Evangelical and Catholic: the Sunday Liturgy of the Lutheran Church (PDF File)

What About Kneeling?		The Sign of the Cross		"catholic" Worship		The Real Presence of Christ in the Sacrament
		Bowing		What is, and Why use, the Historic Liturgy

Posture in worship has been a consideration from the earliest times of Judaism, and was continued into Christianity, as well. In fact, eastern cultures and religions emphasized posture as contemplation and worship generations before Jesus was born! Kneeling, standing and sitting are the most common postural stances for worship, but bowing has long been a sign of greeting, respect, reverence and adoration.

Mistakenly, many think of bowing only as a medieval gesture related to submission to the king or queen. Although this was common practice, the Judeo-Christian custom is found throughout the Old Testament as one of several postures: kneeling, bowing, prostrating oneself before God, or kissing the Torah or other symbols of God's presence.

There are several words in Hebrew which can be translated as either "bowing" or "worshiping", as there are several in the Greek New Testament. However, there is a common understanding regarding these words which mean "to bow down, make obeisance, do reverence, worship." At the root of these words is the understanding that one bows to another who is to be respected and/or is in authority over you. Bowing was a sign of submission to another and showing honor. Also, it was a humbling of yourself before another.

While Protestant Christians seem the most uncomfortable with bowing in worship, the fact is when Protestants enter the church, they usually greet one another. It would be considered an unfriendly church if worshipers did not acknowledge one another in some way. Bowing to the altar, the aumbry where the reserved sacrament is kept, or bowing at the name of God, is simply acknowledging the presence of the Holy Trinity in our midst! Just as we acknowledge each other, we acknowledge God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit who is present with us and for us.

When to bow? According to The Conduct of the Service, by the Rev. Arthur Carl Piepkorn, one may reverence the altar with a bow when first entering and last leaving the sanctuary-since the altar is a symbol of the presence of God. It is also appropriate to bow moderately when crossing, approaching, or leaving the midst of the altar. It is a confessional custom to bow the head at the name of Jesus, and to bow whenever the doxological formula is spoken or sung, "Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…" as well as during the Sanctus when we sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might", at which time we remain bowing until making the sign of the cross at "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Although there are other times when some will bow, these are the most common places in the liturgy. Keep in mind-bowing is not a requirement or a prescription-it is simply a custom practiced by those who find it a meaningful way to worship God with mind, speech and body!