Christian worship, sacraments, prayer

Question 1

What is the importance of Christian worship for Christians today? (5)

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

What can private worship include? (4)

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Why is private worship helpful?

Answer 3

because it can help develop a personal relationship with God

Question 4

What is Liturgical worship and what does it contain?

Answer 4

when Christians worship according to a set pattern on a regular basis

tends to be traditional

contains set prayers readings

Question 5

What is Non- Liturgical worship and what does it contain?

Answer 5

the less formal style of worship - does not follow a set pattern and can involve more unscripted or improvised forms of worship

Question 6

which denominations use liturgical worship and which use non-liturgical?

Answer 6

liturgical: Catholics and Anglicans

non -liturgical: Methodism and Pentecostalism

Question 7

What is an example of liturgical worship?

Answer 7

Eucharist/Holy communion/ Mass

Question 8

What is an example of non-liturgical worship?

Answer 8

Private pryer
silence (used by Quakers)

charismatic worship

• often seen in pentecostal churches
• speaking in tongues (represents being filled with the holy spirit)

Question 9

What does typical non-liturgical worship include?

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

why do some Christians prefer liturgical worship to non-liturgical worship?

Answer 10

• 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

Question 11

In what way do most Christians believe that sacraments help?

Answer 11

they are a way in which human beings can receive the grace, the favour and kindness and love of God

Question 12

Christians believe that experiencing the sacraments …… (3)

Answer 12

• strengthen their relationship with God
• enables them to grow in goodness and faith and become more like Jesus
• bring additional spiritual and other responsibilities

Question 13

What sacraments do Catholics recognise?

Answer 13

• Baptism
• Eucharist
• the anointing of sick (extreme unction)
• marriage
• confirmation
• penance and reconciliation
• ordination

Question 14

Why do protestants have 2 sacraments?

Answer 14

because they believe these are the only sacraments instigated or ordained by Jesus

Question 15

what is the Eucharist based on?

Answer 15

the biblical account of the last supper

Question 16

Roman Catholics believe that all their sacraments …. (3)

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

What is the immersion of head in the water a physical sign of?

Answer 17

cleansing

washing away original sin

Question 18

What are the features of infant baptism (5 )

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

Why do some non-conformist churches prefer adult baptism?

Answer 19

because they feel only an adult can fully make the choice of belonging to the church

Question 20

What happens in adult baptism (2)

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

What are the pentecostal views on baptism?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

What do both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church about the Eucharist?

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

What does participating in the Eucharist mean for Christians?

Answer 23

• receiving the Jesus’ body and blood to nourish them spiritually
• are reminded of Jesus’ continued presence in their lives

Question 24

What is transubstantiation (Catholics) and how does this contrast with Protestant’s beliefs

Answer 24

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

Question 25

What are the main purposes of prayer for Christians?

Answer 25

• 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

Question 26

Why is prayer important?

Answer 26

• brings them closer to God

- it is a sign of faith that will be rewarded by God

Question 27

What are the different ways people can pray?

Answer 27

• formally or informally
• in private on their own
• spontaneously
• at a certain time in a set place
• aloud or silently

Question 28

What are the different positions of prayer?

Answer 28

• hands together
• kneeling down
• closing their eyes
• sitting, standing and even lying on the floor

Question 29

What are the different types of prayer?

Answer 29

• the Lords Prayer
• Set prayers ( have a prayer book which reflects key Christian beliefs)
• Informal prayers ( pray by themselves privately)