Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

174 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEstanding as the postures adopted for prayer, expressive as they are of a spiritof reverence and devotion.16. When men other than the minister are called upon to engage in publicprayer in any service of worship, they should be given time for thoughtfulpreparation.17. Congregations may join together in the corporate use of the Lord'sPrayer on occasion, but the reading or recitation of written prayers isgenerally not to be encouraged.The Offering18. The receiving of tithes and offerings may be included in the order ofservice, since we are commanded to set aside our offerings on the first day ofthe week, which is the day appointed for public worship (I Cor. 16:2). Godcalls his people to return a portion of their substance to Him; cheerfully,systematically, and as He has prospered them. In general, the Christian'sgiving to the Lord's work should be through the church of which he is amember, without restrictive designation to specific aims, unless called for bythe session. The receiving of the offering may be preceded or followed by abrief prayer in which God's provision is joyfully recorded and the giftscommitted solemnly to the work of Christ's kingdom and the blessing of theLord. If the offering is not received during the service itself, a collection boxfor offerings may be placed near the door of the worship area.Reading the Scriptures19. The reading of the Word of God in public worship is an essentialelement of worship and a primary means appointed by God for the buildingup of his people. In it, we acknowledge our dependence upon the Lord andour submission to Him.20. All the canonical books of the Old and New Testament (but none ofthose which are commonly called Apocrypha) shall be publicly read in thelanguage of the people, from the best translation, distinctly, so that everyonemay hear and understand.21. The length of the passage(s) to be read, is left to the wisdom of theminister, but we recommend that a passage from each Testament be read inthe service, perhaps in a consecutive manner, so as to read the whole ofScripture in the course of time.22. When the minister who reads judges it necessary to expound any partof what is read, this should not be done until the reading of the passage iscompleted. Care is to be taken about the time, so that neither the preaching,or any other aspect of the service, is either rendered tedious or is improperlycurtailed.