Question 156: What is the liturgy?

Answer:

The liturgy is the Church’s ordered form of worship, grounded in Scripture and tradition, through which we glorify God, hear His Word, offer prayer and praise, and receive His Sacraments. It is not man’s invention, but the Church’s shared response to God’s revelation, shaped to draw us into His presence with reverence, unity, and joy. (1 Corinthians 14:26, Acts 2:42, Hebrews 12:28, Colossians 3:16–17)

Full Scripture References

“What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.” — 1 Corinthians 14:26 (BSB)

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (BSB)

“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” — Hebrews 12:28 (BSB)

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:16–17 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The liturgy is the structured pattern of worship by which the Church responds to God’s Word, offers praise and prayer, and receives His grace in Word and Sacrament. Far from being empty ritual, true liturgy is a living and Spirit-filled encounter with the Triune God, shaped by Scripture and inherited from the worship of the early Church.

The Anglican liturgy—most notably that of the Book of Common Prayer—guides us into a rhythm of confession, Scripture reading, creeds, intercession, the Eucharist, and thanksgiving. It keeps worship God-centered, faithful, and rooted in truth. As the 1662 Prayer Book says, it is “grounded upon Holy Scripture” and intends “to turn the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just.”

Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Liturgy is how the Church worships together in a shared voice. It teaches us to pray when we do not know how, and forms us into one body before the throne of grace.”

Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “The liturgy is not performance—it is participation. It gathers the whole Church, across time and nations, into one chorus of worship around Jesus Christ.”

J.C. Ryle, though wary of superstition, defended reverent order in worship: “Let us value a form of sound words, when filled with living truth. A scriptural liturgy can lead the soul upward—if the heart goes with the lips.” (Knots Untied, 1874)

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “The liturgy keeps us anchored. In a world of constant change, it reminds us who God is, who we are, and how to worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

When we pray the liturgy with faith, it shapes our desires, teaches our hearts, and lifts us into the heavenly worship that is always taking place before God’s throne. It is not merely words—it is discipleship.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “On the day called Sunday, all gather together… and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read… then we rise and pray… then bread and wine are brought, and thanks are offered.” — First Apology, 67

St. Hippolytus of Rome (c. 215 AD): “The bishop shall give thanks in the manner we have prescribed… and all the people shall say, Amen.” — Apostolic Tradition, 4.1

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “Let us now proceed to the holy liturgy. We offer to God spiritual worship, and through the prayers and mysteries, we enter into heaven.” — Catechetical Lectures, 23.7

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Nothing elevates the soul like the prayers, psalms, and sacred mysteries of the liturgy, rightly received. It is the training ground of saints.” — Sermon 272