The reproaches follow the pattern of Psalm 78, which rehearses God's continuing acts of faithfulness and Israel's repeated rebellion. Testify against me. I led you forth from the land of Egypt and delivered you by the water of baptism, but you have prepared a cross for your Savior. The service may then conclude with an appropriate hymn or spiritual, and the worshipers depart in silence. A Final Word Liturgy works when it does not call attention to itself but acts as a servant, drawing us into the presence of God.
Good liturgy is a window to the holy.
Something is amiss if we notice only the window and ignore the scene beyond. Carefully preparing and rehearsing for a worship service is like cleaning a window. When the congregation gathers for worship, the focus should be on Christ and not on choreography. John Paarlberg is RCA minister for social witness and worship This article appeared originally in Servant Leaders, Winter 1996, Volume One, Number Four.