Lutheran Liturgy

Today we visited a Lutheran church of the Missouri Synod. It was refreshing to read the liturgy. For most people who attend a liturgical church it can become old hat, but since it was different for me it was refreshing to hear God's Word. I though I'd share a couple parts with you.

Confession and Absolution

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Our souls are restless, O Lord, until they find their rest in you.

In remembrance of our Holy Baptism into Christ and in view of the promised inheritance in the new heavens and earth, let us confess our sin and need for God's mercy.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

"Behold, I am making all things new." Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. Amen.

Confession of Faith: The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He will come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe one holy christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.