Worship
- Discipline of worship (Christianity)
Description
of respect. Different religions, and sects within religions, have developed liturgical systems and laid down forms of worship, usually with a congregation praying, praising and listening to readings from scripture, mainly under the direction of a cleric. The form of worship may vary depending upon language, culture and diversity of expression, but there are common factors: adoration; penitence; intercession; petition; thanksgiving.
In Christian terms at least, the purpose is: to be cleansed and forgiven; to rededicate one's self and what one has in response to the gospel and the sacraments; and to receive again the commission to the world. It is the meeting between sacred and secular and affirms the continuing call to holy living. The response of man to the promise of God is a life of work and worship in which work becomes worship and worship becomes part of the work to be performed.
Whatever religion or sect, the general pattern appears to be the arising of a moral or mystical teacher whose original ceremonies, songs and prayers are ritualized according to some socially recognized pattern. This pattern is corrupted through syncretism, whereupon a subsequent prophet or reform may arise who purifies the system and assists it to revert to its original form. Thus, although worship may be carried out by all members of a society its basis invariably goes back to the inspiration and experience of one individual. Most participants would agree that the form of worship must originally have been and must continue to be the result of divine inspiration although, particularly in the Church, contemporary concern is to change the style of the liturgy in line with current life-styles.
Although worship is frequently a group activity, its effect may vary from one individual to another. Examples of heightened states of awareness arising during worship vary from reverence, mysticism, love and sanctification to possession and shamanic trance.