Basisteoretiese grondslae van die seën in die erediens en voortvloeiende riglyne vir die liturgie

Abstract

Basic-theoretical foundations of the blessing in the worship service and ensuing guidelines for the liturgy The Biblical foundations of the blessing in the church service and the meaning and function of the salutatory and sending- away blessings are the focus of this article. A short extract from history follows, and based on findings from Scripture and his- tory, theoretical perspectives for practice and liturgical guide- lines are indicated. Some of the most important conclusions drawn are the following: The congregation of Jesus Christ should receive the blessing of the Lord as indispensable gift in its assemblage. Without this blessing communion with God and each other, trust in God and fulfilment of each believer’s voca- tion in the world are impossible. The salutatory blessing pours out onto the congregation all the blessings that enable mem- bers to participate to advantage in the church service. The congregation is blessed and sent back into the world by God himself. Without the sending-away blessing the congregation cannot fulfil its vocation in the world, especially to be witnesses for Christ. If an ordained minister of the gospel is present in the gathering of the congregation he should pronounce the bles- sing, which comes directly from God. It is vital that the congre- gation appropriate the blessing in faith by means of an overt act, namely by saying “amen” to that.