Simple Liturgies
What should you do when the pastor can’t lead worship?
Finding a qualified sub is your go-to solution. But time constraints or limited availability can make that impossible. When that happens, let an elder lead a simple service of scripture reading, singing, and prayer.
Details: The elder chooses an extended passage of scripture, intersperses songs of response, and opens and closes the service with prayer. Ideally, the songs align well with the readings. However, when time is really, really limited, the congregation can request songs from a hymnal or a pre-approved list. A variation on this plan has the elder choosing scriptures centered around a biblical theme.
This plan works for three reasons.
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It’s a simple plan. And it will greatly edify the church. That’s what you need when prep time is short.
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Extended scripture reading is a feature. Reading scripture isn’t killing time; it’s giving life—the Holy Spirit uses the reading of the Word as a means of salvation. As WSC 89 says, “The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation.” Preaching is emphasized; but reading is included. And people who haven’t yet heard the flow of biblical narratives or arguments will be especially thankful for hearing extended portions of the Word.
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Elders with varying skills can use this plan. Any elder should be able to lead the congregation through the basic plan. And, as time and skill allow, small additions can be easiliy added to increase the spritiual profit. For example, in the course of an hour or two, he could consult a study Bible and compose brief introductions for each reading. He might say something like “In this passage, Paul addresses Question X. His answer is Y. Listen for his explanation.” Or, “In our next reading, notice when David speaks about God’s creation. He does this to help us understand something about God." Similar introductions can be made to hymns if time allows.
As an illustration, here are a few examples you can use and modify without attribution. They each last about 45-60 minutes. TPH stands for Trinity Psalter-Hymnal.
EXAMPLE: Ephesians
| Focus | Scripture | Song |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Prayer | — | — |
| Blessing, Praising, and Prayer for Insight | Ephesians 1:1–23 | In Christ Alone, TPH 265 |
| God Delivers Us from Death to Life | Ephesians 2:1–22 | Not What My Hands Have Done, TPH 435 |
| Paul’s Mission and Prayer for the Church | Ephesians 3:1–21 | Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, TPH 265 |
| The Church in Image and Action | Ephesians 4:1–5:2 | The Church’s One Foundation, TPH 404 |
| New Saints in a Sinful World | Ephesians 5:3–21 | O Light That Knew No Dawn, TPH 221 |
| Exhortations for Christian Households | Ephesians 5:22–6:9 | Oh, Blest the House, TPH 548 |
| Prepared for Battle and Conclusion | Ephesians 6:10–24 | Soldiers of Christ, Arise, TPH 540 |
| Closing Prayer | — | Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow, TPH 567 |
EXAMPLE: Jesus Discipleship Course (John 14-17)
| Focus | Scripture | Song |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Prayer | — | — |
| Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life | John 14:1–14 | Jesus, Lover of My Soul, TPH 450 |
| The Promise of the Holy Spirit | John 14:15–31 | For Your Gift of God the Spirit, TPH 399 |
| The True Vine | John 15:1–17 | Abide with Me, TPH 159 |
| Love and Friendship in Christ | John 15:18–16:4 | O Love That Will Not Let Me Go, TPH 514 |
| The Work of the Holy Spirit | John 16:5–15 | Come, O Come, Though Quickening Spirit, TPH 391 |
| Jesus Foresees His Death and Resurrection | John 16:16–33 | When I Survey the Wonderous Cross, TPH 338 |
| Jesus' High Priestly Prayer | John 17:1–26 | Before the Throne of God Above, TPH 277 |
| Closing Prayer | — | Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow, TPH 567 |
EXAMPLE: Praise! (Psalms 113-118)
Make sure to explain at the start or as you progress, that these Psalms express the praise we give God as a result of his salvation
| Focus | Scripture | Song |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Prayer | — | — |
| Who is like the LORD our God? | Psalm 113 | TPH 113A |
| Tremble at the Presence of the Lord | Psalm 114 | TPH 114 |
| Your Glorious Name | Psalm 115 | TPH 115A |
| I Love the Lord | Psalm 116 | TPH 116A |
| The Forever Faithfulness of God | Psalm 117 | TPH 117A |
| The Steadfast Love of God | Psalm 118 | TPH 118A |
| Closing Prayer | — | — |