One subject that seems to always be part of discussion in a congregation is language. What sort of language is appropriate, what are the boundaries of language, is it appropriate to use language that is not inclusive , is music an appropriate language for worship – what about instrumental music/music without words, and are the arts offered in worship performance or prayer?

The following selections are from the “Directory for Worship” – The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, Book of Order, 2011-2013. Louisville: The Office of the General Assembly, 2011. Section designations follow each reference. I use the Presbyterian “directory” in this discussion since I serve in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) community of faith – however, many of these items are common to multiple faith traditions.

I have taken the liberty to highlight some sections in bold – these are sections that speak in a special way to me and will be the focus of several coming posts on this blog.

God brings all things into being by the Word. God offers the Word of grace, and people respond to that divine initiative through the language of worship. They call God by name, invoke God’s presence, beseech God in prayer, and stand before God in silence and contemplation. They bow before God, lift hands and voices in praise, sing, make music, and dance. Heart, soul, strength, and mind, with one accord, they join in the language, drama, and pageantry of worship. (W-1.2001)

Since the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a family of peoples united in Jesus Christ, appropriate language for its worship should display the rich variety of these peoples. To the extent that forms, actions, languages, or settings of worship exclude the expression of diverse cultures represented in the church or deny emerging needs and identities of believers, that worship is not faithful to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (W-1.2006a)

The church shall (NOTE: When the word “shall,” or “is to be” is used in this document it points to an action that is mandatory – other words “may,” “is appropriate,” and others describe practices that are appropriate but not mandatory) strive in its worship to use language about God which is intentionally as diverse and varied as the Bible and our theological traditions. The church is committed to using language in such a way that all members of the community of faith may recognize themselves to be included, addressed, and equally cherished before God. Seeking to bear witness to the whole world, the church struggles to use language which is faithful to biblical truth and which neither purposely nor inadvertently excludes people because of gender, color, or other circumstance in life. (W-1.2006b)

The Reformed heritage has called upon people to bring to worship material offerings which in their simplicity of form and function direct attention to what God has done and to the claim that God makes upon human life. The people of God have responded through creative expressions in architecture, furnishings, appointments, vestments, music, drama, language, and movement. When these artistic creations awaken us to God’s presence, they are appropriate for worship. When they call attention to themselves, or are present for their beauty as an end in itself, they are idolatrous. Artistic expressions should evoke, edify, enhance, and expand worshipers’ consciousness of the reality and grace of God. (W-1.3034(2))

To lead the congregation in the singing of prayer is a primary role of the choir and the other musicians. They also may pray on behalf of the congregation . . . Instrumental music may be a form of prayer since words are not essential to prayer. In worship, music is not to be for entertainment or artistic display. Care should be taken that it not be used merely as a cover for silence. Music as prayer is to be a worthy offering to God on behalf of the people. (W-2.1004)

In the Old and New Testaments and through the ages, the people of God expressed prayer through actions as well as speech and song. So in worship today it is appropriate a.) to kneel, to bow, to stand, to lift hands in prayer, b.) to dance, to clap, to embrace in joy and praise, c.) to anoint and to lay hands in intercession and supplication, commissioning and ordination. (W-2.1005)

The next post will focus on “God brings all things into being by the Word – people respond to that divine initiative through the language of worship” I welcome and invite your thoughts on these words – please join in our community discussion as we continue our journey.