Christian worship, sacraments, prayer Flashcards
What is the importance of Christian worship for Christians today? (5)
- an expression of their faith in God
- one way to show their respect, devotion and thanks to God
- allows them to seek and receive forgiveness from God for the things they have done wrong
- an opportunity for connecting with God in a way that supports and help them grow spiritually and understand God’s purpose for them as an individual
- reminds Christians of the beliefs and traditions they share with other Christians
What can private worship include? (4)
- meditation or reading
- trying to interpret a passage from the Bible
- silent prayer to God about things of personal concern
- expressing thanks for something good that has happened
Why is private worship helpful?
because it can help develop a personal relationship with God
What is Liturgical worship and what does it contain?
when Christians worship according to a set pattern on a regular basis
tends to be traditional
contains set prayers readings
What is Non- Liturgical worship and what does it contain?
the less formal style of worship - does not follow a set pattern and can involve more unscripted or improvised forms of worship
which denominations use liturgical worship and which use non-liturgical?
liturgical: Catholics and Anglicans
non -liturgical: Methodism and Pentecostalism
What is an example of liturgical worship?
Eucharist/Holy communion/ Mass
What is an example of non-liturgical worship?
Private pryer
silence (used by Quakers)
charismatic worship
- often seen in pentecostal churches
- speaking in tongues (represents being filled with the holy spirit)
What does typical non-liturgical worship include?
- greater emphasis on the Bible as the inspired word of God
- a much longer sermon than in liturgical churches
- a symbolic presence of Jesus in the bread and wine rather than real
why do some Christians prefer liturgical worship to non-liturgical worship?
- they believe it is important to maintain the traditions of the Christian Church
- they believe liturgical worship creates a more serious atmosphere which suits the occasion better
- find the similarity of the service comforting
- greater confidence to take part because they know exactly what to do and when
In what way do most Christians believe that sacraments help?
they are a way in which human beings can receive the grace, the favour and kindness and love of God
Christians believe that experiencing the sacraments …… (3)
- strengthen their relationship with God
- enables them to grow in goodness and faith and become more like Jesus
- bring additional spiritual and other responsibilities
What sacraments do Catholics recognise?
- Baptism
- Eucharist
- the anointing of sick (extreme unction)
- marriage
- confirmation
- penance and reconciliation
- ordination
Why do protestants have 2 sacraments?
because they believe these are the only sacraments instigated or ordained by Jesus
what is the Eucharist based on?
the biblical account of the last supper
Roman Catholics believe that all their sacraments …. (3)
- were instituted by Jesus and given to the Christian church to be celebrated
- enable Christians to experience God in a variety of situations
- help develo[p their relationship with God in different ways
What is the immersion of head in the water a physical sign of?
cleansing
washing away original sin
What are the features of infant baptism (5 )
- welcome a baby to Christian faith
- cleanse the child from original sin
- parents and Godparents make promises on behalf of the child
- a sign of the cross is made on the baby’s forehead and water is poured on their head from the front of the church
- a lighted candle is given to represent the light of Jesus
Why do some non-conformist churches prefer adult baptism?
because they feel only an adult can fully make the choice of belonging to the church
What happens in adult baptism (2)
- each candidate is asked questions about their faith and makes a personal testimony about why they wish to become a Christian
- they are baptised through full immersion
What are the pentecostal views on baptism?
they focus on the idea of Baptism in the Spirit
this is viewed as a powerful experience
the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit, giving them the strength to live a very long life
What do both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church about the Eucharist?
- the eucharist is a rite that is both a sacrifice and a meal
- through the mystery of faith, Jesus is present during the Eucharist. His body and blood are represented by bread and wine, the physical signs of the Eucharist
What does participating in the Eucharist mean for Christians?
- receiving the Jesus’ body and blood to nourish them spiritually
- are reminded of Jesus’ continued presence in their lives
What is transubstantiation (Catholics) and how does this contrast with Protestant’s beliefs
bread and wine become the body and blood Jesus
Protestants accept that the bread and wine is symbolic of the body and blood of Jesus
What are the main purposes of prayer for Christians?
- to get closer to God and communicate with Him
- to praise God or thank him for what he has done
- to ask for God’s help
- to say sorry to God when a person feels they have done something wrong
- give people strength or courage
- heal those who are ill
Why is prayer important?
- brings them closer to God
- it is a sign of faith that will be rewarded by God
What are the different ways people can pray?
- formally or informally
- in private on their own
- spontaneously
- at a certain time in a set place
- aloud or silently
What are the different positions of prayer?
- hands together
- kneeling down
- closing their eyes
- sitting, standing and even lying on the floor
What are the different types of prayer?
- the Lords Prayer
- Set prayers ( have a prayer book which reflects key Christian beliefs)
- Informal prayers ( pray by themselves privately)
