Opening hymn

The opening hymn is the collective address of God. It binds the believers together.

During the opening hymn, the ministers who have taken their place at the altar say a silent prayer.

Trinitarian formula

The commencement in the triune name of God in a divine service is as follows:

“In the name of God,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

This is the invocation (proclamation) of the triune God and the assurance of His presence.

In awareness of this holy moment, the officiant speaks these words in a clear and accentuated manner.

Since the commencement in the triune name of God is not part of the opening prayer, the eyes of the officiant can remain open.

A pause in speaking is inserted between the triune name of God and the sub­ sequent opening prayer.

Opening prayer

The officiant prays with the congregation and speaks on its behalf.

The prayer should be concise and dignified. The prayer is not the time to start the sermon or try to explain something to God.

The prayer should be spoken loudly and clearly. It should take approximately three to four minutes.

Contents of the prayer might include:

• worship and praise of God
• gratitude for the presence of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
• gratitude for His preservation, help, and grace
• the plea for divine peace
• gratitude for the hope of Christ’s return and the ability to prepare for it
• the plea for forgiveness and reconciliation with God and with one another
• the plea for God’s word to strengthen faith, bring comfort, and provide orientation for all those present, and for the proper understanding of the word
• intercession for brothers and sisters who cannot be present
• the plea for a connection to the apostolate
• the plea for a connection with one another and the departed
• the plea for sanctification and angel protection

If appropriate, significant events (for example, catastrophes) can be referenced in intercession.

Reading of Bible text

The officiant reads the Bible text with expression and dignity and without haste. Accentuated pronunciation helps direct the congregation’s attention to the words of Holy Scripture.

The congregation sits down following the reading of the Bible text.

Musical contribution

Following the reading of the Bible text there is a musical contribution that can be either choral or instrumental (the participants rise for choral or congregational singing).

Bible reading (as specified)

A Bible reading serves to provide a better understanding of Christian holy days and the gospel. This makes it clear that the Bible is the basis of our faith and the preach­ ing of our Church.

The Bible reading is specified in the Divine Service Guide. It should be taken from the Bible translation used in the respective Regional Church.

The Bible reading should take place in front of or next to the altar, if possible from a lectern and from a printed copy of the Bible. The officiant remains standing at the altar during the Bible reading, while the congregation is seated.

If the officiant takes on the task of reading, he or she should read from the altar.

Those who undertake the Bible reading must prepare themselves for this task.

The Bible reading is announced by the officiant.

Recommended announcement of the Bible reading^[3] “We will now hear a Bible reading.”

Musical contribution following the Bible reading (optional)

A musical contribution can follow the Bible reading.