On this page, you will find a series of blog posts describing the parts of the liturgy. Use the sidebar to navigate through various posts, all addressing the question: Why do Lutherans do what we do in the Divine Service?
Our Lord speaks and we listen. His Word does what it says. He is the Source of all things, the one true God who comes to our aid in time of need. Our Lord Jesus Christ is truly present in the Divine Service, where He comes to us to bestow His gifts upon us—the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation which He won for us by His death on the cross. The liturgy altogether is the form through which God works in Word and Sacrament.
The Lutheran liturgy did not begin in the 16th century. It is rooted in the holy Scriptures, Old and New Testament. It took on its shape during the first few centuries after Jesus’ resurrection, and it has been retained ever since. And through its weekly repetition, God’s Word is imprinted on our hearts that it might be on our lips at all times, especially at the hour of death.
The rhythm of the liturgy is from God to us.
He speaks and we listen.
He gives and we receive.
Each part of the liturgy has a specific purpose: to point us to Christ and to deliver His gifts.