The services that God commanded in the tabernacle in the Wilderness and in Israel until the time of Solomon as well as the Temple from Solomon on had a set pattern. This pattern continued in the synagogues after the Babylonian Captivity and subsequent dispersal of many Jews. We read in the Gospels that Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah in his hometown, The Apostle Paul first went to synagogues, or if there weren't ten Jewish families in a community, to where they met (usually by a river). The order of service was consistent.
Here, the year was defined by the readings. The Old Testament Scriptures were read in a rotation so that every three years you would hear the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Every Passover the Song of Solomon was read (page through the New Testament and you will find that when Jesus uses illustrations from marriage, it is during Passover).
The order of service continued with the Church. This is understandable. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The Old Testament Scriptures pointed to him. So, why not also retain the worship forms?
Usually the Lutheran service begins with a hymn, often setting the tone for the day. In some services, a prayer follows that hymn to again set the tone. Then, the pastor greets the congregation and the congregation wishes God's blessings on the pastor. The Introit, meaning "to enter," prepares the pastor to enter the presence of the Lord at the altar.
A confession of our sins and the subsequent absolution are next. The psalmist asks, "Who can approach the throne of God? He who has clean hands and a pure heart." In the confession and absolution, we again are reminded that "only by grace can we enter." This corporate confession and absolution also reminds us that Christ "died for sins, once, for all." In the Bugenhagen order, used by Scandinavian Lutherans, the absolution is a private absolution for communion services-another reminder that Jesus' forgiveness is also for me, personally.
The Collect of the Day is another prayer that sums up what the Lord has to say to us that day. We are asking the Lord to open our ears and hearts to receive His message of sin and grace.
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