Catechesis for Life: Liturgy is a series of 23 mini studies on the parts of the Divine Service. As the first study says:
The Church has developed the structure of the Divine Service over the past two millennia to serve the grace of God in Jesus Christ, to be received by faith. If it is “simply what we do,” or if we think that by doing it without understanding (or even with understanding) we merit grace, we are not using it aright. Even the sacraments themselves do not save us “ex opere operato,” simply “by act of doing,” but are meant to be received by faith. “For the words for you’ require all hearts to believe” [SC VI]. Therefore, we study the Divine Service, so that (1) we ourselves might participate in understanding and faith; and (2) we should be prepared to give a reason to anyone who asks for the hope that is given us through these things [1 Pet 3:15].
These studies are replete with Scripture references and explanations of the service as being based on the Word of God.
The series was written by Rev. Dr. John W. Sias while a parish pastor. Dr. Sias since has been elected and re-elected synodical Secretary of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
Dr. Sias developed the series with the aim of encouraging congregations in weekly engagement with the doctrine of the Christian faith. A companion module contains a series of 42 mini studies of Luther’s Small Catechism. The studies are formatted for use as class handouts, flyers, or church bulletin inserts. They are handy for use in a variety of settings.
By arrangement with Dr. Sias, Catechesis for Life: Litury is being published by Synoptic Text Information Services, Inc. through its LutheranCatechism.com service.
The entire 23-study series may be downloaded and used for free in a single ZIP-compressed archive file, extracted as 23 PDF files on your computer, and from there printed, emailed, etc. in your congregation’s ministry. To download, click here.
The 23 studies are:
01 + Invocation
02 + Exhortation
03 + Confession and Absolution
04 + Confession and Declaration
05 + Propers
08 + Kyrie
09 + Salutation
10 + Collect
11 + Creed
12 + Sermon
13 + Offertory
14 + Prayer of the Church
15 + Preface
16 + Sanctus
17 + Lord’s Prayer
18 + Verba
19 + Pax and Agnus
20 + Distribution
21 + Nunc Dimittis
22 + Thanksgiving
23 + Benedicamus and Benediction