Strangely Warmed

I like the Prayer of Humble Access found in the United Methodist Service of Word and Table IV , which is itself based upon earlier Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren rituals. I came to know the prayer through hymnals and worship books that were still in use when I entered the United Methodist Church in 1980. The prayer as written in the UMC Book of Worship, however, retains archaic language. Let me offer you two versions of the prayer with updated language, and then move on to describing how the prayer has evolved. Two Contemporary Versions We do not presume to come to your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your great love and countless acts of mercy. We are not even worthy to gather up the crumbs under your table, but you are the Lord who always delights in showing mercy. Feed us in these holy mysteries with the body and blood of your son Jesus Christ, that we might live as new creatures, grow into his likeness, forever live in him,...

On Pentecost Sunday, it is instructive to look at just how many times we appeal to the Holy Spirit in the course of liturgical Christian worship. Most of this content comes from the United Methodist Book of Worship . At the Beginning of Worship Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit , that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen Before the Scripture Reading Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit , that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen. Professing Our Faith We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and...

As a preacher without a pulpit, I visit a lot of churches – mostly United Methodist, but also those from Lutheran and Anglican traditions. I like the format for worship found in the United Methodist Book of Worship ; I only wish that more United Methodist churches actually used it. I’ve come to appreciate many of the historic – dare I say “catholic” – forms that fit naturally within the framework of the UMC’s worship format. Even without these additions, however, it’s difficult to find United Methodist Churches that understand what I believe to be the strengths of our liturgical form. Repetition and catholicity are good; weekly innovation, individuality and unpredictability are (IMHO) not helpful. The purpose of worship is not to make people think about things they've never thought about before or to create some sort of affective response. Worship is not avant garde performance art aimed at the congregtion. Rather its purpose to to glorify God in Christ, in t...