pre - christianity practices

what is worship

when religious people show their adoration, love, honour and respect for God. it is two-way and allows God to communicate with the believer

how does worship vary in christianity

there are lots of different forms of worship, each with particular benefits for the believer

what is the main form of worship for christians in Britain

weekly worship as a group or congregation in a religious building, e.g. church

how does communal or congregational worship benefit christians

they may feel they benefit from the experience of worshipping with others who share the same beliefs

how does individual worship benefit christians

enables them to focus on their own needs and personal relationship with God without the distraction of others

what do christians usually do on sunday

go to church to form part of the congregation

what are the 3 main forms of worship

liturgical, non liturgical, charismatic

what is liturgical worship

formal, set worships which follow a strict schedule

what happens during liturgical worship

the congregation responds to the person leading the service by reading set words from a service sheet or book.

which denominations use liturgical worship

roman catholic, orthodox, church of england

how is liturgical worship beneficial to christians

the familiarity of the service and words can help them reflect more deeply on the meaning and significance. it can also be comforting.

what set changes to the church environment are also important to liturgical worship

the symbolic use of colour of the priest’s robes

why is the colour of robes significant

to recall significant events of the bible

what are some examples of robes

• white and gold for special occasions (e.g. easter and xmas)

• red for days when christians recall the suffering and death of jesus, and also for pentecost and confirmation

• purple for advent and lent

what are the 2 main types of service in liturgical worship

• eucharistic service

• service of the Word

what is the eucharistic service

a service to remind christians of the last supper - congregation receives blood and wine which they believe represents Jesus’ body and blood. there may also be a sermon and hymns

what is a sermon

a talk given by the person leading the worship

what is the service of the Word

focuses on Bible readings and the sermon, which is longer and more developed then the eucharistic sermon