I often hear liturgists attempting to update the language of liturgical texts. For example, I heard a liturgist change the Collect for Grace (Matins) from “ordered by Your governance” to “ordered by Your standards.” “Standards” completely ignores the concept of dominion, rule, and sovereignty. I heard another who said “Good, right, and beneficial” in the Proper Preface instead of “good. right and salutary.” The word “beneficial” does not carry the same sense of ‘healthy’ as does “salutary.” I also often hear liturgists say, “evermore praising You and singing” instead of “evermore praising You and saying.” One pastor even went so far as to change the entire ending of the Proper Preface as follows: “… with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, we praise and glorify your holy name evermore worshipping You and singing.” I strongly discourage this inclination and find the following quote from Dr. Precht helpful:
Ministers are reminded that the liturgical texts have been established by and are the property of the church, or denomination. Much thought has gone into them by members entrusted with that task; in many instances the wording represents centuries of Christian usage. Ministers should thus read the texts as they stand in the church’s approved books. Adding to or editorializing the texts frequently reflects personal opinion—more homiletical than liturgical—that may better belong in the sermon or Bible class. Moreover, such editorializing disturbs the devotion of the worshipers who are following the texts that are before them. (405)
Works Cited
Precht, Fred L. “The Divine Service The Preparation: Part II.” Lutheran Worship: History and Practice. Edited by Fred L. Precht, Concordia Publishing House, 1993.
The Liturgiologist 