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| Q: | Why is WELS pushing the modern version of the Lords Prayer. It is very hard on some of us. The language isn't truly "modern" (hallowed is still used!). I have found this to be yet another stumbling block in my worship life. How many people who are not regular church attenders will go to church and feel totally lost... they dont' even know the Lords Prayer! I do not like it at all. | ||||||
| A: | The committee that prepared Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal was very sensitive to the reality that some would find it difficult to adjust to a new English version of the Lord's Prayer. The committee placed both the traditional version and a contemporary version into the hymnal, therefore, and gave congregations the option of selecting which version it wanted to use. Many congregations have adopted the newer version, of course, since it better reflects the language of the liturgy, the catechism, and the Bible. The transition can be somewhat difficult, especially when congregations move back and forth from newer version to older version. The hymnal committee suggested from the outside that congregations choose one version and then stick with it. Frankly, I stumble all over the place when the older version is used. As far as those you mention who are not regular church attenders, it may be that some will be pleased upon their return to worship to note that the church is "updating." Others might be just as surprised that there is a new pastor or new hymnal. The church really can't stand still just because some people have despised the Word and the Sacrament. Visitors are as likely to be familiar with the new version as with a traditional version (and there are several of those around). Most visitors follow the order of the service in the hymnal, and the words of both versions are there. When we consider the enormous spiritual blessings we receive through the Word and the Sacrament when we come to church on Sunday morning, it is a shame that something like a translation would become a stumbling block. I pray you might slowly but surely focus on what is really important in worship. | ||||||
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