Addresses the general principles that have guided the shaping of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, considering that central liturgy of Christian worship, Holy Communion. This text examines how worship interacts with environment, music, and the preached word, and features useful and practical suggestions for all those who lead the assembly in worship around word and table.

The work required to produce a denominational service book and hymnal is multifaceted both because of the nature of its contents and because worship is the focal point of the life of the church. To produce the Lutheran Book of Worship the participating churches established the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship, which in turn established subcommittees, working committees and task forces. The author has produced an historical account and analysis of that process has mastered endless details, all the while keeping the larger picture in view. This book is a mother lode of information on the development of Lutheran Book of Worship.

"For centuries the church has paired its church year—focused on Christ’s life, death, and resurrection—with a second calendar that uses the lives of saints as a lens to see God’s gracious acts. Evangelical Lutheran Worship has continued that practice with its calendar of festivals and commemorations. In this volume teacher and scholar Gail Ramshaw shows that those whom the church has lifted up are both faithful and fascinating, always pointing to Christ. Here is a guide to help you include these observances in your prayer life.Each day’s entry includes a brief chronology of the person’s life; a summary of why the person is remembered by the church; an image of, or related to, the commemoration; a quote from the person, where possible; and devotional hymn and prayer suggestions for the day." -- publisher's website. Intended for family devotions, local church gatherings, or Sunday worship.

"This ... guide reflects the diversity of music in the church -- with different approaches to the music of the church's song, the array of musical styles, and perspectives"--Foreword.