Different Forms of Worship

All worship is a form of prayer to God and an acknowledgement of God’s greatness. Worship can also include prayers asking for God’s help. Christians worship God in many different ways and they use different forms of prayer and worship depending on the occasion.

Contents of worship

Christian worship has its origins in the worship shown to God by the Jewish people of the Old Testament.
- ‘Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.’ [1 Chronicles 16:23-24 NIV]
- ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’ [Acts 2:42 NIV]

Types of worship

Worship can be public or private and different Christian groups prefer different types.
There are many different examples of types of worship including liturgical worship, charismatic worship, Bible services and family worship.

Types of Worship

Christians worship God in many different ways and they use different forms of prayer and worship depending on the occasion. Some Christian groups prefer one form of worship to others, whilst many groups use the full variety of forms.

Public

Some forms of worship are public, and follow a form that is set down, often led by a minister.
This kind of worship brings people together and allows them to worship God as a united community.

Private

Some forms of worship and prayer are private, perhaps said within the family or an individual response to times of crisis.
These forms are more personal and express a Christian's more intimate relationship with God.

Who prefers what?

The Catholic Church and some other Christian Churches often worship God using ritual and sacramental signs.
Some Protestant Churches place reflecting on and responding to the teaching of the Bible at the centre of all their worship.
The Quakers prefer to worship God in stillness and silence, but often whilst sitting together in a meeting house to express their unity.

Examples of Types of Worship

Below are 4 examples of different types of worship:

Liturgical worship

When Christians come together to worship God, such as in the celebration of the Eucharist.
The Eucharist uses rituals such as processions and sacramental signs, such as the bread and wine to symbolise the presence of Christ in the celebration.
Many churches appoint priests or ministers to lead these services, which follow a set form.

Charismatic worship

Spontaneous and without a set form
Often this form of worship does not rely on the role of a priest or minister.
The prayer and praise are believed to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Bible services

Often led by a minister who has had special training in Bible study.
The service will usually include readings from the Bible and instruction given by the minister.
Hymns based on the Bible are often sung by the congregation.

Family worship

Usually takes place at home, using both set and informal prayers.
It can be led by a parent, but also by any of the children in the family.
Typically, families will thank God for the day or for the food on their table, and ask God’s blessing upon members of the family.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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