The word “liturgy” is packed with power. For some, it evokes the grandeur and mystery of the church’s rich tradition. For others it evokes a rigid and confusing form of obsolete practice. Dan Benedict provides us with a deeper and more satisfying way to understand liturgy and to discuss issues related to worship. In his definition, readers come to see liturgy as God’s means of uniting with the heart, mind and work of Christ.
Liturgy, Benedict says, carries us into the presence of the holy in the same way that those friends in the gospel story carried their paralyzed friend into the presence of Christ. When our spiritual life is dry, and we have difficulty experiencing that presence, liturgy holds that meaning for us until we are ready to return. Liturgy connects us with the communion of the saints and allows us to worship with other believers across time and place. Over time, given faithful participation, the liturgy works to shape our perceptions and create more space for God’s grace to find expression.
This volume, with original prayers and reflection questions, is an excellent text for a new members’ or confirmation class studying worship, or for a congregation’s worship committee to read as a preparation for its work. Topics include corporate liturgical practices like baptism, communion, and the Christian year, as well as personal practices of daily prayer and scriptural reading.
ENDORSEMENTS:
In a clear and non-technical style, Daniel Benedict provides a manual for understanding more deeply the essentials aspects of Christian worship. The discussion is designed for individual reading and for group study. A careful use of this book will enhance both the devotional life of individuals and the spiritual growth and refreshment of entire congregations.
—Laurence Hull Stookey, PhD
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, D.C.
This wonderful book meets a widely felt need. It gives inspiration and practical help to readers who want congregational worship to change and shape their lives. I enthusiastically commend it to all who hope there is more to worship than they have yet discovered.
—Hoyt Hickman
Former (1972–1993) Director of Worship Resource Development
General Board of Discipleship
The United Methodist Church
AUTHOR BIO:
Rev. Dan Benedict is retired Director of Worship Resourcing, GBOD, and a member of the California-Pacific Annual Conference. He is currently an author and consultant, and a longtime member of the Order of Saint Luke and the Fellowship of United Methodists in Worship and the Arts.
Daniel Benedict, a member of the Order of St. Luke, is a writer and consultant in worship and liturgical prayer. He lives in Waialua, Hawaii.Daniel T. Benedict Jr. is a consultant, author and retired clergy member of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. From 1993 to 2005 he served as director of worship resourcing for the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) of The United Methodist Church. Before coming to the GBOD, he served for 30 years as a pastor of congregations in New York and California. A writer of books and articles, Benedict is published in Liturgy, Worship Arts, Doxology, Sacramental Life and Catechumenate. His educational background includes a BA in history and religion from Syracuse University, an MDiv from American Baptist Seminary of the West, and additional studies at Claremont School of Theology. Currently Benedict is abbot of the Order of Saint Luke, a dispersed liturgical and sacramental community. He is a longtime member of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Worship and the Arts, the North American Association for the Catechumenate, the Consultation on Common Texts, and The North American Academy of Liturgy. He and his wife, Mary O, have two grown children and six grandchildren. Benedict's hobbies include walking the beaches, watching movies, woodworking, cooking, and surfing the Internet.
