On the Liturgy
- For prelude music, consider the playlists for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.
- Hymns may be sung throughout the service (e.g., between the readings) at the discretion of the Minister. See our list of hymns, contemporary songs, gospel choruses, and metrical psalms for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time (After Pentecost).
- The Table is commonly spread with a clean white cloth. An overlay may be used in the color of the season, and candles may be lit to signify that Christ, the light of the world, is present at the Table.
- Only bread and wine (the fruit of the vine—not necessarily alcoholic), the elements which Christ ordained, may be used (see Catechism Question 46). If wine cannot be obtained, bread alone is sufficient to observe the feast.
- The church should keep their eyes open for the eucharistic prayers, or at least for the Prayer of Consecration, since the sacrament is ordained as a visible sign of God’s grace.
- While the service may be adapted at the discretion of the Minister, the Prayer of Consecration contains the words of institution, which must never be omitted.
- For presentation slides for various parts of the liturgy, see “Liturgy Slides (16×9).”
Artwork for Bulletins/Slideshows
- For historic Christian art in the public domain, visit Wiki Commons.
- For inspiration, see the Visual Commentary on Scripture.
- See also the artwork that is paired with each set of readings in the Revised Common Lectionary.
The Service of the Word
THE ACCLAMATION
A processional hymn or psalm may be sung or played. Then say, “Blessed be…” Or, in Easter, “Alleluia!” Or, in Lent, “Bless the Lord…”
Blessed be God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins;
His mercy endures forever.
CALL TO WORSHIP
The Minister may then greet the people and issue a call to worship. A selection from the Venite (Psalm 95) or Jubilate (Psalm 100) is commonly used.
OPENING PRAYER
A prayer such as the Collect for Purity (below) may be offered.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name: through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE SUMMARY OF THE LAW
The summary of the law below or (especially during Lent) the Ten Commandments may be said.
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37–40
THE KYRIE AND/OR TRISAGION
One or both may be said.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Holy God, holy and mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.
THE GLORIA PATRI
The Gloria Patri is said or sung.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE
The Gloria in Excelsis (below) or another hymn of praise may be sung or said. This may be omitted in penitential times.
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory, O Lord God, heavenly king, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. You that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. You that takes away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. You that sits at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For you alone are holy, you alone are the Lord, you alone, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
PRAYER BEFORE THE LESSONS
Another short prayer, such as the Collect of the Day or a Prayer for Illumination, may be said before the Scripture lessons. See the Collects for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Holy Week, Easter, and Ordinary Time (After Pentecost).
THE SCRIPTURE LESSONS
See the readings for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Holy Week, Easter, and Ordinary Time (After Pentecost). Or, several portions of Scripture may be selected (e.g., from the Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles, and Gospels). The Psalm is read or sung without introduction and concludes with the Gloria Patri. Before each lesson, the Reader says,
A reading from ___________.
After each lesson, the Reader says,
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Before the Gospel reading, the Minister says,
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to ___________.
After the Gospel, the Minister says,
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON
The Minister expounds one or more of the Scripture lessons. One or more catechism questions may be said before or after the sermon.
THE CREED
The Nicene Creed (below) is said. Alternatively (especially during Lent and Easter), the Apostles’ Creed (also below) may be said. On major holy days, the Athanasian Creed may be said. For meaningful ways to introduce the Creed, see “Prefaces to the Creed.”
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and was buried: He descended to the dead: On the third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father: From there he will come to judge the living and the dead: I believe in the Holy Spirit: the holy catholic church: the communion of saints: The forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Prayer is offered for the local and universal Church, the nations of the world, their rulers, Christian ministers, the spread of the gospel, the work of the great commission, and all who are in trouble, sorrow, need, or sickness. For sample prayer liturgies, see “The Prayers of the People (Congregational Prayer).”
The Service of the Lord’s Supper
THE INVITATION
If you truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from this point forward in his holy ways; draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God.
THE CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we acknowledge and lament our many sins, which we have, from time to time, most grievously committed, by thought, word, and deed, against your divine majesty. We earnestly repent, and are sincerely sorry for our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous to us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in your great mercy you have promised forgiveness to all who turn to you with sincere repentance and true faith. Have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE COMFORTING WORDS AND THE PEACE
One or more Scriptures may be said.
Our Savior speaks comforting words to all who truly turn to him:
- Come unto me, all you that are burdened and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
- This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, “That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15
- If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 2:1–2
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
THE OFFERTORY
Before or during the offertory, a song may be played or sung, and a time may be observed for the People to greet one another in the name of the Lord, extending peace and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–24).
THE SURSUM CORDA AND THE SANCTUS
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our God.
It is fitting and right to do so.
O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, it is very fitting, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto you.
Here a Proper Preface may be used. All say the Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy…”). Then, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty” or another fitting hymn may be sung.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you, and saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory be to you, O Lord most high. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
The congregation may be reminded to keep their eyes open for this prayer, which contains the words of institution that must never be omitted.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father; of your tender mercy, you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. By once offering himself there, he made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, offering, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world.
So now, most merciful Father, we humbly ask you to bless and sanctify, with your Word and Spirit, these gifts of bread and wine; and grant that we may receive them according to the holy institution of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, in remembrance of his death and passion, and be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.
In the same night that he was betrayed, he took* bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake* it; and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this* is my Body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise after Supper he took* the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink you all of this; for this* is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins: Do this as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died;
Christ is risen;
Christ will come again.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS
We do not presume to come to your Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your Table; but you are the same Lord whose nature it is to always have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
THE MINISTRATION
With hands raised to heaven,
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy on us, and grant us your peace.
With palms open towards the bread and wine on the Table,
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast.
Raising the bread and the cup in the sight of the people,
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
The Ministers receive the Bread and Cup, and then invite the people to come forward to partake. When delivering the bread to each person, one of the following may be said:
- The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you.
- The body of Christ, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life.
- The body of Christ; take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you.
- The body of Christ; feed on him in your heart by faith, with thanksgiving.
- The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.
When delivering the cup to each person, one of the following may be said:
- The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you.
- The blood of Christ, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life.
- The blood of Christ; drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
- The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.
If the consecrated bread or wine is consumed before all have communed, the Minister consecrates more, repeating the Prayer of Consecration. When all have communed, the Minister covers what remains of the consecrated elements with a fair linen cloth.
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
For more prayers, see “Prayers for After Communion.” Other words of praise and thanksgiving (e.g., personal testimonies) may also be shared.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
THE DOXOLOGY
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” may be sung.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If any announcements need to be shared in the service, they may be shared now as an integral part of the sending (as the church prepares to scatter into the world on mission).
THE BLESSING AND SENDING
Then the Minister says the blessing below or another benediction.
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Then one of these sentences may be said.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.