Abstract
As this book review appears in a publication that describes itself as “An International Baptist Journal,” the reviewers recognize that some readers upon seeing the word “liturgies” in the title will quickly move on to the next review. Nevertheless, you who are still reading take a moment to ponder these words of N. T. Wright (yes, an Anglican but still …), “the author chuckles at the resistance to using a prepared, written liturgy in prayer. He compares it to being unwilling to dress in any clothing we did not make ourselves, or being unwilling to drive a car we did not construct entirely by ourselves.” Wright might also have mentioned using songs not written by the congregation or the preacher adopting sermon illustrations from popular media. There is rich material out there, and our congregations often reap great benefits when we seek it out.
The worship leader must think through each part of every service, so that everything that takes place in the worship time helps worshipers to encounter the living Christ. Yes, the Holy Spirit can work spontaneously, but we do well to consider also prayers and blessings that have been thought through in advance. Prepared words can add tremendous meaning to even the simplest of prayers. For example, for every service, Feasting on the Word Worship Companion includes a “prayer for illumination,” which may be recited at the start of the sermon. Although many preachers use the same prayer regularly, a prepared prayer is an opportunity to help the worshiper focus and may well point to the thrust of the text. For example, here is part of the “Prayer for Illumination” associated with Hebrews 1: Lord God, as you spoke long ago through the voices of your prophets, speak to us here, speak to us now, through the power of your Spirit. (p. 196)
This prayer is for a sermon on John 6: Almighty God, as we hear your gracious Word, Make us hungry for Jesus, your holy manna, That we may feed on him, the bread of life. (p. 118)
Worship Companion follows the Revised Common Lectionary, providing liturgy for the Season after Pentecost (thus, the seven months between Pentecost and Advent). With the exceptions of Trinity Sunday, Proper 3, and All Saints day, Worship Companion provides two full sets of liturgies for each week, one for each of the semi-continuous and complementary lectionary readings. The service materials include a call to worship, confession call, prayer, and assurance of forgiveness, prayers for illumination and intercession, a prayer of the day, offering invitation and blessing, congregation charge, and final blessing. Each liturgy also includes a “question for reflection” and morning and evening household prayers, useful for personal devotions. Finally, Worship Companion has a small “Additional Resources” section with prayers for the Eucharist and for other occasions.
As might be expected, Worship Companion includes a CD-ROM with the complete text in .doc and .pdf formats, making it easy to cut and paste. Churches are free to print these materials for worship at will (as long as copyright notices are included). It aims to supplement denominational liturgical resources, not substitute for them. The author, Long, thus encourages users to adopt these resources creatively. One important purpose of this book is to give congregations prayers and blessings to be recited for a season, so that worshipers may benefit from words that can “sink in” over time. Consider, for example, this charge, based on James 3: For those who make peace, a harvest of righteousness is sown. Be gentle, honest, and merciful with those you meet; Ask for wisdom, and wisdom will fill you with joy. (p. 179)
Further, this opening to a “Prayer of the Day” relates to Mark 4:26–34: God, you are the gardener of all creation. You planted this world with the seeds of your love And grow them with your faithfulness. We are your harvest; we find our meaning and sustenance in you. (p. 32)
Repeating prayers like these over the course of several months can help worshipers to focus their lives in a helpful direction.
Long’s “core team” includes well-qualified scholars from six separate traditions. Nevertheless, all of the writers firmly base their materials on the biblical texts, and one of the nice features of Worship Companion is that, in addition to a Scripture index, it includes the source Scriptures for all materials listed next to the composed words for reference. This volume follows Year B, so that, aside from the Psalms (obviously the favorite place from which to draw resources), the liturgy draws most heavily from 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, Job, Proverbs, Mark, John, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, and Hebrews. Pastors planning to preach on these will do well to consult Worship Companion for correlating liturgy.
The volume’s group approach to authorship of course leads to a certain amount of unevenness. Most of the entries use fresh, modern-day English, but the reader will see instances of King James-type language. Moreover, the materials occasionally include commentary on Scripture, which may or may not be helpful. We were struck that the “Opening Words” of Proper 4, based on Ps 81:2, includes the phrase “with Miriam, we will sound the tambourine.” Psalm 81 of course does not reference Miriam at all, so that the liturgy effectively comments on the passage by harmonizing it with Exodus 15. Even more “edgy” – although theologically sound! – is this excerpt from a “Prayer of the Day” alluding to Mark 10:46–52: God of power and mercy, you gather your people with the love of a parent for a child … In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God, Mother of us all. (p. 221)
These and other aspects of style and interpretation may or may not suit your congregation, so users can (and should!) think through the words, making necessary adjustments. In our view, however, the liturgies tend to be so splendidly crafted that needed changes will be rare.