Liturgy refers to the structured worship that happens when Christians meet together at church.
Liturgy gives a structure and pattern to worship on a weekly and annual basis.
Liturgy can form the basis of the weekly church service where a certain order is followed. This may include the priest saying certain parts and the congregation responding together with set phrases.
It can also form the basis of the annual church cycle with certain passages and themes etc being covered over the course of the year.
Liturgy helps people to know what is coming within the weekly service and invites them to participate in the service. The annual cycle ensures that during the entire year the church works through the scriptures and no part is ignored.
Some people like liturgy because:
It allows them to be prepared for worship as they know what is coming next.
It involves them in the worship as they respond to the words of the priest.
It provides structure to the worship, which some people prefer.
It means a range of themes, passages and ideas are covered in the Church year.
It is a tradition that they have grown up with.
The formality of the liturgy reminds them that they are in the presence of God.
Some people do not like liturgy because:
It is formal, rigid and overly structured.
It becomes routine and easier for the worshipper to just go through the motions.
It does not allow for the leading of God鈥檚 Holy Spirit, which might want to direct the congregation in a different way from the set liturgy.
The repetition may become too familiar, boring or uninspiring and the believer may become disengaged.
The early Church had a focus on the spiritual gifts, thus allowing God to work more freely than the liturgy allows.