In the Lutheran Church we call our worship service the Divine Service—or more traditionally, the Mass. The name "Divine Service" indicates the dual reality of what happens when we go to Church. First, and most importantly, God serves us with His Word and Sacrament. By His grace He makes us His people and grants us the forgiveness of sins. God renews this promise to us every time we gather for the Divine Service in order to strengthen our faith. This should not surprise us since Jesus Himself says "the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mt 20:28). Thus, when we gather in Church, we gather to be served by the Lord. We receive the Divine Service.

It is only in response to God's service to us that we give worship and praise to God. Our prayers and praises to God are only secondary to what we first receive. Yet, God loves to hear our prayers and praises, and it is only right that we do so in response to such a great gift we have received in the forgiveness of sins, faith, and life eternal. 

In conclusion, the purpose of the Divine Service—or worship or the Mass—is two-fold. First, that we receive God's service to us purely by His grace and mercy. Second, that we give God great praise and honor and glory along with all the saints, the angels, and the whole heavenly host in response to this great work God has done in us.

—Pr Mundorf