sacraments + prayer Flashcards
What is a sacrament ?
ritual through which the grace of god can be received- an outwards sign of inward grace and spirituality
Roman catholics - must be performed by a priest
Roman catholics believe in 7 sacraments
baptism eucharist confirmation reconciliation marriage holy orders annointing of the sick
Orthodox
sacraments are called HOLY MYSTERIES
protestants CHIRCHES/CHURCH OF ENGLAND
only recognise 2 of the sacraments - which are known as sacraments of the gospel - baptism and eucharist - only sacraments with a direct link to jesus
Baptist churches
prefer to call them ordinances - they were ordained/established by jesus
eucharist
last meal with disciples before crucifixion
share bread and wine in memory of his body broken and blood being spilled ON THE CROSS
Now in eucharistic services - we share bread and wine in memory of jesus’ sacrifice
eucharist - catholics
substantiation - jesus has a real presence in the mass
eucharist - anglicans
jesus is spiritually present
CONSUBSTANTIATION
importance of eucharist
reminds of them of the grace of salvation they have recieved from jesus ( god )
brings them closer as a community and eucharist is a symbol of their connection to each other - the body of Christ
establish ordinance of jesus - believer is obeyeing his command and sharing in something that transcends time
Baptism - meaning
a persons admission into the christian chirch - immersed in water which symbolises purification and being cleansed of sin
Infant baptism
Roman catholic church
the church of england
Orthodox - total immersion in water
CHRISTENING - INFANT Baptism
parents will make promises to raise the child as a christian
infant baptism was practised in the first year of christian history
this is often followed by the ritual of confirmation - reaffirm the promises their parents made on behalf of them as a child.
Non-conformists - penetecostal/Baptism
emphasis on person making a conscious decision to be baptised
a baby cannot choose for themselves
GRACE OF GOD RECEIVED THROUGH THEIR EXPRESSION OF FAITH RATHER THAN THE PERFORMANCE OF A RITUAL.
EVIDENCE - jesus was baptised as an adult which shows you need to be a believer in order to be baptised
In most denominations - must be baptised before they can share in the eucharist
The importance of baptism
Baptism isn’t just a symbolic removal of sin - a real transformation by washing away sin
Roman catholics - necessary for salvation
Quakers do not practise baptism as they feel they receive God’s grace inwardly and there is no need for an outward ceremony
prayer
-develops relationship with god
congregational worship
set prayers - set liturgical prayers help worshipers express graititude, and also repetance towards god. The words take on more meaning as they regularly use them
informal prayers - soptaneous prayers allows for freedom to relate to god in a unique way - more intimate
lord’s prayer
confession thanksgiving adoration concern for others supplication said aloud by everyone as it was a prayer jesus taught his followers
Individual prayer
private worship helps develop a closer realtionship with god
use it for personal use - seek guidance or encouragement - issues that aren’t relevant to everyone
christians reliance on him increases as they pray regularly on their own
it was with prayer that jesus bought lazarus back from the dead - roman catholics and conformist churches believe god responds
adoration
recogniiton of his power - helps us grow in our sense of security in his safekeeping
bible speaks of god being worthy of praise
Psalm 48:1 ‘Great is the lord, and most worthy of praise.’
Confession
seeking god’s forgiveness
prayer is a time where they consider how they need to change
asking for forgiveness is an example of repentance
supplications and intercession
asking for help or his intervention to bring about peace
prayers of intercession involve praying on behalf of others
thanksgiving
help christians remain grateful for god’s provision
praying in the spirit
pray an inspired prayer - one led by god’s holy spirit within the believer
private prayer
brigns the believer closer to god
tongues make no sense in human language but they praise god through the spirit
meditational
beleievr focuses upon the stillness of god - reflects the time sjesus spent night alone in prayer
god will reveal himself directly to the person praying in the time of meditation
