The Gathering: Entrance hymn, kyrie, Salutation
The Gathering section of the Liturgy serves as the opening act of worship, uniting the congregation in a shared spirit of reverence and praise. This section is integral in preparing worshippers’ hearts and minds for the entire liturgical experience, setting the tone for the service through song, prayer, and communal interaction.
Depending on the time of the church year, the beginning rite can be simple or more elaborate. During more contemplative times such as Advent and Lent a more modest opening would be appropriate whereas major feasts as Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost call for a larger celebration. The basic parts of the gathering include the entrance hymn, the Kyrie and the Hymn of praise.
The Entrance Hymn, a carefully chosen hymn that resonates with the liturgical season, the theme of the day, or the readings that will follow. This hymn acts as a call to worship, inviting the congregation to lift their voices in unified praise. The act of singing together not only fosters a sense of community but also signals the transition from everyday life into the sacred space of worship. The Entrance Hymn helps align the congregation’s focus, drawing them into a collective mindset ready to engage with the divine.
The Kyrie is a traditional prayer that expresses a plea for God’s mercy. And is the first of the five great songs of the Divine Service. The Kyrie, from the Greek, translates as “Lord, have mercy,” is typically repeated three times: “Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.” This repetition underscores the congregation’s reliance on divine grace and compassion. The Kyrie is a humbling moment within the Gathering, reminding worshippers of their need for God’s mercy and setting a reflective tone that permeates the service.
The mood of the service then shifts with the Hymn of Praise, such as the "Gloria in Excelsis" or "This is the Feast." This hymn contrasts with the penitential tone of the Kyrie, offering a joyful expression of thanksgiving and adoration. By celebrating God’s glory and goodness, the Hymn of Praise lifts the spirits of the congregation, transforming the atmosphere into one of communal rejoicing. This hymn not only enhances the worship experience but also reinforces the themes of the service, grounding the congregation in a shared expression of faith and gratitude. This is the second of the five great songs.
The Gathering section concludes with the Salutation and the Collect of the Day. The Salutation, a brief exchange between the pastor and the congregation—“The Lord be with you,” followed by “And also with you”—symbolizes the mutual support and presence of God within the worshipping community. It serves as a moment of connection, uniting the leader of the service with the congregation in a shared purpose.
The Collect of the Day is the final prayer of the Gathering, succinctly encapsulating the spiritual intentions of the service. This prayer, typically concise but rich in meaning, gathers the congregation’s prayers into a unified focus, aligning them with the day’s readings and liturgical themes. The Collect of the Day seamlessly transitions the congregation into the Service of the Word, where they will engage more deeply with Scripture.
The Gathering section of the Liturgy is essential in creating a unified, reverent, and joyful atmosphere for worship. Through the Entrance Hymn, Kyrie, Hymn of Praise, Salutation, and Collect of the Day, the congregation is drawn together in a shared spirit of devotion and readiness to receive God's Word. As the Gathering section concludes, the service naturally transitions into the Service of the Word, where the community will turn its focus to the hearing and reflection on Scripture. This moment shifts the congregation from communal preparation to active engagement with the teachings that guide their faith and life.
