When we have encountered God at work among us in our worship and in our daily lives, our proper response is a lifelong Aleluia and a shout at the end of our worship, "Thanks be to God!" We place our "Amen" over all that the liturgy celebrates. You are a worshiper. You are not a spectator. Lutheran worship invites the active, full, conscious participation of each worshiper. As a worshiper, you will be invited to listen to God's word and to receive Holy Communion. you will have the opportunity to confess your faith, to praise God, to pray, to offer yourself for God's mission, and to share the peace of the Lord. You will hear a sermon which sets the meaning of salvation through Christ in the context of present hopes, fear, and needs.
The pattern for Lutheran worship as a congregation is called the liturgy. Liturgy means "the work of the people." Liturgy is working with words and actions to honor God. As the Word of God is proclaimed and the sacraments are enacted among us, the Spirit touches our lives. Be open to the Holy Spirit who will draw you into a congregation at worship as an active participant. Then liturgy will not be in a book or bulletin but also in you. In the worship event you can encounter God and God's people as you listen, pray, praise, sing, and share in the sacraments.