On Going to Church

Resolve that you will foster no thought, fix your eyes on no object, utter no word that will tend to divert your mind from the holy purpose for which you have come into this place.

1914 The Northwestern Lutheran

An excerpt from The Northwestern Lutheran, Volume 1, Issue 22, on November 21st, 1914. It can be found in the WELS Essays archive on page 184.

Go early to church. Not only be punctual, but be in your place before the hour when the service is announced to begin. Then you will not disturb other worshipers.

Go in a reverent spirit. On the way remember whither you go. Avoid lightness of manner and conversation on worldly topics.

Before you enter, and as you enter the church, breathe a silent prayer of invocation for the influence of the Holy Spirit.

As you take your place, bow your head reverently in prayer for yourself and for all others who enter the sanctuary for the service about to begin.

Resolve that you will foster no thought, fix your eyes on no object, utter no word that will tend to divert your mind from the holy purpose for which you have come into this place.

As the minister enters the pulpit, offer an earnest, silent prayer in his behalf.

In all the service take an active part, as hearer and as worshiper.

At the close of the service, after a moment of prayerful silence, greet with cheerfulness and good-will all whom you happen to meet, remembering that Christian fellowship is a part of Christian worship.

Bishop Vincent