5.3.1 Occasional gathering without liturgical form

In contrast to prayer services that have a firmly defined liturgical form, devotionals are occasional gatherings that do not have a liturgical form.

Possible occasions for devotionals might include church holy days or events in society, as well as memorial days or catastrophes. For example, devotionals can be held on Christmas Eve, Good Friday (the hour of Jesus’ death), Maundy Thursday (institution of Holy Communion), or Ascension Day. Likewise, a devotional might take place prior to a divine service for the departed in order to commemorate the departed. Devotionals might also be held on the occasion of congregational anniversaries or in connection with other events of public relations work, missionary efforts, or fellowship with other Christian denominations. The devotional always has some kind of reference to the Christian faith.

Sequence of a devotional

A devotional has no liturgical form. Therefore it is not a special form of divine service either. The presence of ministers is not required to conduct a devotional. Its sequence is defined by the individual presiding over it.

The devotional is not conducted from the altar. In a devotional, there is no preaching of the word, dispensation of sacraments, or any act of blessing. A devotional begins and concludes with a prayer. It does not begin with an invocation of the Trinity, nor is the benediction spoken. There is no threefold “Amen”.

The congregational rector decides on the celebration of devotionals in the church building. Their format must always be appropriate to the holiness of God’s house.