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'''Liturgy''' is a term that refers to the prescribed order of [[worship]] used in many [[religion]]s and [[church]]es.

'''Liturgy''' is a term that refers to the prescribed order of [[worship]] used in many [[religion]]s and [[church]]es.

Certain [[Christian]] denominations follow a standard form of worship for their services which normally includes [[hymn]] singing, [[prayer]]s, [[scripture]] readings, responsive readings, a [[creed]]al statement, the [[sermon]], a confession of sins, [[Holy Communion]], and a formal dismissal.  The liturgy is sometimes set forth according to a book used by the congregation at worship. Examples are the [[Book of Common Prayer]] in the Anglican and Episcopal churches, [[Missals]] used by the Catholic churches, and [[Lutheran]] Service Books.  In some of them the liturgical service is styled the [[Mass]], a word that invokes the concept of the service as a ceremonial offering of a sacrifice to God.

Certain [[Christian]] denominations follow a standard form of worship for their services which normally includes [[hymn]] singing, [[prayer]]s, [[scripture]] readings, responsive readings, a [[creed]]al statement, the [[sermon]], a confession of sins, [[Holy Communion]], and a formal dismissal.  The liturgy is sometimes set forth according to a book used by the congregation at worship. Examples are the [[Book of Common Prayer]] in the Anglican and Episcopal churches, missals used by the Catholic churches, and [[Lutheran]] Service Books.  In some of them the liturgical service is styled the [[Mass]], a word that invokes the concept of the service as a ceremonial offering of a sacrifice to God.

Denominations in which a version of the traditional liturgy is used are classified as "liturgical"; included among them are the [Eastern Orthodox]], [[Roman Catholic]], High Church [[Anglican]], [[Lutheran]], [[Methodist]], [[Reformed]] and [[Presbyterian]] denominations.

Denominations in which a version of the traditional liturgy is used are classified as "liturgical"; included among them are the [[Eastern Orthodox]], [[Roman Catholic]], High Church [[Anglican]], [[Lutheran]], [[Methodist]], [[Reformed]] and [[Presbyterian]] denominations.

By contrast, denominations which do not use the historic order of worship outlined above are called "non-liturgical"; included among them are the [[Baptist]] and [[Pentecostal]] denominations and non-denominational churches.  Although they may (and often do) have their own set practices in terms of what takes place during a worship service, the lack of a formal liturgy is designed to allow more spontaneity during the service; this is especially true within Pentecostal churches who consider themselves "Spirit filled" and who do not wish to hinder the Holy Spirit during worship.

By contrast, denominations which do not use the historic order of worship outlined above are called "non-liturgical"; included among them are the [[Baptist]] and [[Pentecostal]] denominations and non-denominational churches.  Although they may (and often do) have their own set practices in terms of what takes place during a worship service, the lack of a formal liturgy is designed to allow more spontaneity during the service; this is especially true within Pentecostal churches who consider themselves "Spirit filled" and who do not wish to hinder the Holy Spirit during worship.