LCMS Worship Institute: S1Ep15. The Altar Prayers for Pastors (and for You) – Christopher Nuttelman

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The traditional prayers said by a pastor in between the parts of the liturgy (e.g., while washing his hands for Communion) are generally drawn from the Psalms. These portions of psalms, and their context, are instructive and serve to shed light on the significance of each part of the service. Considering these prayers, and the Psalms from which they are drawn, gives the pastor a firmer and richer hold on what he is doing as he serves at the altar. Laity would also be well served in learning these prayers and letting God’s Word teach them richer worship.

Bio:

Baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, Neb., Christopher Nuttelman was ordained in 2015 and has served churches in San Antonio, Texas, and Grand Rapids, Mich. He, his wife and their three little girls live in midtown Grand Rapids.

This session recording is from the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music held July 9–12, 2024 in Seward, Neb. For more information on the Institute, please visit https://resources.lcms.org/worship-planning/2024-institute-on-liturgy-preaching-and-church-music-resources .

Morning Prayer Venite from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. Setting by Paul Soulek.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) Worship ministry aims to nurture a culture of confessional faithfulness, artistic excellence and integrity in the presentation, distribution and reception of God’s life-giving gifts in Word and Sacraments. This ministry seeks to develop and deepen an understanding and love for the Lutheran heritage in Christian worship, and promotes the Lutheran Service Book as the core worship resource for the LCMS while also identifying and encouraging the many musical treasures and gifts that the Holy Spirit continues to pour upon the church. For more information: lcms.org/worship/institutes; lcms.org/worship.

Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission.

Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.