Liturgy and Music

Although Luther retained the basic structure of the mass and liturgy, he introduced significant changes in the worship service, primarily of a theological nature, in writings such as the German Mass of 1526. The emphasis in the traditional mass on the reiteration of the sacrifice of Jesus was replaced by an emphasis on thanksgiving. Luther saw the sacrament of the altar (the Lord’s Supper) not as an autonomous form of the Gospel but as a proclamation of it. Therefore, he retained only the recitation of the words of institution (“In the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus…”) from the prayer of thanksgiving. 

Because of the importance placed on the Bible, the sermon occupied the pivotal place in worship. Services were held in the vernacular rather than Latin, which allowed for greater understanding of the scriptures and the lay people didn’t require as much explanation from the clergy.  

Luther pioneered the use of hymns in services.  During Luther’s time a person, known as a cantor, led or performed all of the singing in Latin. People didn’t understand them or connect with their message. He was instrumental in highlighting the significance music could play in worship. Luther wrote 45 hymns, which are still being used today. The most famous of his hymns are “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” and “Saviour of the nations Come”. He believed that the melody and rhythm of a hymn should match the text’s language.