Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

170 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEChristian's rest from his regular work. In addition to the Sabbath, the churchmay designate additional times for public worship, for prayer, repentance,fasting and thanksgiving.5. When we gather for public worship, we ought first to have preparedour hearts for coming into the presence of our God and Savior.Furthermore, we ought all to come and join in with a joyous willingness, notabsenting ourselves either through contempt or negligence, or on account offamily activities or other Christian meetings. In normal circumstances,neither personal devotions nor family worship at home are to be regarded asproper substitutes for public worship in a congregation of a true church ofJesus Christ. In addition to attending the stated services of public worship,the Lord's Day may be fruitfully observed by personal Bible reading andstudy, meditation and prayer, spiritual fellowship, instructing and catechizingthe children in the home, and visiting the sick.Chapter 2THE PRACTICE OF WORSHIP1. The Scriptures do not prescribe a fixed order of worship, but sothat all things may be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40), it isdesirable that the exercises of worship be conducted in a thoughtful, dignifiedand edifying manner. The following pattern is suggested: a call to worshiptogether with a prayer invoking the Lord's blessing; the singing of a Psalm; anOld Testament reading (perhaps the explanation of a Psalm); singing a Psalm;the receiving of the offering followed by a prayer of intercession; singing aPsalm; a New Testament reading; the preaching of the Word; prayer; singinga Psalm; and the Benediction.2. Whatever the precise order of the service, there are certain invariableelements of worship that are essential to its being scriptural public worship.These are congregational praise, pastoral prayer, and the reading, preachingand hearing of the Word of God. On specified occasions, the sacraments ofBaptism and the Lord's Supper will be included. The receiving of tithes andofferings will often be incorporated in the service. Announcements should bemade prior to the service and kept to a minimum so as not to obtrude uponthe worship of God.Call to Worship and Invocation3. The worshippers should enter the assembly reverently, taking theirseats with quiet expectancy, looking to the Lord for his blessing upon theservice.4. The minister, or presiding elder, after calling the congregation to theworshipping of the great name of God, perhaps using the apostolic salutation,"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,"should then begin with a prayer of invocation which: