Bible Study: The Divine Service- The Service of the Word, Offering

Opening Hymn: LSB 656:1 A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Psalm 32

Creed (Back Cover)

Lord’s Prayer (Back Cover)

The Service of the Word

The Offertory, Offering, and Prayer of the Church

1. The Offertory

a. Where are the words of the offertory from?

i. Psalm 51, the words of David

ii. What is the circumstance?

iii. Why these words then?

1. “It is an evidence that the Word, just heard, has been appropriated by us and has become effective in us. In the Offertory we offer ourselves to God that He may cleanse our hearts from sin, deepen our faith, and prepare us for the reception of the Visible Word in the Holy Sacrament.”

2. The Offering

a. Why do we give offerings to God?

i. Do they make us holy before him (as in the OT)?

ii. No, they are our response to his gifts to us.

1. Where have we received these gifts so far?

2. In the Divine Service of absolution, readings and proclamation of the word

iii. Having received his grace, we respond by offering of ourselves to him

1. It is our faith borne out in works

2. As Paul says, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Roms. 12:1

3. So, present the fruits of your labors to God.

b. What do our offerings go toward?

i. The church and the ministry (her pastors)

ii. The poor, missions, education, etc.

3. The Prayer

a. Why is it called the “Prayer of the Church” if just the pastor prays?

i. He prays on behalf of and for all

ii. The prayer is the fruit of the congregation’s lips in thanksgiving and petitions

b. For what and whom do we pray?

i. Literally, everything and everyone

ii. As Paul commands, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” 1 Tim. 2:1

4. How does the service conclude when there is no communion?

Closing Prayer: Answer to prayer pg. 313

*Notes taken from An Explanation of the Common Service, and The Lutheran Liturgy