Risen Christ Lutheran Church

Majestic Praise Worship

"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!" Psalm 98:1

Our praise service, contemporary in nature, is led by a praise team consisting of singers and musicians.

Praise worship is actually performed in a style similar to the worship described in the Bible. Guitars, tambourines, horns, and rhythm instruments are much like the instruments used by the Israelites and early Christians (Psalm 98:4-6, Psalm 150). The difference, of course, is that modern instruments are electrically amplified, like the modern organ, which helps members stay on pitch when they are singing.

Worshipers are encouraged to clap and raise Holy hands during songs. Clapping and the lifting of hands are also expressions of praise commonly found in the Bible. Worshipers clapped their hands in the Temple when Joash was anointed king of Israel (2 Kings 11:12) and were encouraged to clap during worship (Psalm 47:1). Worshipers were also encouraged to raise their hands during confession (Lamentations 3:41) and prayer (1 Timothy 2:8).

The lyrics of the music are usually antiphonal repetitions of Scripture verses, again very similar to the worship described in the Bible and early church. For example, one of the oldest phrases from the liturgy of the church "O Lamb of God, you who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us." This phrase, based on John the Baptists witness of Jesus (John 1:29), was chanted continuously during the distribution of communion in the early church. Compare this to the contemporary song, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgression." This quotation from Psalm 51 is usually repeated three or more times as the verse during the song, which concludes with refrain "And I will be whiter than snow..."

At Risen Christ, we utilize the major elements of the traditional liturgy, including the Invocation, Confession and Absolution, Hymn of Praise, Biblical Lessons, Gospel, Creed, Sermon, Prayers, Lord's Prayer, Agnus Dei, Words of Institution, Post Communion Prayer, and Benediction. We also add an examination before the Lord's Supper, which we celebrate every Sunday.

We offer a contemporary worship every Sunday morning at 10:00 am and at other special services during the course of the church year. During some special services, the contemporary worship is "blended" with traditional worship. A DVD or CD is often available after this Sunday worship service for those who would choose to have such a keepsake.

Certainly you are welcome to inquire further about our praise team by contacting our church office.

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