The concept of Public worship in Christianity
Public worship in Christianity encompasses a variety of communal religious practices and rituals conducted by congregations. It involves the collective act of devotion, where individuals gather to pray, read scriptures, and engage in collective religious observance. Public worship reflects the importance of community in acknowledging God's sovereignty and is shaped by historical context and current trends. Through organized gatherings, worshippers participate in shared prayers, hymns, and teachings, highlighting the necessity of communal experience in expressing faith.
Synonyms: Collective worship, Communal worship, Congregational worship, Religious assembly, Service, Ceremony, Liturgy, Religious service, Praise and worship, Devotion, Communal prayer
In Malay: Ibadah umum; In Swedish: Offentlig gudstjänst; In Spanish: Culto público; In Dutch: Openbare eredienst; In Finnish: Julkinen jumalanpalvelus; In German: Öffentlicher Gottesdienst; In French: Culte public
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Public worship'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The act of worship performed by a group of people, and the writer suggests that the shortest prayer, which is not animated by a consciousness of need and a throb of desire, is too long.[1] (2) The communal practice of Christian worship which initially occurred in various informal settings like homes, as indicated by the gatherings in the house of Priscilla and Aquila.[2] (3) Collective acts of worship that may sometimes be neglected in favor of personal spirituality, highlighting the need for structured prayer times.[3] (4) The organized gatherings of Christian congregations where prayer and other forms of worship occur.[4] (5) The act of gathering as a community to confer and participate in shared prayers and hymns.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) In the absence of apostles, prophets, and evangelists, the whole function of public worship would devolve on the local ministry of bishops and deacons, according to the provided text.[6] (2) The communal practice of religious veneration, which Jeroboam aimed to control through the establishment of the golden calves.[7] (3) The act of communal religious service, where certain books are read and used for teaching and doctrine.[8] (4) The communal practice of worship, from which eunuchs were traditionally excluded based on certain biblical texts.[9] (5) Worship that involves larger images and public display in religious contexts.[10]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) This is the practice for which the precious metals in the temple were collected and maintained for the benefit of the people.[11] (2) The communal religious practice in which the entire nation participates, facilitated by the service of the priests.[12] (3) The organized religious practices that Nathan helped David reorganize.[13] (4) Public worship refers to the communal act of religious rituals and offerings performed collectively as a means of showing piety and seeking divine favor.[14]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This refers to the definite time appointed for religious practice, likely during the seventh day of the Sabbath in paradise.[15] (2) Public worship is a duty of the people, and Leviticus 24 sets forth this duty, while also narrating the stoning of the blasphemer, highlighting its importance.[16] (3) The communal practice of worship in the church, which was compromised by various misuses of spiritual gifts and disorderly conduct among members.[17] (4) The communal aspect of worship where psalms and poetic expressions are utilized to engage the congregation in religious devotion and reflection.[18]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) Designated time and manner in which God wishes to be formally recognized by His followers.[19] (2) Collective acts of devotion and homage to God performed in community settings, essential for acknowledging His sovereignty.[20]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Collective religious practices conducted in communal spaces for the congregation.[21] (2) The collective gathering of Christians for service, in which the homily was read, reflecting communal aspects of early Christianity.[22]