Lex orandi, lex credendi

As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]. 1 Pt 4:10 AMPC

Lex orandi, lex credendi means “the law of praying [is] the law of believing”. The principle of Lex orandi, lex credendi, reminds us of the profound relationship between the way we worship and the beliefs that we hold. As we engage in worship, we have the opportunity to strengthen our faith and allow it to shape our lives. Through this ancient Christian principle, we can better understand and appreciate the importance of our beliefs and their impact on our spiritual journey.

Lex orandi, lex credendi, is a powerful concept that emphasizes the inseparable link between what we believe and how we worship. By recognizing and honouring this connection, we can deepen our understanding of our faith and enrich our spiritual practices. In the Anglican Communion, this principle is deeply valued and serves as a reminder that our worship is not just a series of actions but a reflection of our deepest beliefs and values.

Having been raised within the Plymouth Brethren denomination, I was able to acquire a profound comprehension of a distinct form of worship that has been perpetuated through generations. My past experience has been instrumental in broadening my understanding of various forms of worshipping God. It has instilled a deep respect and admiration for the diverse ways in which different Christian denominations worship. 

As I advanced in my journey, I began to feel the urge to expand my knowledge and understanding of Christianity beyond the denomination in which I was brought up. I wanted to explore the different shades and nuances of the faith and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Christian traditions. In pursuit of this goal, I embarked on a journey to discover and learn from other denominations within the broad and beautiful spectrum of Christianity. 

I sought out churches, congregations, and communities that practised different forms of worship and placed a distinct emphasis on various aspects of Christian doctrine. Through this process, I gained a greater appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the Christian faith and developed a more nuanced and welcoming perspective on the faith that had been such a significant part of my life. Exposure to diverse worship practices has helped me develop a loving and inclusive approach towards other denominations.

The Plymouth Brethren denomination taught me that there is great power in studying and preaching the Bible. Their emphasis on the importance of immersing oneself in its teachings inspired me to explore its timeless wisdom and discover its transformative power. I was drawn towards denominations whose praise and worship were more elaborate, grandiose, and awe-inspiring. The sheer magnitude of the experience left me in a state of wonder and amazement. It was as if I had been transported to another world, one that was filled with beauty and magnificence beyond what I had ever imagined. In that moment, I truly understood the vastness of God’s grace. It was like a veil had been lifted from my eyes. I finally comprehended that God’s grace is not limited or finite; it is abundant and manifold. The realization filled me with peace and gratitude that words cannot express.

As I embarked on my journey at the Seminary, I was captivated by the profound depth and richness of Scripture and church traditions. Immersing myself fully in this knowledge allowed me to open up a new world of understanding and respect towards the whole spectrum of the Body of Christ. 

During my upbringing, I was exposed to the teachings and practices of a Low Church denomination. However, as I delved deeper into the study of various Christian denominations, I discovered a newfound appreciation for High Church denominations’ rich and meaningful traditions. High Church congregations emphasize the liturgy, with formal ceremonies and beautiful vestments that add a sense of reverence and awe to the worship experience. Additionally, sacraments such as communion and baptism are highly valued in High Church congregations, as they are believed to be sacred and holy acts that bring one closer to God. In contrast, Low Church congregations tend to have a more relaxed and accessible approach to worship, placing less emphasis on formalities and sacraments and instead focusing more on simple and heartfelt expressions of faith. 

In my experience, every person who has been born again into the Body of Christ must approach worship with a profound sense of reverence and awe. When we come before God, we should do so with a deep respect for His holiness and power. 

Recognizing that there is no proper or correct way to worship God is essential. We must come before Him with an open mind, free from preconceived notions or pretensions about how we should approach Him.

Instead, we should focus on the person of Christ and what He has done for us. We must recognize His incredible sacrifice on the cross and the love and mercy He continually pours on us. 

Let us worship Him with a genuine heart and an unshakeable faith, understanding that our relationship with Him is essential in our lives. As we do so, we will find ourselves drawn ever closer to Him, and we will experience the fullness of His love and grace.

It is essential to recognize and appreciate the unique ways in which different Christian denominations express their love, consecration, dependence, and worship towards God. Each denomination has its traditions, rituals, and practices developed over time. These expressions of faith are deeply rooted in the history and culture of that particular community and are a source of strength and comfort to its members.

We should strive to understand and respect these differences rather than criticize them. Engaging in criticism of how others worship can result in division and conflict within the larger Body of Christ, which is inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus. Recognizing that such actions do not promote a harmonious church body is crucial. By adhering to Jesus’ teachings, one can ensure that one’s actions align with the principles of love, unity and respect we were taught by Christ. We should approach differences in religious practices within Christian denominations with an open mind and strive to promote mutual understanding and tolerance. But above love. Jesus made it clear to his disciples - he spoke: 

“By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].” 

John 13:35 (AMPC)

Instead, we should embrace the diversity of expressions of worship and recognize that there is no single and exclusive expression of worshipping God. Genuine worship of God goes beyond a specific liturgy and a style of music. It is a personal and intentional act of carefully listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and His written word and obeying it with faithfulness and sincerity.

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” 
1 Sam. 15:22 (ESV)

Let us work towards building bridges of understanding and mutual respect among different church traditions rather than tearing down their beliefs and practices.

Let us come together as a community of believers and celebrate the richness and diversity of our faith, united in our love for God and our commitment to living out His teachings in our daily lives.