Paul teaches that we
are justified by faith, exclusive of all legal works, he does not by it mean an
assent to any common truth, such as that God created the world, or the
existence of angels; but a faith in Christ, not as a mere creator, but as a savior
of sinners or, as he calls it “faith in his blood,” Rom. 3:25. But the faith
which St. James denies as sufficient to justify one is not this faith, but the
faith that there is One God, which he also represents as dead without works. “You
believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe… and shudder! Do
you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is
useless?” James 2:19-20. What does St. James call a useless faith? Not the faith
in Jesus Christ, as a savior; for he says, “My brothers and sisters, show no
partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory,” 2:1. This shows that the faith in Jesus Christ has no respect to
persons; hence it cannot be dead, but living. But the faith that there is one
God in and of itself is dead. Why so? The truth that only one God exists
includes no promise of salvation. Hence simply to believe this cannot engender
a living principle. Unless a promise be made, the guilty creature does not
expect a favor, and without which he has no inducement to love. Whereas the
truth that there is a savior includes a promise of life, and salvation; the
sinner that believes this must rejoice; and they have an inducement to love God;
hence it must, because of this promise, be a living faith.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To prove that the faith that
there is one God is insufficient to justify, the apostle exhibits the example of
devils, who are neither just nor happy, notwithstanding they believe this
truth. According to the interpretation which the Jews gave of the idolatrous
worship of the heathens, and confirmed by St Paul, I Cor. 10:19-21; it appears
they invoked devils. The heathens did not consider their Gods as supreme
beings, but as inferior mediators, called <span style="font-family: 'SIL Galatia';">daimonia</span>;
nevertheless, those <span style="font-family: 'SIL Galatia';">daimonia</span> were
devils. He must be an apostate spirit who requires divine honors from men, or
will accept of such without reproving those by whom they are offered. Those devils
that were honored by the heathens as Gods do not like them believe the doctrine
of polytheism, but are convinced that there is but one God; and in this
respect, are as orthodox as Abraham. But as they delight in being worshipped by
humans, they are so far from being justified by this belief that their guilt is
amplified; and they tremble, knowing that their usurped deities shall be
destroyed, and they be punished. That such a faith as this should justify any one,
St. Paul never taught. But St. James must have been acquainted with some who
taught it; otherwise he would not so zealously have inveighed against it.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. When our blessed Savior shall come in his glory to
judge the world, he shall say to the saints, “Come, you who are blessed by my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I
was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick
and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me,” Matt. 25:34-36. In
this text, good works are exhibited as a justification of saints on the Day of
Judgment. But this judgment cannot be intended for God to discover the
characters of men, because He is omniscient, and thus needs no information;
hence it must be to reveal it to an assembled world. The good works of the
saints will justify them in the sight of intelligent creatures. Nevertheless in
the sight of God, they are otherwise justified. This is evident from our
Savior’s declaration, for He calls them the blessed of His Father. But the
Father has blessed them in Christ with all spiritual blessings, Eph. 1:3. “So
then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith,”
Gal. 3: 9. Thus as they were blessed by God by faith, it is evident they were
justified by faith in His sight; and as such, they inherit the kingdom. Hence
this text beautifully shows how saints are justified by works in the sight of
an assembled world; and yet, how they were well-pleasing to God, because He had
blessed them in Christ by faith.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><i>Improvement</i></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All people are sinners, and as such
only they may be justified before God; for a just person cannot be justified,
because they are such already. “And to the one who does not work but believes
in Him who justifies the ungodly, one’s faith is counted as righteousness,”
Rom. 4:5. How clearly this proves that God justifies the ungodly! But it might
be asked, how can this be? Must not a sinner repent and believe in Christ before
they can be justified? I answer that this is the reason why God only justifies
the ungodly. A penitent sinner is one who is sensible of their sins, and
justly hears the wrath to come, if not relieved; and as a believer they depend
on a help not their own: hence upon Jesus Christ. Although God justifies one
that is penitent; He still justifies one that is ungodly. The penitent sinner
only differs from the impenitent in so far as they are sensible of their guilt,
and are willing to accept pardon; whereas the other is insensible of it; and
hence, does not perceive the necessity of a savior. Should the person that is
sensible of their guilt not be guilty? To be sensible of one's guilt
necessarily presupposes that one is guilty. “If you were blind, you would have
no sin; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains,” John 9:41. If we
were blind in our own estimation, we should be sensible of our guilt, and thus
perceive the necessity of being saved by Christ; but whilst we imagine we see,
our guilt must remain.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Where is the one who does not
stand in need of this justification? Who are they that are not ungodly? Those who
apparently are the vilest may be justified; for in the sight of God there is no
difference: for all have sinned. How erroneous is the opinion, which many
entertain, that they must prepare themselves with sundry good works, and a thorough
reformation of the heart before they are entitled to believe, or hope to be
clothed with God's righteousness. If this should be correct, then they would,
as just people, be justified. How inconsistent!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Faith works thru love, Gal 5:6;
hence good works are the blessed result thru which we are justified before others,
who will glorify our Father in heaven. The one who boasts of an abundance of faith,
and yet is destitute of philanthropy, may be pronounced a hypocrite. But let no
one conclude that because the Scriptures recommend good works, and because they
demonstrate our motives to others, that therefore they are necessary to justify
us before God. They are properly the blessed effects of our justification
before God. “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say,
‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Luke 17:10.
If after doing all that we are commanded, we are to acknowledge ourselves
unprofitable servants, it is evident that we are not thereby justified before God;
hence we must be clothed with a righteousness which He Himself has prepared.</div>
</blockquote>
Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-25838534888705662202012-12-13T14:30:00.000-06:002012-12-15T10:39:04.681-06:00Supplemental Service Orders: 2. Grand NarrativeLong story short, last year I took a seminary class that had us get into groups and create a mock chapel service based on what we have learned. I was ambitious enough to come up with an outline, and my teammates filled in the details.<br />
I wanted to have the worshipers relive the whole story of God and creation, not just "God and me." So, I designed a service that meditates on the four eras of history: pre-fall, fall, atonement, new creation.<br />
What follows is actually an expanded version of what we came up with, since we only had 20 min to work with. However, most of the extra stuff we at least talked about before scratching. As always, thoughts and suggestions are sorely welcomed.<br />
<br />
Perfect Paradise<br />
1. Processional that focuses on creation, such as the Benedicte, omnia<br />
2. Invocation<br />
3. Reading: Genesis 1-2 (or at least 1:1, 31-2:3)<br />
4. Meditation on the goodness of God's creation<br />
5. Psalm 148<br />
<br />
Suffering Sin<br />
1. Song/Hymn on sin and its effects<br />
2. Genesis 3 or other appropriate reading<br />
3. Meditation on sin and its effects<br />
4. Psalm 130<br />
5. Confession<br />
<br />
Restoring Rightness<br />
1. Absolution<br />
2. Song/Hymn on God's forgiveness and restoration<br />
3. Reading Colossians 1:9-23<br />
4. Meditation on God's forgiveness and restoration<br />
5. Psalm 32<br />
<br />
Perfect Paradise<br />
1. Song/Hymn on the fulfillment to come<br />
2. Reading: Revelation 21:1-6<br />
3. Meditation on the fulfillment to come<br />
4. Benediction<br />
5. Recess with Psalm 67Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-75012633403070120912012-05-13T18:02:00.000-05:002012-12-15T10:40:10.031-06:00Supplemental Service Orders: I. Sing! A Song Service...In my last post, I hoped that I would analyze other service orders trying to do other things. I thought that this would come a long while off, but lo and behold, in the mail the other day I got a CPH trinket from 1932, from one of my best supporters, Bruce Radtke. The full title is <u>Sing! A Song Service Featuring Hymns by Great Lutheran Hymn-Writers</u>. No doubt, orders like these will become everyday again, as we near the 500th anniversary of the nailing of the 95 theses.<br />
<br />
1. <b>Prelude</b>.<br />
2. <b>Stanzas 1, 5-7 of "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice,"</b> LSB 556 (ELHB 310). These verses tell the tale of Christ's incarnation and suffering on earth. This puts us in mind of what God in Christ has done for us.<br />
3.<b> Introit and collect</b>. The introit (Make a joyful noise...) sets the tone of the whole service in the line "for praise is comely for the upright." Again this is a reminder that we have been acquitted and we are so thankful that we bust out in song.<br />
Let me simply give the collect, updated, and then speak on it.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Lord God, heavenly Father, we come before Your presence with singing. You are our God: You- not we- have made us, redeemed us, and hallowed us. We are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture. Fill our hearts with true thankfulness for Your kindness and goodness, so that our hands and lips show forth Your praise continually; through Jesus Christ, our Lord... Amen.</blockquote>
The collect again highlights how and why we praise. It also- like the opening hymn- proclaims what God in Christ has done. "We are Your people..." even hints at the line in the Venite of the Matins Service, "we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand."<br />
4. <b>Stanzas 1-4 of "Now I Have Found the Firm Foundation,"</b> LW 360 (ELHB 312). This hymn also emphasizes acquittal. For some reason the last stanza (6 in LW) is excluded, even though it reads "I'll sing Your mercy great and true," which would continue to press the theme of "Our acquittal leads us to thank God."<br />
5. <b>Stanzas 1-4,6 of "Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide,"</b> LSB 585 (ELHB 110). This is a good hymn that asks Christ to be with us and preserve us through His Word.<br />
6. <b>All of "May God Bestow on Us His Grace,"</b> LSB 823-4 (ELHB 480). The hymn is a prayer that God's Word would bless His people into praising Him.<br />
7. <b>Scripture Lessons</b> (Eph. 5:15-21 or Psalm 147 or Psalm 100)<br />
8. <b>All of "O Christ, Our True and Only Light,"</b> LSB 839 (ELHB 475). This hymn prays that God would shine His Word on people still "walking in darkness." Stanza five again highlights the notion of singing because of what Christ has done, saying "That they... such grace with wondering thanks adore...."<br />
9. <b>Address</b>.<br />
10. <b>Offertory</b>.<br />
11. <b>Stanzas 1-3, 12 of "Commit Whatever Grieves Thee,"</b> TLH 520 (ELHB 525). The idea, I think, is that we offer to God, not our works but our cares and burdens.<br />
12. <b>Lord's Prayer</b>.<br />
13. <b>Benediction</b>.<br />
14. <b>All of "All Glory Be to God on High,"</b> LSB 947 (ELHB 261). Again, the theme is praising God for what He has done in Christ.<br />
15. <b>Postlude</b>.<br />
<br />
Overall, this is an ok service. It emphasizes that since God has acquitted us, we sing His praises. It reminds us that we worship God for what He has already done for us. Yes, it could have been stronger, but compared to many hymn services I have come across this is not bad.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-56984718202712479652012-05-07T17:16:00.003-05:002012-05-07T17:16:43.703-05:00Understanding the Divine Service: OverallIt's been a while, but... looking at the Divine Service as a whole, 3 major themes emerge. First, <b>the Divine Service celebrates the incarnation</b>, when God the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Service of the Word builds up to the hearing of God's Word by greeting Him, praising Him, and asking the Holy Spirit to open our ears, mind, and body to Him. And yet the focus is very much on the fact that the Word is coming to us. (This is why it might be best to have the lessons read, and even the sermon given, from within the midst of the congregation.) Then the Service of the Sacrament builds up to the eating and drinking of the Word-Made-Flesh, again by greeting Him, praising Him, and asking the Holy Spirit to make us worthy partakers of Him. Again, the focus is very much on the fact that the Word-Made-Flesh is coming to us.<br />
<br />
Second, <b>the Divine Service models the life of the believer</b>. Just like our baptism/acquittal shoves us into walking the path of righteousness, so also the Invocation is the catalyst for the rest of the Divine Service; like the Christian life is spent receiving Christ’s Spirit and doing His work, so also everything after the Invocation is for the believer’s sanctification. And what is sanctification, but seeing one's utter need for and full dependence on Christ? Thus, the back and forth rocking of the Law and Gospel, cradled in the many parts of the Divine Service (Confession then Absolution, Kyrie then Gloria, etc.), mimics the believers' acknowledgement of their need for Christ (hallowing) and the joy that comes from getting Him (hallowed living).<br />
<br />
In this way, <b>the Divine Service has a decidedly <i>missional </i>focus</b>. Furthermore, the almost constant recitation of Who Christ is and what He has done for His people (in the Gloria/Hymn of Praise, Creed, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Nunc Dimittis, Prayer of Thanksgiving, etc.) mimics the kind of witness that believers give, not merely in the layout of words or because the witness comes from the joy of getting Christ, but in the fact that since the witness is scripted, the worshiper need only read the words given them, so as to repeat them out loud. This is almost exactly like the Holy Spirit speaking words of witness, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2013:9-11&version=CEB">Mark 13:9-11</a>.<br />
<br />
So, if one were to summarize the whole Divine Service, one might say that Christ comes down into the midst of His people and changes their lives, turning them from looking down at their navels, and up, out at their neighbor in need.<br />
<br />
(In posts to come, I hope to talk about other themes and doctrines, and orders of service that might portray them.)<br />
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</div>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-3459449879021894002012-04-08T22:41:00.000-05:002012-04-08T22:41:11.763-05:00Classic MistakeA few years ago, a college professor gave me wise advise: when it comes to big holidays like Christmas and Easter, don't overdo it. Today, I saw why.<br />
<br />
Now, in the mind of the worship planners- the pastor, the music minister/director, worship committee, etc.- holidays like Easter are the times to pull out all the stops (often literally), to really spice up the service with as much special music as can be. Afterall, it's Easter: who wants the same old, same old?<br />
But also in the mind of the worshiper, holidays like Easter are the times to pull out all the stops. That is, people want to sing and sing loudly. They are filled with the glee of Easter morn and want to let it out.<br />
<br />
Today, those two minds collided. I visited my roommate's church, here in the St. Louis area, full of the excitement of Easter, worshiping with my roommate, and getting to see a different church; I was bursting to sing. But there were so many choir anthems and so many verses of hymns sung by the choir, that the congregation only sang one piece of liturgy (that's another complaint for another post) and 5 hymns, two of which were "helped out" by the choir. So much for jubilation.<br />
<br />
So, let me pass on the wisdom of my college professor to you worship planners (and you who know worship planners): if you want more music, that's great, but have it sung by the congregation.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-42366092427615900872012-02-03T22:51:00.001-06:002012-02-03T22:51:49.758-06:00Luther's Expanded Lord's Prayer<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here at the Sem, one of my classes has me reading a book on Luther's spiritual and devotional practices. When talking about prayer, Luther highly encourages his readers to, when they pray, pray the Lord's Prayer and then go back and expand on it. This is what he does in his <i>Deutsche Messe</i>; and those blessed with an LSB can find a decent translation of it on pages 215-216.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just the other day, I came across another version of this same prayer. Back in the 16th century, the first person ever to publish the whole Bible in English, Bishop Matthew Coverdale, had to flee to Denmark for a few years when things got heated in England because of the Reformation. While there, he translated parts of their liturgy- including this prayer- from Danish into English.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As you read Coverdale's translation, I encourage you to do so out loud, since this is how Coverdale intended it to be read. If you are "lucky" enough to own an LSB and compare the two translations, see where you like Coverdale's more, and where you like the LSB's more. Then you can read below, where I've given my own "best of both worlds" version. As always, comments are welcome.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Let us heartily make our prayer to God the Father of all mercy, believing assuredly that He will graciously hear us thru our Lord Jesus Christ, Who commanded us to pray, and promised us saying, "Ask and ye shall have; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Wherefore, in consideration of the same commandment and promise, lift up your hearts, and say thus with me in your prayer:</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
O Lord God, our Father in heaven, we Thy miserable children upon earth beseech Thee, that Thou wilt mercifully look on us and lend us Thy grace; that Thy holy Name may be sanctified among us and in all the world, thru the sincere teaching of the Word, and thru earnest charity in our daily living, and our conversation. Seclude Thou graciously all false doctrine and evil living, whereby Thy worthy Name might be blasphemed and slandered.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, let Thy kingdom come, and be great. All sinful, blind people, and such as are holden captive of the devil in his kingdom, those bring Thou to the knowledge of the true faith in Jesus Christ Thy Son.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Strengthen us, Lord, with Thy Spirit, to do and to suffer Thy will both in life and death, in <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/weal">weal</a> and woe; that our will may alway be broken, offered up, and mortified.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
And give us our daily bread. Preserve us from covetous desire, and carefulness of the belly; that of Thee we may be assured to have abundance of all good things.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Forgive us our trespass, as we forgive them which offend us; that our heart may have a sure and glad conscience, and that we never fear, nor be afraid for any sin.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Lead us not into temptation, but help us thru Thy Spirit to subdue the flesh, to despise the world with his vanities, and to overcome the devil with all his crafty assaults.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
And finally, deliver Thou us from all evil, both bodily and ghostly, temporal and eternal. Amen.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
They that earnestly desire all this, let them say, "Amen!" believing without any doubt that it is granted and heard in heaven, according as Christ promised us, saying, "When ye pray, believe assuredly that ye shall have it, and it shall come to pass." Amen.</blockquote>
</blockquote>
And now my melding of the two, minus the congregation response.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Friends in Christ, let us heartily pray to God the Father of all mercy, believing assuredly that He will graciously hear us thru our Lord Jesus Christ, Who commanded us to pray, and promised us saying, "Ask and you shall have; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Therefore, in consideration of the same commandment and promise, I urge you all to lift up your hearts and pray with me:</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
O Lord God, our Father in heaven, we, Your needy children on earth, beseech You to mercifully look on us and grant us Your grace; that Your holy Name be hallowed among us and in all the world, thru the pure and true teaching of Your Word and thru earnest love shown forth in our daily living, and our conversation. Graciously seclude all false doctrine and evil living, whereby Your worthy Name is blasphemed and slandered.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Let Your kingdom come and be great. Bring all sinful people, and those blinded and bound in the devil's kingdom to know Jesus Christ, Your Son, by faith. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Strengthen us, Lord, with Your Spirit, to do and to suffer Your will, both in life and death, in weal and woe; that our own wills may always be broken, offered up, and mortified. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Give us our daily bread. Preserve us from greed and selfish cares; that we may trust in You to have abundance of all good things.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Forgive us our sins and we forgive those who sin against us, so that our hearts may have a sure and glad conscience, and that no sin may ever frighten or alarm us.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Lead us not into temptation, O Lord, but help us by Your Spirit to subdue our flesh, to turn from the world and its vanities, and to overcome the devil with all his crafty assaults. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
P: Lastly, O heavenly Father, deliver us from all evil of both body and soul, now and forever. Amen.</blockquote>
</blockquote>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-57297644333322306752012-01-18T11:09:00.001-06:002012-01-18T11:09:24.059-06:00Link: On Feelings and EmotionsIn my google searches, today, I came across this <a href="http://thisweconfess.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/experiencing-god-in-worship/">excellent blog post</a> by Rev. Woodford.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;">Lutheran worship (liturgy) intentionally reflects this. In fact, it rejoices in the reality that regardless if one is a distracted mother tending to her children, a day dreaming teenager, a burdened husband, or a hard of hearing 89 year-old, God still connects to them regardless of how they are feeling! He connects to them through His Word going into their ear holes. He connects to them through His Word that opens their lips in prayer and praise. He connects to them with the body and blood of Christ on their lips and in their mouths. Forgiveness is given. Love is declared. Salvation is granted. God is present!</span>
</blockquote>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-17911133961731086932011-06-28T12:44:00.000-05:002011-06-28T12:44:20.238-05:00Luther on Being Overly Fascinated with Rubrics and Rituals<div>Pr. Paul T. McCain, over at Cyberbrethren, has some excellent thoughts about putting too much stock in being "liturgical," an ever present danger for at least myself.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://cyberbrethren.com/2011/06/28/when-luther-made-fun-of-a-guy-overly-fascinated-with-rubrics-and-rituals/">When Luther Made Fun of A Guy Overly Fascinated with Rubrics and Rituals</a>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-63603389092337287952011-04-24T14:04:00.001-05:002011-04-24T14:07:45.797-05:00Christians, to the Paschal VictimI promised two posts ago to talk about arrangements. I've decided to show how this has been done in the church of old, taking the lesser-known Easter hymn <i>Victimæ Paschali Laudes</i>, found in LSB 460 and <a href="http://rasburrysres.blogspot.com/2008/03/christ-is-arisen.html">here</a>.<br />
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<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Here is the original. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lUsiZ8gASP4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Here is an arrangement from 1100, Christ ist erstanden, LSB 459.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/s8QGfECsEqU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Luther's arrangement, Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands, LSB 458.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XA3P244DSss?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Here is Bach's Baroque arrangement of that.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/u2JRo1xoov8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Here is a Romantic (</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Joaquim António Peres Fontanes)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"> arrangement of Victimae for Organ.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ZxLu8EQTrM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">And here is an Impressionistic arrangement of the same and for the same, by Charles Tournemire.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXrgKzkD-mg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-3192991454981449132011-01-25T23:19:00.000-06:002011-01-25T23:19:42.566-06:00Bible Vocabulary: Words that Should Be Replaced: JustificationWhat?! The most important word in Christian theology should be replaced?! Sadly, yes.<br />
<br />
First, I'd like to talk about what the word <i>should </i>mean. Justification <i>should </i>mean "our becoming right before God because God bequeaths us so." The word is a <i>performative</i> one, to use theological lingo. Remember how God said "Let there be _ and there was _?" It's like that. Or like a baseball umpire who calls a runner 'SAFE,' even though the tag was clearly in-time. Regardless of all else, that runner <i>is safe.</i><br />
<br />
Next, let's think about what it means today. Today, one hears things like "There's no justification for what they did!" or "Can you justify that statement?" Justification has come to mean 'excuse' or 'reason.' And that's okay, language changes like that. But the problem for Christians is that God does not excuse our behavior or reason out our differences. He bequeaths us guiltless.<br />
<br />
So what word do I propose instead? Acquittal. Now, I realize that this word is a big one, but I really think it accurately conveys the idea and is not terribly uncommon. Like my definition earlier, 'acquittal' is performative: when a judge or jury acquits, it removes all guilt and consequences from a defendant, regardless. Likewise, God acquits us of all charges the devil and our worldly 'friends' may charge us with.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-27735671061694453622011-01-08T14:11:00.000-06:002011-01-08T14:11:28.366-06:00Alternative Hymn Settings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(Btw, my apologies on the long delay between posts. Turns out that Seminary requires a great deal of my time.)</span><br />
<br />
In my last post, I mentioned Taize as a possible alternative to throwing out the baby with the bathwater of traditional worship. Another possibility is changing the accompaniment of hymns. Let's explore both the upsides and downsides to this.<br />
<br />
Upsides<br />
1) <u>Historical Precedent</u>: Alternative hymn settings are about as old as hymns themselves, especially Lutheran hymns. Take, for example, A Mighty Fortress. There are settings by Johann Walther, Michael Prætorius, Heinrich Schütz, J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, etc, etc, etc. Each one of these settings puts Martin Luther's great hymn in a "contemporary" light, without losing the character of the original.<br />
2) <u>No doctrinal worries</u>: Since the hymns will be found in the Church's hymnal already (LSB, for example), there will be no need to do an in-depth search of each text, since that will already have been done by the Church/Denomination.<br />
3) <u>Keeps the traditional folks happy</u>: All those old, beloved hymns are still on the table. "Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower?" No problem! All we need to do is find a setting.<br />
4) <u>Makes the "Contemporary" folks happy</u>: Okay, they won't be overjoyed, but most folks are willing to compromise some things. The organ is an outlandish instrument for virtually every genre of music (save the best!) and merely changing the instrumentation can be enough for some.<br />
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Downsides<br />
1) <u>Finding settings</u>: While the LSB has a guitar-chord edition, it almost requires some skill and knowledge in music. After that, it's merely up to chance whether or not a suitable harmonization is to be found, and if it's not been "adopted" by American "evangelicals," good luck!<br />
2) <u>Not traditional enough</u>: For those that like everything done as traditionally as possible, the change of accompaniment will be too much. Furthermore, it might heighten the suspicions of said folks, that something nasty is a-brewing.<br />
3) <u>Not "contemporary" enough</u>: For those that love novelty, merely changing accompaniment will be about as different as watching Scrubs on ABC instead of NBC. For church-hoppers and those that listen to "Christian" radio, not hearing the songs might be an issue.<br />
<br />
Like Taize, it's not a flawless solution and it won't get rid of every complaint. But it can be a small enough <i>variation</i> that might be just the thing for some congregation.<br />
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Now, for some examples:<br />
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1) For percussion. "Il est né, le divin enfant" or in English, "He is born, the divine Christ-child"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jg5vrpGJmDA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
2) For a band (electric guitar, electric bass, etc.) "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4f7tx25O9XM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
3) According to one source, Heinz Werner Zimmermann believed that a congregation needed only a bass for accompaniment and wrote compositions to prove it. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any such compositions, but he might be another option.<br />
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Next time, we'll consider alternative hymn arrangements.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-46881938207134610322010-11-23T12:07:00.000-06:002010-11-23T12:07:28.287-06:00Culture and the Liturgy Part I: Time vs. EventAs I see it, huge numbers of Christians are not being fed the Word of God delivered in the Divine Service because they are going to "contemporary" worship services- and this is a major problem. This is one of my biggest reasons for writing this blog. I've begun proposing answers with my series on words that I think should be replaced, or at least better understood. Now, I'd like to begin taking a look at the relationship between culture and the liturgy.<br />
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I recently read the book "Ministering Cross-Culturally" by Marvin K. Mayers and Sherwood G. Lingenfelter. One of the topics they discuss is the issue of a culture that is time-oriented over against one that is event-oriented. The West (Europe and the US/Canada) is primarily time-oriented, that is, we focus on when things are, how long they take, etc. Other cultures tend to be event-oriented, that is, they focus on what happens, relationships, etc. However, individuals may or may not fall into the same category as the culture in which they live.<br />
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As I was reading this, I began to wonder about traditional, liturgical worship services. These services are very much "we do A for this long, B for this long, and then C for this long." "Contemporary" worship services tend to be "we sing for a while, we pray (impromptu prayers) for a while, sing some more, hear a message, sing more, leave happy." In other words, liturgical worship services are time-oriented, while "contemporary" worship services are event-oriented. Is there a way to present the liturgy to those who are "event-oriented?"<br />
<br />
Taizé is one answer. Taizé is a style where short, 4-part (harmony) phrases are repeated over and over, giving ample opportunity for prayer and meditation, while encouraging guided improvisation.The musical advantages include the use of any number of instruments and the fact that it can work in either large or small congregations, regardless of the quality of the acoustics.<br />
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Taizé is not perfect, however. It demands musicians that are capable of improvising, does not have a great range of emotional character, and can be boring to those who are time-oriented. And I'm not aware of any full setting of the Divine Service.<br />
<br />
We live in a fast-paced society where many things must be done and schedules must be met. Shouldn't the Church be an haven from all of this?Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-15410946987663414012010-10-25T10:59:00.000-05:002010-10-25T10:59:50.397-05:00Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: AfterthoughtsI've finally finished my thoughts on the liturgy! Why was this so important? It's kind of a long post, so I've highlighted my summarizing points.<br />
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1) The main reason, in my opinion, that folks think the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">liturgy "just doesn't speak to them</span>" is that they don't understand the significance of what they are saying every week. So I've tried to spell out some of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">meaning behind these ancient words</span>, hoping that whomever reads this would be edified, as well as more pro-liturgy, as it were.<br />
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2) A generation ago, many folks thought that "traditional" worship would eventually die out, while many others thought that "contemporary" worship was just a phase. So v<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">irtually no one dialogued</span> or debated their position and instead smugly ignored- or spewed vague, damning comments about- the other.<br />
Today, the so-called "worship wars" have died down, but <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">an entire church body is un-united</span> on one of the most important parts of the faith. Thankfully, there are those who are beginning to wit (see, understand) that neither side is backing down and that the debate needs to be more than a subjective one. My hope is that these posts, yea this blog, would at the very least <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">add "food for thought,"</span> if not start other discussions.<br />
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3) One cannot talk about variations on a theme if one does not know what the theme is. Furthermore, I am wholly opposed to trying to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Lutheranize "contemporary" worship, but instead favor the exact opposite</span>.<br />
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4) I knew that even if no one read my posts, I'd at least get practice spelling some of the meaning behind the liturgy, since this will not be the last time I talk about these things (Lord willing).<br />
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Posts to come will include thoughts on other reasons why folks have left liturgical worship and finding some appropriate, historical, and Confessional answers (if there are any) to them.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-61825919942754394552010-10-25T10:02:00.000-05:002010-10-25T10:02:13.447-05:00Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Acts of Exit<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Benediction</span></b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Historically</b>: Like the Nunc Dimittis, this was not originally in the Mass, but added by Martin Luther, replacing the Ite Missa est (basically meaning, "y'all can go, now, the mass is over")</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Explanation</b>: This is the Aaronic blessing, the one which YHWH commanded Moses to give to the people, to put "My Name on them". Just as we began the Divine Service in His Name, so we end in His Name.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sacramental</b>: God puts His Name on us.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Scripture</b>: </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%206:24-26&version=NIV"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Numbers 6:24-26</span></a></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Alternatives</b>: How 'bout </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJa9nuYorxc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this one</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">?</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hymns</b>: </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/m/a/maythegr.htm">May the Grace of Christ Our Savior</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Postlude</span></b></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Explanation</b>: While the prelude was about music for meditation, the postlude is more about getting folks excited about the Gospel they have just heard. Unfortunately, this also gives rise to that when you go into church, you hear sad music, but when you leave, it's happy music. Some organists combat this by playing fiery renditions of hymns sung during the service.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Alternatives</b>: For Good Friday (and some congregations add Maundy Thursday), there is no postlude, but instead everyone leaves in silence.</span></span></span></div>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-32754870029434448132010-10-11T16:51:00.001-05:002010-10-17T21:13:57.613-05:00UPDATE: Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Service of the Sacrament Part V<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Since posting this, I found an hymn by Emanuel Cronenwett that would serve as an alternative hymn for the Nunc Dimittis.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distribution</span></b></span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Explanation</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Jesus physically comes to us in, with, and under the forms of bread and wine, thereby forgiving our sins and strengthening our faith.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sacramental: </b>Hence the name.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026:26-28&version=GW" style="color: #28e15f; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matt 26:26-28</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022:19-20&version=GW" style="color: #28e15f; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 22:19-20</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Cor%2011:23-25&version=GW" style="color: #28e15f; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I Cor 11:23-25</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nunc Dimittis</span></span></b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Historically</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: This was not originally a part of the Mass, but instead from the Order of Compline, or Nightsong, sung at the close of the day. I believe it was Martin Luther who put it into the Divine Service.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Explanation</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nunc Dimittis</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, or "Lord, Now Let Your Servant Go in Peace," </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is the song Simeon sang after seeing the fulfillment of God's promise in the baby Jesus in the temple. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We too can sing these words of praise and thanks, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">since we too have seen the Lord's salvation in Jesus Christ. What can give Heathen/Gentiles like us truer peace than this?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sacrificial</b>: We sing God's Word back to Him.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Scripture</b>: </span><a href="http://studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=Luke+2:29-32&section=0&translation=tyn&oq="><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 2:29-32</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Alternatives</b>: I'm not aware of any contemporary settings, but see below for alternative texts.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hymns</b>: LSB 937-938. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Also the following, by Emanuel Cronenwett, written in 1876 and published in his "Hymns and Poems" of 1926, and updated just enough so no one notices. Since the meter is LM (88 88), I think <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">PUER NOBIS NASCITUR</span> (LSB 344) would be fine.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Now lettest Thou Thy servant, Lord,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Depart, according to Thy Word,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">In peace; for lo! mine eyes have seen</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Thy rich salvation from all sin.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">By grace divine my soul is fed</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">With living drink and living bread;</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Fed like a branch of Thee, the Vine,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Thy life is mine, and I am Thine.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I live, for Jesus lives in me;</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I die, O death, to sin and thee!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Thus living, dying, Jesus saith</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">My soul shall never taste of death.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Lord, I am weak, be Thou my Stay!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Guide my frail feet along the way;</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">O help me live the life of faith,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">So that I die Thy people's death.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">When Thou shalt in Thy glory come</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">To gather all Thine Israel home,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Then shall my body rise again,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">And clothe my soul in light. Amen!</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OR</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Thank the Lord</span></b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Explanation</b>: This is an alternative text to the Nunc Dimittis. Certainly receiving Christ's body and blood is something to thank, praise, and glorify God for, and certainly He recalls His promises, as He did to Simeon, but the rich imagery of the Nunc Dimittis is just not to be found in this text, however joyful the musical setting might be.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sacrificial</b>: We sing our thanks to God.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Scripture</b>: Any psalm of praise.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Alternatives</b>: Nunc Dimittis</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hymns</b>: May God Bestow on Us His Grace (LSB 823-4), O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee (LSB 632), Sent Forth by God's Blessing (642), O Lord, We Praise Thee (LSB 617)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Thanksgiving/Post Communion Collect</span></b></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Explanation</b>: Just as with every other Christian meal, a prayer is said, thanking God </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for His gifts of food, drink, life, salvation, and Christ- in this case </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">received all at once!</span></span>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-41320306599541956112010-09-29T10:55:00.000-05:002010-09-29T10:55:21.585-05:00Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Service of the Sacrament Part IV<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Before I begin, let me give a quick plug: I've started </span><a href="http://onlieonlieonlie.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">another blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to not keep up on; this one will only be presenting less familiar hymns, as well as alternative translations to familiar ones. Most of these will be by other folks, although I might alter a few things, since these hymns are in public domain (i.e. older). Hopefully it will be more devotional and less academic/controversial.)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Words of Institution</span></b></div><b>Explanation</b>: These are the very words that Jesus said when He instituted the Sacrament of Holy Supper. "Because the Words (<i>verba</i>) of Institution are the very heart of the sacramental action, they should always be employed. It is through Christ's word and its power, not through the action of the celebrant, that Christ's body and blood are present in the bread and wine." (Theology and Practice of The LORD'S SUPPER, CTCR Doc, 1983).<br />
<b>Sacramental</b>: The are Christ's very words.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026:26-28&version=GW">Matt 26:26-28</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022:19-20&version=GW">Luke 22:19-20</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Cor%2011:23-25&version=GW">I Cor 11:23-25</a><br />
<b>Alternative</b>: Some chant this, some just speak it. I suppose having soft piano music in the background (like some do during prayers) might be okay, but this can very easily become distracting, so care should be taken.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Pax Domini</span></b></div><b>Explanation</b>: Pax Domini means "The peace of the Lord." When the risen Christ first physically appeared to His apostles in the upper room, He greeted them by saying, "Peace be with you." In the same way, Christ is about to physically appear to us in, with, and under the forms of bread and wine.<br />
<b>Sacramental</b>: Christ gives us His peace.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+6:23&version=NIV">Judges 6:23</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:19-20&version=NIV">John 20:19-20</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:1&version=GW">Romans 5:1-2</a><br />
<b>Alternatives</b>: Some congregations "share the peace" with each other at this time. It's slightly disruptive, but it's a liturgical answer to just greeting each other before the first hymn.<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: no<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Agnus Dei</span></b></div><b>Explanation</b>:<b> </b>This song, spoken by John the Baptist in John 1, has been in use since the 8th Century, maybe even earlier. Thrice we call upon the Lamb of God to hear us, have mercy on us, and take our sins away. This is an illusion to the Exodus of the folk of Israel, where a first-born, spotless lamb was sacrificed, it's blood painted on door frames, and eaten by the household, so that their lives would be spared. Likewise, Christ lived a spotless (free of sin) life, was sacrificed on the cross, His blood placed on the door frame of our hearts (figuratively speaking), and eaten in the forms of bread and wine. Therefore, our eternal lives are spared. In this manner, He "grant(s) us peace."<br />
<b>Sacramental</b>: We sing the words of Scripture back to God.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2012:%201-23&version=GW">Exod 12:1-23</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%205:7b&version=GW">I Cor 5:7b</a>, <a href="http://www.studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=I+Pet+1:19-20&section=2&translation=tyn&oq=I%2520Cor%25205:7&new=1&nb=1co&ng=5&ncc=5">I Pet 1:19-20</a><br />
<b>Alternative</b>: Michael W. Smith has a song called "Agnus Dei," but the text is different. I'm not aware of any other versions.<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: The only hymn version I know is found in the DS IV in LSB.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-36921565703050800772010-09-20T14:40:00.000-05:002010-09-20T14:40:21.959-05:00Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Service of the Sacrament Part III<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Prayer of Thanksgiving/Eucharistic Prayer</span></b></div><b>Historical</b>: This is a prayer that was once in the Divine Service, then taken out, then re-introduced ignorantly and incorrectly in LBW, before be properly re-introduced in the LSB. I'm not going to go into the details here, though; suffice it to say that there is nothing to be afraid of in the LSB version of prayer of thanksgiving.<br />
<b>Explanation</b>: Thanking God for His Holy Supper. The prayer is essentially a retelling of God's Salvation History, and historically can get pretty lengthy. It is often adapted to fit the liturgical season/holiday, as well, focusing on whatever particular event is relevant. The practice of re-telling important tales goes back to Hebrew/Old Testament culture and so the Prayer of Thanksgiving is merely an extension of that practice.<br />
Also note: LSB's version also includes a bit where we ask God that we worthily receive His body and blood, replacing the Exhortation, which I'll discuss later.<br />
(The word 'Eucharist' comes from the Greek word for 'thanks' and it's because of this prayer that some call the Lord's Supper the 'Eucharist.')<br />
<b>Sacramental</b>: We tell back to God what He has told us in His Word.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026:26&version=NIV">Matthew 26:6</a><br />
<b>Alternative</b>: a bunch of DS settings exclude this<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: no<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Exhortation</span></b></div><b>Explanation</b>: A number of hymnals (especially older ones, but also the ELH) include this. Taking Paul's warning that one should examine one's self before eating and drinking our Lord, this is basically a just that: an review of the fact that we are sinful beings in need of God's mercy and forgiveness, which we receive in Jesus' body and blood. Most LCMS congregations either hope that folks do this on their own, or they hope that folks pay attention to the Prayer of Thanksgiving.<br />
Please don't think that I'm condemning the (compilers of the) LSB; nor am I condemning congregations that leave Paul's exhortation up to the members. I'm simply saying that this is an historical part of the Lutheran Divine Service and that it's not 100% wrong. I think the LSB did a fine job of keeping the exhortation in mind, both in the "Prayers for Worship" on the inside cover, as well as in the Prayer of Thanksgiving.<br />
<b>Sacramental</b>: We examine ourselves.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2011:27-29&version=GW">I Corinthians 11:27-29</a><br />
<b>Alternative</b>: LSB inside cover<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: a bunch of hymns ask God that we worthily receive His body and blood, but these are more appropriate during Communion than before, really<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lord's Prayer</b></span></div><b>Explanation</b>: I'm going to skip over the meaning of Jesus' words and just talk about their relationship to the Lord's Supper.<br />
<u>Our Father in Heaven</u>: we acknowledge that God is in heaven (despite what some think)<br />
<u>Let Your Name be hallowed</u>: His Name is hallowed when His people do what He says: like eating and drinking His flesh and blood.<br />
<u>Let Your kingdom come</u>: We are about to sing the song of all the company of heaven, and feast on Christ, the Lamb of God. This truly is "heaven on earth."<br />
<u>Let Your will be done on earth, just like it is done in heaven</u>: "This do in remembrance of Me."<br />
<u>Give us today our daily bread</u>: Um, pretty self-explanatory<br />
<u>And forgive us our guilts, as we have forgiven or guilters</u>: "Shed for you for the forgiveness of all your sins."<br />
<u>Save us from trial/temptation/accosting, but allay us of evil</u>: what is more refreshing and enlivening than Jesus' body and blood?<br />
Yes, folks, there is a reason this prayer is not said along with all the other prayers.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206:9-6:13&version=KJV">Matthew 6:9-13</a><br />
<b>Alternatives</b>: I'm sure there are contemporary songs on the Lord's Prayer. (Please don't sing that schmalzy one from the 40's?- it's awful and anyone without gray hair probably despises it.)<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: LSB 957-959; there are others, tooMicah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-59868201123516734682010-09-09T19:03:00.000-05:002010-09-09T19:03:22.118-05:00Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Service of the Sacrament Part II<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sanctus (Holy)</span></b></div><b>Explanation</b>: Like the Gloria in excelsis, the Sanctus is the song the angels sang, but this time in the presence of their exalted Lord and in the vision of Isaiah the prophet. Why is this important? We sinful, deathly, and very earthly beings are eating and drinking the flesh and blood of a sinless, once dead but now living, and very earthly-yet-heavenly Being; that is to say, at the Lord's Supper heaven and earth meet. We are about to experience our Lord Christ: a foretaste, a preview of the feast to come. And so we sing the song we'll sing when we meet Him then.<br />
'Hosanna' means 'save us now,' although it is a word of praise, since we have the Hope and assurance that indeed our Messiah has saved us by His death and resurrection, and He heals us with His true body and blood.<br />
<b>Sacramental</b>: We sing back what has already been told to us in Scripture.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%206:3&version=NIV">Isaiah 6:3</a><br />
<b>Alternative</b>: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbx8ua1B1p4">Revelation Song</a> (this could also incorporate the Agnus Dei); please don't sing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXCoHxX1OC8">Hosanna</a>, since it really doesn't deal with our text, nor is it 100% theologically sound.<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: LSB 960-961; There also have been a number of attempts to turn Holy, Holy, Holy (LSB 507) into the Sanctus, including by <a href="http://cph.org/p-6275-sing-peace-sing-gift-of-peace.aspx">Jaroslav Vajda</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Benedictus</span></b></div><b>Explanation</b>: The Benedictus (Blessed) is taken from Psalm 118 and said by the crowds when Jesus bodily entered Jerusalem, just like our risen and uplifted Lord is about to bodily enter us. Hosanna means "Lord, save us," and was used for the entrance of the King, akin to "God save the King." Jesus, our heavenly King, makes His entrance.<br />
<b>Sacramental</b>: We sing back what has already been told to us in Scripture.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20118:25-26&version=ESV">Psalm 118:25-26</a>, <a href="http://www.commonenglishbible.com/Explore/PassageLookup/tabid/210/Default.aspx?txtPassageLookupMini=Matthew%2021:9">Matthew 21:9</a><br />
<b>Alternative</b>: I'm not aware of any.<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: All Glory, Laud, and Honor (LSB 442)Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-76656824769872071092010-09-01T19:21:00.000-05:002010-09-01T19:21:53.779-05:00Bible Vocabulary: Words that Should Be Better Understood; Part II: LordI am very happy to be back on the blogosphere. Thank you for waiting to read another fascinating herald.<br />
<br />
Now, to business:<br />
Did you know? The word 'lord' comes from an Old English word which, upon modernization, is 'loaf-ward,' or bread-keeper / bread-guard. Guess what: Jesus is not just our bread-keeper, He is our Bread-giver!* He gives us His very body and blood to us (every) Sunday in, with, and under the forms of bread and wine, which body and blood strengthen and (what?) preserve, or keep, us unto life everlasting. Jesus is Lord, indeed!<br />
<br />
*Although we can't shorten this the same way as 'lord,' since we'd get 'liver.'Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-92109073363012098812010-03-24T14:32:00.000-05:002010-03-24T14:32:06.250-05:00And I ran, I ran so far away I came backI recently discovered <a href="http://lambonthealtar.blogspot.com/2010/01/have-evangelicals-gone-beyond-luther-or.html">this post</a>., dealing with the question, "Do 'evangelicals' go farther than Luther in their reforms," lengthly responding to the oft-heard comment that Luther did not go far enough in his reform of the Church. (The American president John Quincy Adams even wrote a book entitled, "<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=m-gRAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=baptist:+the+only+thorough+reformers&ei=4q-eS_POK6HMMtX8yLkH&cd=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false">Baptists: the Only Thorough Reformers</a>.")<br />
In order to prove how interesting this article really is, here is an excerpt:<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">And instead of the Lord's Supper, at the end of the service we more frequently find the altar call. There is no altar call in Scripture. Luther believed that the Lord's Supper should be celebrated more frequently than it was being celebrated in his day. So less frequent celebration means running in the opposite direction of Luther. The Lord's Supper is all about Jesus giving His body and blood for me. The altar call is all about me having an emotional experience. The altar call was developed by Charles Finney in the 19th century. He believed that the Holy Spirit was unnecessary for conversion and that given the right emotional manipulation you could convert anybody. At least the Roman Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit must get the conversion process going. The altar call has less Scriptural support than praying to the saints and the practice is much newer. The altar call is an example of running as far away from Luther as you possibly can. You're running so fast at this point that the Roman Catholic church doesn't even see you whiz by and you find yourself sitting next to Pelagius and other rationalists.</span></blockquote>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-36765575142360957762010-03-17T13:58:00.000-05:002010-03-17T13:58:52.183-05:00Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Service of the Sacrament Part IThe third portion of the service, the "Service of the Sacrament (of the Altar) now begins. Here on, be hyper-sensitive to any language that might relate to Communion: you might be surprised how many phrases with double meanings await you in this section of the liturgy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Salutation</span></b></div><b>Explanation</b>: For a few notes on what a salutation is, see my earlier <a href="http://liturgicalvariations.blogspot.com/2010/01/service-of-word-part-iii.html">post</a>.<br />
Yet because of its placement, there is another angle (and another Bible verse) that comes into play: Luke 1:28. When the angel Gabriel comes to tell Mary that she is going to be the mother of the Messiah, he greets her by saying, "The Lord is with you." While this was a normal greeting of the time, it was also a pun: the Lord (Jesus) was physically inside of her! So too does the pastor, God's messenger, announce that the Lord is with us, before we are about to physically receive Jesus in our bodies.<br />
<b>Sacramental</b>: We repeat God's Word to each other.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?language=en&query=Ruth+2:4&section=0&translation=gwd&oq=Luke%25201:28&new=1&nb=lu&ng=1&ncc=1">Ruth 2:4</a>; <a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?language=en&query=Luke+1:28&section=0&translation=gwd&oq=Philippians%25204:8&new=1&nb=php&ng=4&ncc=4">Luke 1:28</a> (my second complaint of the LSB is that they did not include this reference)<br />
<b>Alternative</b>: it's so short and so meaningful, I don't see a reason to want/need an alternative<br />
<b>Hymns: </b>I'm not aware of any.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sursum Corda</span></b></div><b>Explanation</b>: The pastor exhorts the congregation to think not on earthly things, but on heavenly things. Upon pondering things heavenly, we realise what great gifts He has given us, we naturally thank Him.<br />
<b>Sacrificial</b>: we turn our thoughts to God<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?l=en&query=Philippians+4:8&section=0&translation=gwd&Enter=Perform+Search">Philippians 4:8</a>; <a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?language=en&query=Col.+3:1&section=0&translation=gwd&oq=Ruth%25202:4&new=1&nb=ru&ng=2&ncc=2">Colossians 3:1</a><br />
<b>Alternative</b>: I suppose, reciting Colossians 3:1.<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: <a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/l/i/liftupyh.htm">Lift Up Your Hearts</a>, by Henry M. Butler, although some alteration to the text might be preferable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Proper Preface</b></span></div><b>Explanation</b>: (The word "preface" means forward/introduction. Literally "beforeface" or "beforehand.") The Preface is one of the most ancient elements of Christian worship. As we prepare to receive our Lord's true body and true blood, we lift up our hearts to God and thank Him for this meal. The Proper Preface focuses our minds on the seasonally appropriate aspect of the life of Christ, Who comes to us in this meal. Those not receiving Communion are invited to meditate on the words and prayer, knowing they too receive the forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ Jesus.<br />
<b>Sacrificial</b>: We pray to God.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: usually based on the Gospel story of the day or season.<br />
<b>Alternatives</b>: the LCA(ustralia) <a href="http://www.lca.org.au/worship/worship_resources_CD.cfm">website</a>. By clicking on the season of the church year and then on the specific Sunday, you will have popped up an rtf file. Scroll down to where it says "Seasonal Preface" and make your decision. Some prefaces may be more preferable than others.<br />
Another option would be to replace difficult terminology or phrasing, leaving the spirit of the preface in-tact.<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: I'm not aware of any.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-69280332801385098552010-03-02T20:10:00.006-06:002010-03-02T20:13:36.255-06:00Bible Vocabulary: Words that Should Be Better Understood; Part I: Saved"For by grace you have been <i>made safe</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span>through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and it does not come by</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> works, lest anyone should boast </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">of oneself</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">." Ephesians 2:8-9,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">NKJV, altered in via Tyndale</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4264801299892262929" name="2:9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></a></span><br />
We all are familiar with the words, 'safe' and 'saved,' knowing that both words have to do with the preservation of something from something else. If I were to say, "I feel safe only when I lock my doors," I would mean that I only feel spared from danger when my doors are locked. If I were to say, "I saved the last piece of pie," it would mean I was saving it from being eaten.<br />
<br />
Yet there is an additional meaning in the word, one that has been lost over the years. The word comes to us via the Latin word 'salve,' meaning 'health,' 'well-being,' 'or wholeness.' When a Spanish-speaking person sneezes, one says, "Salud!" A medical ointment used to soothe someone is called a 'salve.' Thus when Tyndale translates that we are made safe through faith, he not only means that we are preserved from damnation, but also that we are made whole, made well.<br />
<br />
Hence his translation of Matthew 9:21-22: "For she said to herself, 'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made <i>safe</i>.' But Jesus turned around, and <i>beheld </i>her <i>saying</i>, 'Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you <i>safe</i>.' <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">NKJV, alt. via Tyndale.</span><br />
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What I like about this added meaning is its relation to post-modern spirituality (broadly speaking). I have heard too many people and seen too many books that talk about how to be spiritually well, what wholesome spiritual living means, etc, etc. Instead of asking people, "Brother, are you saved?" we can ask them, "Are you spiritually well, my friend?" It means the same thing and might even receive a less guarded answer.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(As one who has already studied too much Greek, I should note that it would be incorrect to translate the Ephesians verse, "you have been made whole through faith" because the Greek word 'σώζω' does not carry the meaning of health.)</span>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-91372998938454613182010-02-25T15:45:00.000-06:002010-02-25T15:45:51.996-06:00Understanding the Liturgical Worship Service: Service of the Word Part V<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hymn of the Day</span></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Explanation</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: This is the main (sometimes called 'chief') hymn of the day that focuses on the theme of the Gospel reading and the sermon.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacrificial</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: We sing to God</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Ephesians 5:19</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternatives</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Depending on the theme of the sermon, there might be contemporary songs out there. If one does a mixed service, this might be the time to insert the hymn, as most "contemporary" songs are not story-specific.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sermon</span></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Explanation</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: This is the part of the service where the pastor takes the theme of the day and applies it to his congregation and her times. A good sermon, like the liturgy, will properly distinguish </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and apply</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> both the Law and the GoodNews. While it may not always be received well, it should always be what one needs to hear; not what the world has to say, but what God has said.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacramental</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: We hear God's Word.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternatives</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: When done </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">well</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, narrative sermons (i.e., those given from the eyes of a Biblical character) can be a welcome change of pace and put a new perspective on a familiar theme. Art displays, etc. can be effective if they are presented tastefully. Sermon series can also be a good way to delve deeper into a particular theme, story, or idea.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prayer of the Church</span></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Explanation: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This prayer is a bridge between the Service of the Word and Sacrament, serving as a response to the Word and a preparation for the Sacrament.</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacrificial</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: We pray to God.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Offertory</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: What Shall I Render</span></span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Explanation: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This serves also as a bridge between the Service of the Word and of the Sacrament and </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is an acknowledgement that while we cannot repay the Lord for what He benefits of His Word and Sacrament, we can give our lives in worship as a sacrifice to Him. There are some beautiful allusions: an alternative name for Communion is 'Eucharist,' which means 'thanksgiving;' "call on the Name of the Lord' is an Hebrew idiom meaning 'worship;' the 'cup of salvation' alludes to the drinking of Christ's blood; when we take Communion, we proclaim that we are in doctrinal agreement with them; this is, of course, done in God's house (church bldg), and the new Jerusalem is the body of believers on Christ.</span></span></b></span></b><br />
<b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20116:%2012-19&version=ESV"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 116</span></a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacramental</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: We sing God's Word back to Him.</span></span></b></span></b><br />
<b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternatives: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">see below</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hymns: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try </span><a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/w/s/wsirtmgd.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this one</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Offertory</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Create in Me</span></span></span></b></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Explanation: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "Create in me" is a prayer that God would cleanse our hearts from sin, deepen and strengthen our faith, give us divine joy, and prepare us for the Word-Made-Flesh. How does He cleanse our hearts, strengthen our faith, and give us divine joy? He does all this in the giving of His very body and blood.</span></span></b></span></b><br />
<b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 51</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacramental</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: We sing God's Word back to Him.</span></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternatives: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.delirious.org.uk/lyrics/songs/keithgreencreate.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">has become a standard in some circles. You can hear the original artist sing it </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwUroyJLg9A"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></b></b></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hymns: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LSB 704 (Renew Me, O Eternal Light), LSB 956 (Create in Me)</span></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Offertory</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful</span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Explanation</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: While there is only one setting in the LSB (955), I've seen this text set to a number of different tunes so I'm giving it its own category. The vineyards refers to John 15:5; numerous times the Psalms refer to his cup overflowing- our cup of blessing is the cup Jesus blessed on "the night in which He was betrayed;" we ask God to take the seed of faith that He has planted in us and strengthen that faith with His very body, the bread of eternal life; the hope and dream of all is to live forever with Christ; we further ask Him to be physically present in the meal that is but an appetizer of the feast we will celebrate in heaven.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: </span><a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?l=en&query=John+15:5&section=0&translation=nrs&Enter=Perform+Search"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 15:5</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2025:6&version=NIV"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah 25:6</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacrificial: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We pray to God</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Offering</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Historically<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, this was not done during the service, but rather offering plates were placed in the back of the church, allowing for better secrecy. For various reasons, that is no longer the case in most churches.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Explanation: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">While there is nothing that we can give to pay for our sins, the Word of God </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">manifests itself in us and through us by our works and sacrifices. Having </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">just received the Word of God, we naturally say, "Yes!" and give a physical </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">offering to further the Word of God, so that others may receive the joy which w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">e have just received.</span></div></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>If I may</i>... I suggest that in order to not further the stereotype that churches only want money, please either make a verbal announcement or a brief note in the worship folder that the offering is intended for members and that guests should not feel obligated to contribute.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;">Scripture<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">: <a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?l=en&query=Luke+21:1-4&section=0&translation=gwd&Enter=Perform+Search">Luke 21:1-4</a>, <a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?l=en&query=matthew+25:14-30&section=0&translation=gwd&Enter=Perform+Search">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span></div></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Sacrificial<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">: We give our "hard earned" money to God's service.</span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b>Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-51918022242510997062010-02-09T23:21:00.000-06:002010-02-09T23:21:19.168-06:00Service of the Word: Part IV<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Scripture Readings</span></span><br />
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<b>Historically</b>: The readings for each Sunday are based on what is called a "pericope", which is an organisation of readings throughout the church year, intended to cover each of the major points in the life of Jesus and the life of His church. I will discuss this more in a later post; for now, suffice it to say there is a reason we read what we read when we read it.<br />
<b>Explanation</b>: There are usually 3 readings: the 1st from the Old Testament or the book of Acts, the 2nd from the Epistles (Letters of Faith), and the 3rd from one of the four Gospels.<br />
<b>Scripture: </b>2 Timothy 3:16,17; many others<br />
<b>Sacramental: </b>We hear God's speaking to us through His word.<br />
<b>Alternatives: </b>One way to shake things up is to have various readers read different parts. For example, have one person read Jesus' words, another read Mary's words, and still another Martha's. Whether this is done or not, all readers should at the very least be familiar with the readings so as to not impede the work of the Spirit. (i.e., don't monotone, stumble over pronunciations, stutter, etc. It's annoying and takes to focus from the Word to the speaker.)<br />
<b>Hymns: </b>Obviously there are quite a few hymns based on Scripture readings. Some hymnals are generous enough to include an index in the back of the hymnal. <a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/index.htm">Cyberhymnal</a> also has a similar section.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Gradual or Psalm</span></span><br />
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<b>Explanation</b>: This is a short response taken usually from a Psalm, but there are occasions when other Scripture is used. The theme usually corresponds to the Introit. Like the Introit, it is usually sung <i>antiphonally</i>, or responsively.<br />
<b>Scripture</b>: <a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?language=en&query=Ephesians+5:19&section=0&translation=gwd&oq=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numinous&new=1">Ephesians 5</a> and <a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?language=en&query=Colossians+3:16&section=0&translation=gwd&oq=Colossians%25203:16&new=1&nb=col&ng=3&ncc=3">Colossians 3</a><br />
<b>Sacramental: </b>We repeat God's Word back to Him.<br />
<b>Alternatives:</b> Many congregations have the choir sing at this time. That's fine, but I would prefer them to "highlight" other portions of the service, such as singing a stanza of an hymn or a portion of the liturgy, like the Kyrie; but that's a matter of taste.<br />
<b>Hymns: </b>There are many Psalm paraphrases out there: our LSB has quite a few, the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary (Evangelical Lutheran Synod) has a few more, and the Cantus Christi (Reformed) has a lot more, let alone <a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/scr/scriptur.htm">Cyberhymnal</a>. See also <a href="http://matthaeusglyptes.blogspot.com/search/label/Psalm">Hymnoglypt</a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Creed</span><br />
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<b>Explanation: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The three "ecumenical" (universally Christian) creeds are the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">They are basically summaries of what we believe and what the Scriptures say about God. While no Scripture is directly quoted, they are based heavily on Scripture. <a href="http://www.extremetheology.com/2009/11/the-nicene-creed-according-to-the-scriptures.html">This</a> shows Scripture verses for the Nicene, <a href="http://www.godonthe.net/evidence/apostle.htm">this</a> shows the Same for the Apostles'.</span></b></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">After hearing God's Word, we are moved to "boldly confess" our unity in the faith. I have heard one person describe the Creed as the liturgical version of "testimonials." While this analogy is not perfect, it can be an "in" with those who might be apprehensive of the notion of "creed." This is <i>not</i> a statement of what is needed to be believed (although this is true), but rather a statement of what is believed. A similar idea is that most grammar books do not <i>pre</i>scribe how to speak, but instead <i>de</i>scribe the normal patterns of speech.</span></b></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span">Sacrificial: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We state what we believe.</span></b><br />
<b>Scripture: </b>See my two links in the explanation.<br />
<b>Alternatives</b>: "<a href="http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=64d0d01d769338907d3a">Because We Believe</a>" Also, check out <a href="http://www.lca.org.au/resources/cow/approvedworshipservices/e/E06%20Creeds.pdf">this document</a>, which offers alternative translations. Then there's <a href="http://allforhymn.blogspot.com/search/label/creeds">this link</a>, as well.<br />
<b>Hymns</b>: In addition to the LSB, Timothy Dudley-Smith has <a href="http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/w/w052.html">this hymn</a>.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4264801299892262929.post-47272425361138750272010-02-03T14:27:00.000-06:002010-02-03T14:27:42.670-06:00Blog ListSchool-work has been heating up, even if the weather has not. Therefore, I've not had as much time to work on this blog lately. However, I would like to introduce each blog that I have included on my blog list to the right. I will go in alphabetical order, although the list is ordered by most recent post.<br /><br /><a href="http://allforhymn.blogspot.com/">All for Hymn</a> is an LCMS blog that discusses hymnody, namely arrangements and translations thereof. I like this blog because it is both confessional (i.e., in line with the Book of Concord) and easily applicable to the twenty-first century. It is updated often. There are even <a href="http://allforhymn.blogspot.com/search/label/Liturgical%20Variations">a few posts</a> based on this blog, for which I am most grateful.<br /><br /><a href="http://betterbibles.com/">Better Bibles Blog</a> discusses translations, especially focusing on understandability and accuracy of translation. I believe that it is cross-denominational. Not every post is exciting to the layperson, but there are some gems. It updates periodically.<br /><br /><a href="http://cyberbrethren.com/">Cyberbrethren</a> is another confessional LCMS blog. It discusses many different issues, including pastorship, the liturgical year, and the latest news from CPH. It updates daily.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.extremetheology.com/">Extreme Theology</a> is a conservative LCMS blog that discusses various issues, especially concerning the emergent church. While I don't always fully agree with the writer's style (often a bit harsh), he often makes excellent points. It updates once in a while, usually every week.<br /><br /><a href="http://matthaeusglyptes.blogspot.com/">Hymnoglypt</a> is an LCMS blog that translates (mostly) Lutheran hymns. There is often a reason these hymns have not been translated before. Some have difficult tunes, while others have been translated incorrectly. Still others might have been only partially translated. Having said this, these are excellent hymns and can add much depth to ones personal devotion time. It updates usually once a week.<br /><br /><a href="http://joyousexchange.blogspot.com/">Joyous Exchange</a> is a blog by a couple of pastors in the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, a denomination that has been described as traditional in theology and contemporary in practice. It is an unique denomination and this is the best blog I have found from it. It updates a couple times every week.<br /><br /><a href="http://lylebuettner.wordpress.com/">Latin Word of the Day</a> is an LCMS blog that I just discovered. Each day, it discusses a Latin phrase important to the historic Lutheran Church. (It is currently going through the Ten Commandments and their meaning from the Small Catechism.) Obviously, it is updated daily.<br /><br /><a href="http://revivelutheranhymns.blogspot.com/">Lutheran Hymn Revival</a> is a Lutheran blog that posts new hymns, essentially. It is updated every once in a while.<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.mises.org/blog/">Mises Economics Blog</a> promotes the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austrian_School">Austrian school of economics</a>. I hate when politics and the Church intermix, but it's always safe to discuss economics, right? Anyway, while not every post is relevant to the average person, many are. It updates daily.<br /><br /><a href="http://starkekirchenlieder.blogspot.com/">Starke Kirchenlieder</a> is an LCMS blog that posts hymns, either as published in the LSB or recently written by Rev. Steven Starke himself. It updates once every couple of weeks or so.<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.beliefnet.com/stuffchristianculturelikes/">Stuff Christian Culture Likes</a> is a generic Christian blog that posts humorous discussions of things that stereotypical Christians (usually "evangelical") love. It updates around twice a week.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.complinechoir.org/">The Compline Choir</a> is not a blog, but it posts podcasts every once in a while, so that counts! Anyway, every Sunday at 9:30p (Pacific) the Compline Choir of St. Mark's (Episcopal) Cathedral in Seattle, WA sings the liturgy of Compline. On the link, one can click the link to hear the live broadcast at <a href="http://king.org/">king.org</a> or can listen to recorded podcasts of many of the services by clicking "Podcasts." It is not Lutheran, so there are occasional "moments," but for the most part the service can be useful to all.<br /><br /><a href="http://weedon.blogspot.com/">Weedon's Blog</a> is an LCMS blog that deals with various topics in the Church, including liturgy. It updates daily if not more often.<br /><br /><a href="http://worshipconcord.wordpress.com/">Worship Concord</a> is still another LCMS blog that quotes church leaders of yesteryear when dealing with worship, liturgy, etc. It is one of the only blogs that uses the Book of Concord, Luther, and others to <i>defend </i>"contemporary" worship. It updates just about every day.<br /><br /><a href="http://sjbrown58.wordpress.com/">Worship Ideas You Can Use</a> is a WELS blog meant to aid congregations and music leaders bridge the gap between "traditional" and "contemporary" worship.<br /><br />If anyone knows of a blog that could or should be on this list, let me know and I will consider it.Micah Schmidthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13826971394946349499noreply@blogger.com5