“An Explanation of the Common Service is an excellent resource. It is concise and informative, and it presents to laymen and clergy alike the simplicity and strength of the historic Lutheran Service used by most North American parishes prior to the 1970-80s. I have had only positive feedback from all who have used it. This book is a superb resource for both new members and life-long Lutherans.”  Rev. William Parsons,  Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fairhope, AL.

After several requests from pastors to order in bulk for their Sunday School and Adult Bible classes, we now offer discounted pricing for this book: orders of 10-20 books receive 15% off; 21-30 books receive 20% off; 31+ books receive 25% off.

In addition, we have extended the sale price for this book only to August 31 so that the bulk order discount can be applied to the current sale price.  It’s basically a double discount.  Contact us with your order so that we can create a customized invoice for you. Our website cannot compute the bulk order discount automatically. 

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*From the back cover:   
The Common Service, with roots in the Reformation, the Middle Ages, and the early church, became the standard English liturgy for the Lutheran Church in America in the late 19th century. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod published it as its standard in The Lutheran Hymnal in 1941. With the publication of Lutheran Worship (1982), editors revised the Common Service, updating what they considered archaic language, but the basic structure remained the same. In the Lutheran Service Book (2006), editors have again included the Divine Service from The Lutheran Hymnal, which is the liturgy of the Common Service.

What is it about the beauty and reverence of this Divine Service that have caused Lutheran congregations to welcome it every Sunday morning for over a century? Many today enjoy it without being able to verbalize its deep theological beauty. Others may exclude it from congregational practice because they consider it outdated and invalid for the modern parishioner. In either case, the editors of An Explanation of the Common Service provide a basic yet important description of the theological and biblical meaning of this time-tested liturgy.

An Explanation of the Common Service explains the liturgy in such simple terms that it is perfect for teaching new members, catechumens, and youth. Yet its timeless truths are profound enough to instruct even long-time members and pastors. First printed a century ago, this Lutheran liturgical handbook uses questions and answers to explain the meaning of three services: the Communion service, Matins, and Vespers. (Liturgical texts are equivalent to those in The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941.) In addition, hymnody, liturgical theology, and history are addressed succinctly. The glossary of liturgical terms is helpful, extensive, and reliable.

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*This is an edited re-post from 5/6/11.

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)