Issue link: https://discover.cph.org/i/991802
16 14 Skim the "What Is Worship?" essay in the Appendix of Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation. Then read the verses in each of the boxes on this page and answer the questions about worship. Share your answers with a friend. What is the central focus of worship? So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) What is one of the key elements of worship? First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. is is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:1–5) When we are reminded about our sins, how do we react? What is God's solution? I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost ; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for." (Isaiah 6:1–7) What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? How is this related to worship? I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1–2) Digging Deeper If time allows, talk about the art in your worship space—why it is there and how it helps those in worship focus on God's love for us. Go online and search for art that has been used throughout the ages in other churches (e.g., Cranach paintings, Renaissance paintings, stained glass). Do the same for banner art. Bring in samples if you have them, or show various samples of banners found online; discuss why banners are used in worship spaces. For students who have not mastered the skill of skimming quickly, read this section aloud to the entire class. "God wants to be wor- shiped through faith so that we receive from Him those things He promises and offers" (Ap IV 49). Some of these words may be new for many students. Read the passage aloud and identify the new words. Talk together about what these words mean and what those actions look like in worship. This is a key question. The Law convicts us of our sins, and then we realize the despair of our situation. But God in His mercy makes us clean through the blood of Christ. Use Biblegateway.com or another source for an audio version of these Bible texts. The Jewish people would have been well acquainted with the concept of sacrifice as part of their worship. Here, Paul connects the idea of sacrifice that does not require the death of the sacrifice; rather, we live out our sacrifice every day.