1.2 - Practices (christianity) Flashcards
List the 4 types of worship
Liturgical worship
Non liturgical
Informal
Private worship
Tell me which groups of Christians do liturgical worship
Roman Catholic, orthodox and Church of England (Anglican) churches
Tell me the liturgical worship features of a Roman Catholic mass
A set structure to the service the service
Follows a text of a prayer book - not improvised
Tell me about liturgical worship
Often takes place in a church,
Know exactly what to expect, there’s a set structure of service
Tell me about non liturgical worship
It’s more informal,
Typical if nonconformist churches and tends to be bible based
Often follows a structure eg hymn, prayer, reading, hymn but the service lead has free choice in structure - may choose a relevant theme for events in the world or community
The minister or person leading worship will choose bible readings that will be based on the theme of the sermon - prayer is usually in the persons own words and personal style - extemporary prayer
Tell me charismatic worship
A type of informal worship has hymns, sermon, prayer but is very free flowing
Charismatic is spirit inspired - often speak in tongue which is seen as a gift of the Holy Spirit. Singing and music too and is lively. It’s a much more relaxed feel to it and some believe it comes more from the heart
Evangelical churches are often charismatic and have become more popular in recent church history in Britain
Tell me about the bible for worship
Every worship will always Have a focus of the bible. Many Christians believe the bible to be inspired by God and for some it’s the word of God. So it has a central place and importance in any act of worship
How is the bible used in worship
The bible may be processed
Many hymns are based on the bible
Portions of the bible are read aloud
Sermons are often based on a bible passage
Tell me about Quaker meetings
Quakers were a society of friends and practice informal worship. No leader and no set structure at all. Those present sit in chairs in a circle around a table with a bible and book of Quaker writings
Worshippers sit in silence, until someone feels called to share thoughts with others
Tell me about private worship
Christians believe it’s just as important as public worship
Can take place anywhere and may follow a liturgical structure - some may say the rosary
It can be non liturgical - perhaps starting with reading a passage from the bible or meditating
Christians might also go to church while shopping, so can spend a short time worshipping God and shut out the pressures and concerns of daily life - MIGht use a train for silent worship
Tell me about the rosary
A string of beads with the crucifix attached. Saying the rosary involves running ones hand through set of beads and saying set certain prayers while touching each bead
Tell me about meditation
It’s thoughtfulness, focused on a religious truth
Often use a stimulus eg a lighted candle - focus on the “Christ the light of the word”
Might meditate in a picture which may be an icon such as Jesus or a saint
Or a beautiful scene from nature, others might read a passage from the bible and think about its message
In a church a Christian might stand before and meditate on each of the stations of the cross
List reasons why worship is important for Christians
It brings a sense of togetherness as a community
Makes them feel closer to God
Peaceful - allows for prayer and meditation
It’s an external expression of their faith
Tell me about prayer
It’s about listening, being open to guidance of Holy Spirit and doing what God wants them to
How can can you remember the types of prayer and what are they
Remember them through the hand of prayer
Each finger is a different type
Starting from thumb Praise God Confessions - sorry Thankyou to God Pray for others Pray for self
What are set prayers
A key part of liturgical worship
Many also use them for private prayer
Many written by religious men and women - some from the bible
It can be repeated many times and chanted, whilst repeating we meditate
Some use rhythmical as they say the prayer, first part said inhaling and second exhaling
What’s the Lord prayer
Contains some key aspects of prayer; praise, confession, prayer for others and for oneself
Jesus taught it to disciples when telling them how to pray
It’s about saying may god be forgiving and authority be recognised, may his purposes be carried out, may you acknowledge your need in God
Tell me about informal prayer
In public worship, takes the form of extemporary prayer. Most Christians use their own words at least some of the time in their private prayers
Many prefer informal prayer to set prayers as they seem to come more directly from the heart, meeting their particular concerns
One type known as the arrow prayer - very short addressed to God spontaneously at a time of urgent need or in response to a particular situation
What’s a sacrament
Has been defined as the external and viable sign of an inward and spiritual grace
Something people can experience with their senses but there is a deeper reality to it which can’t be experienced through the senses
How do Protestant traditions acknowledge the sacraments
Only the 2 sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist
Known as gospel sacraments as they were authorised by Jesus and there are many references to their use in the books of the New Testament
Tell me about the 7 sacraments
Roman Catholics, orthodox Christians and some Anglicans recognise 7 sacraments
Believe they are all implied by the ministry of Jesus as recorded in the gospels and the practice of the early church described in the rest of the New Testament.
Through the sacraments, God imparts particular gifts and powers
Some are intended for all Christians
Ordination is only for those who belief God has called them to priesthood
Marriages is for those who get married
