Lutheran Book of Worship

Lutheran Book of Worship. Published in 1978, it is a primary liturgical and hymnal resource for many Lutheran churches in North America. Developed through the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship, it represented a major ecumenical and liturgical renewal effort following the Second Vatican Council. The book sought to unify worship practices across Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, the American Lutheran Church, and the Lutheran Church in America.

History and development

The development was initiated in the mid-1960s by the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship, a cooperative body formed by several major Lutheran church bodies. This project was heavily influenced by the Liturgical Movement and reforms emanating from the Second Vatican Council, which encouraged greater congregational participation. Significant theological and musical contributors included Eugene Brand, Marilyn Stulken, and Carl Schalk. After a decade of drafting and field testing, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod ultimately withdrew from the project, publishing its own alternative, Lutheran Worship, in 1982. The final version was officially published by Augsburg Fortress in 1978 for use by the remaining participating churches.

Content and structure

The volume is organized into two main sections: a liturgical section containing the orders for principal services like the Holy Communion and Matins, and a comprehensive hymnal. The liturgical services reflect renewed emphasis on the Eucharist and incorporate elements from ancient Christian rites, as promoted by the Lutheran World Federation. It includes revised versions of the Lutheran Mass, Baptism rites, and the Daily Office. The lectionary follows a modified version of the Revised Common Lectionary, aligning with other mainline Protestant traditions. Additional materials include Psalter readings, collects, and a complete church calendar with propers for the liturgical year.

Liturgical use and impact

Its adoption standardized worship across much of American Lutheranism, displacing older resources like The Lutheran Hymnal and the Service Book and Hymnal. It introduced practices such as a three-year lectionary cycle and the restoration of the Easter Vigil, influencing denominations like the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America formed in 1988. The book's emphasis on congregational singing and fuller participation shaped parish life for a generation. Its liturgical texts provided a common language that fostered unity during the mergers that created the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and influenced the later Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

Musical settings and hymnal

The hymnal section contains over 500 hymns, drawing from Lutheran tradition, ecumenical sources, and global song. It includes classic chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach and Martin Luther, such as "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", alongside works by modern composers like Carl Schalk and Richard Hillert. Several musical settings for the communion service were composed, including popular settings by Marty Haugen and the traditional Divine Service setting. The psalmody includes pointed Psalter texts for chanting and a collection of responsorial psalms, expanding the musical repertoire for congregations.

Reception and legacy

Initial reception was mixed, with praise for its theological depth and criticism for departures from familiar texts and tunes from The Lutheran Hymnal. It is widely regarded as a landmark achievement in Lutheran liturgy, shaping worship for over 25 years. Its direct successor, Evangelical Lutheran Worship published in 2006 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, built upon its foundation. The book's influence extends beyond Lutheranism, impacting liturgical development in other Protestant bodies like the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA). It remains in use in many congregations and is studied as a pivotal text in the history of Christian liturgy in North America. Category:Lutheran hymnals Category:Christian liturgical books Category:1978 books