How do Lutherans worship?
Lutheran worship centers on God’s activity through the public proclamation of the Word and administration of the Sacraments. At the same time, worship is “liturgy”-that is, literally, “work of the people.” In other words, worship is participatory rather than a spectator event. Worldwide, there is significant diversity in worship liturgies, practices and styles among Lutherans. Words like “high-church” and “formal” may be used to describe some Lutheran worship styles, while words like “low-key” and “informal” may better describe some others. Generally speaking, Lutherans have kept those components of worship which date back to the earliest centuries of the Christian church. Usually, Lutherans follow the church calendar and observe the seasons and celebrations of the church year (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost). Lutheran worship generally includes opportunity for reflection and confession, the pronouncement of God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ, the singing of “p
