Christianity Practices: Worship

Question 1

What are the different types of worship?

Answer 1

• Liturgical
• Non-Liturgical
• Private

Question 2

Liturgical Worship

Answer 2

• Services that are ordered and have a set pattern
• A priest or minister will lead the congregation in formal prayers that have set responses
• Liturgical Worship also includes the formal ritual based around the Sacraments, for example Baptism and Holy Communion
• Worshipping together and following the traditions also helps Christians to feel connected to other Christians now and throughout history

Question 3

Non-Liturgical Worship

Answer 3

• There does not need to be a set order or ritual
• The structure of the service might remain the same each week but the minister may change the order, the hymns or prayers
• The Society of Friends (Quakers) is usually unstructured. Worshippers sit in silence together but can pray and speak out loud
• Methodist services do not have a set structure but there is guidance in the Methodist Worship Book
• Evangelical Churches, for example Pentecostals are involved in charismatic worship and may involve dancing, clapping, calling out, and speaking in tongues
• Some believe that non-liturgical, unstructured services are unsuitable and do not have the level of respect required for a Christian service

Question 4

Private worship

Answer 4

• Many Christians worship informally at home
• This can involve saying grace before a meal, singing worship songs with friends or family, reading the Bible or praying
• Many Christians believe they have a better connection with God when worshipping privately
• It also provides the freedom to be able to worship whenever they want and is easier for those who might find it difficult to attend a more formal gathering

Question 5

What are the different types of prayer?

Answer 5

• Thanksgiving - to thank God for something
• Supplication - asking God for something
• Adoration - worshipping God
• Confession - admitting and asking for forgiveness for sins
• Intercession - asking God to help other people

Question 6

What is the lord’s prayer?

Answer 6

• A form of formal prayer
• It is based upon the words Jesus used when he guided his disciples on how to pray
• The Lord’s Prayer covers key themes around forgiveness and God providing for mankind and also refers to God as The Father which links to the Trinity

Question 7

What is informal prayer?

Answer 7

• Where Christians talk to God in their own words
• Informal prayers can be more personal and show connection with God for the individual

Question 8

Importance of Christian prayer

Answer 8

• Christians draw comfort from the fact that they believe God is listening to them
• Many Christians believe that God is also communicating back and guiding them with important decisions through the Holy Spirit
• Prayer strengthens the relationship between Christians and God
  It unites the Church as some prayers are said together as part of the service