Worship Flashcards
Purposes of worship
- To spend time with God, concentrating on him and building a relationship
- To praise and thank God
- To ask for forgiveness
- To ask God for help for oneself or
others - To be taught about God, religion, or
how to live life - To receive God’s grace through
sacraments and the Bible
Aspects which may be included in worship:
- Calls to worship and blessings
- Hymns/worship songs
- Different types of prayers
- a sermon/talk
- Bible readings
- Sacraments e.g. the Eucharist
- Creeds
- devotion to icons and lighting candles
What are Quaker meetings like?
- less structured
- people speak when and if they feel moved by the spirit
Informal/charismatic worship
This is less structured or unstructured worship, which may be spontaneous and/or more relaxed. It may be used if Christians want to worship God in the way which feels appropriate at the time, rather than having it planned in advance, or if they feel less at ease with a formal liturgy. It aims to allow Christians to connect with God personally, and in a relevant way.
Liturgical worship
This is worship which follows a structure. Many churches may follow the same liturgical style every week, but use different hymns and prayers (for example). It allows different aspects of worship to be incorporated, and helps Christians focus on God by following a familiar structure.
Private and public worship
Christians can worship God whenever and wherever they want to.
They may like to focus on particular areas of their relationship with God on their own, and choose which worship practices to use.
They may also like to worship with others to make sure they set aside time to worship; to let others help strengthen their faith; and help to strengthen others’ faith.
Quote
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.
Individual and private prayer and devotion
This is important for Christians to be able to build a personal relationship with God; to talk to him about personal issues in their lives and worship him in ways that work for them.
When is informal/charismatic worship used?
Used by some churches for normal services, or occasionally. This may be done privately and individually when Christians want to worship God.
When is liturgical worship used?
Used by many Churches for ordinary church services, and for special services at celebrations, and when performing sacraments.
The Catholic Church worship
phasises the authority of the Pope, bishops and other clergy to help Christians worship and have a relationship with God. Priests leading sacraments and liturgy play a large part in Catholic worship.
Protestant church worship
Many Protestants, e.g. Methodists and Baptists, feel that the Bible is the highest source of authority on God, and emphasise its place in worship.
Christian church worship
Christians such as Pentecostals, Charismatic Christians and Quakers may emphasise the authority of the Holy Spirit, and this may play a large part in their worship.
