Christian practices

• Different forms of worship?

  • Liturgical worship
  • Non-liturgical worship
  • Informal worship
  • Private worship
• What is Liturgical worship?

  Liturgical worship is a church service that follows a set pattern of prayers and readings, usually found in a printed book.

  Christians who participate in liturgical services may feel connected to other worshippers as they are following the same traditions.

  As a congregation, Christians often participate together, repeating key information and singing hymns.
• What is non-Liturgical worship?

  Non-liturgical worship is more informal and has less structure, and the elements can be tailored to different types of services. The sermon could be on a topical theme, and prayers could be in the service leader’s own words rather than those written in a book.
• Informal worship focuses on the adoration of God and is not always carried out in a church.
• Large auditoriums are often used for informal worship.
• The music used during informal worship is often modern in style, and instruments are used.
• Charismatic worship is a type of informal worship.
• Charismatic services have recognisable Christian features, such as prayers and readings, but they are very free-flowing services.
• During informal worship, people often believe that the Holy Spirit is present and allowing them to carry out God’s wishes, so the services can be quite spontaneous.
• Informal worship services may include shouting and clapping.
• What is Private worship?

  Private worship is informal and often takes place at home, but it can be liturgical or non-liturgical.

  Some examples of private worship are saying grace before a meal or reading a passage from the Bible each day.

  Worshipping alone can allow a person to feel close to God. Private worship can be an opportunity for Christians to explore a personal, individual connection with God.
• What are the 5 forms of worship?

  • Adoration - Praising God, eg “Dear God, I know that you are all-loving…”
  • Confession - Saying sorry, eg “Please forgive me for the horrible things I have said about…”
  • Thanksgiving - Thanking God, eg “Thank you for the amazing weather this week…”
  • Supplication - Asking for something, eg “Give me strength to…”
  • Intercession - Praying for someone who may be ill, eg “Please remember my cousin, who is ill, and help them to heal after their operation.”
• Why is prayer important?

  It enables communication with God so that Christians can feel comforted and listened to.
• What is prayer?

  Communication with God. A means of developing a personal relationship with God.
• Why is the Lord's prayer important?

  They are the words Jesus when he taught his disciples to pray. This prayer contains the four key themes of prayer and is used in many different types of worship across numerous denominations.
• What is a Sacrament?

  A sacrament is a ceremony through which Christians believe they receive God’s grace or are brought closer to God.
• What does baptism involve?

  An immersion in, or sprinkling or pouring of water; a sacrament marking the start of Christian life.
• Why is baptism important?

  • Jesus was baptised, and after his resurrection he told his disciples that they should be baptised too.
  • Many Christians believe that baptising cleanses people from original sin.