Editorial
The editor discusses the respective preferences for extempore prayer and set forms.
Volume 18 Spring 1988
The Joy of Public Worship: the 1987 Lee Lecture
Starting from Neil Gunn, the lecture explores the concept of joy as it appears throughout Scripture, discusses the current theme of play and the emphasis on creativity and the employment of people's gifts in worship, and calls for worship of greater joyousness and excitement. This will be undergirded by a recovery of the balance (and the lecture explores how historically this was lost to Scottish worship) of Word and Sacrament in worship.
Exorcism of a Place
'Disturbances' in a house may be more common than we believe. It should not be assumed that these are caused by 'evil spirits'. The church should respond positively when asked for help. The minister should give people the opportunity to describe their experiences and fears at length. Other members of the congregation should be involved. An order is helpful to both minister and occupants, and one is provided in this article, focussing on Christ's presence and blessing.
Review
Prayers in Church, ed. John Conacher, OUP
From the Archives (1948): The Hour of Holy Communion
An article from the archives (1948) responding to an earlier article by Dr W D Maxwell commenting on the increasing practice of holding Communion in the evenings. In this article the Rev Dr John Kilpatrick, Minister of Garelochhead, advances additional arguments for a morning celebration.
Snippets from “The Order of Divine Service”
This is also from the archives, an extract from The Order for Divine Service, W E Orchard (OUP, 1926).