Why do we do what we do, sing what we sing, and pray what we pray in the Common Service (LSB Setting 3, TLH p. 15)? In the next few weeks, we will be posting several excerpts from An Explanation of the Common Service in order to “provide a basic yet important description of the theological and biblical meaning of this time-tested liturgy” (back cover).
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The Kyrie
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
What is the meaning of the word Kyrie? It is a Greek word and means “O Lord.”
What is the office of the Kyrie? The congregation, realizing its infirmity from indwelling sin, calls upon God for that grace which has been announced and offered in the Introit.
Why is the prayer thrice uttered? Because the grace for which it asks is from God the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit.
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An Explanation of the Common Service, pages 27-28. (on sale through August 20)