The Prayer Book: Part VII

The Liturgy: Divine Drama

In the liturgy (or "service") of the church, we are taken up into an event greater than ourselves, and we express the worship of the church throughout the ages. We witness the enactment of the heavenly worship of Christ, as the saints of God surround the throne of the Lamb. We see the action of the mediation of Christ in the Priest. We see the elevation of the cross in the procession. We see the glory of God in the vestments. We see the hope of the world in the elevated book of the gospels. We find our life within the Body and Blood of Christ at the Eucharist. We join the heavenly choir of angels in praise to our God. The liturgy elevates us, that we may encounter the presence of God, being enveloped in the heavenly worship of Christ. In it we experience fellowship not only with one another, but with the saints of God throughout time who have worshipped according to this same pattern, and with the saints of God in heaven, who are now worshipping according to this same pattern. It is the worship of the church throughout the ages - indeed, wherever you find the early church in the second century, whether in Jerusalem, or Rome, or Alexandria, you find this same pattern of worship. Most importantly, the liturgy is all about experiencing Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. We "Lift High the Cross" and give adoration to the Lamb of God. Praise God for the liturgy, and praise Christ through the liturgy. Lift up your hearts...