I’m just curious. What is Mormon communal worship like? Is it liturgical? Are there formal, pre-written prayers and responses? Is there a communion service with anything like a Eucharistic Prayer? Are there similarities to the services of the more liturgical Protestant denominations? This could go for Temple services or the ordinary Sunday services (whatever the proper terms for these things are).
Sunday Worship
On Sundays, Latter-day Saints typically attend 3 hours of church. The first hour is known as Sacrament Meeting. Sacrament Meeting is our Communion service. The leader of our local congregations is known as a bishop, and he has 2 counselors, forming a bishopric. The bishop presides during Sacrament Meeting, and either he or one of his counselors conducts the service. Sacrament Meeting begins with any announcements (such as events occurring in the coming week), followed by an Opening Hymn. After the Opening Hymn, an Opening Prayer is given by a member of the congregation.
Following the Opening Prayer, matters of church business occur. During this time, if a member of the congregation has received a calling (such as being called as a Sunday School teacher), this is announced, the person stands, and we raise our right hands to sustain/support them in their calling. Also, other ordinances can occur during this time, such as Confirmation or Naming and Blessing Children.
After that, a Sacrament Hymn (a hymn about Communion, Christ’s sacrifice, etc) is sung. During the Sacrament Hymn, young men and/or adults that are ordained to the priesthood break the bread that will be blessed. Following the Sacrament Hymn, the bread and water (we do not use wine or grape juice) are blessed by the priesthood, and passed to the congregation to partake.
After that, a sermon, known as a talk, is given by a member of the congregation on an assigned topic. Following that, an Intermediate Hymn is sung by the congregation, and a second talk is given by a member of the congregation. Sometimes, if a Church authority is visiting, such as a Temple President, they will give a talk as well.
Following that, closing remarks are given by the bishop, a Closing Hymn is sung, and a Closing Prayer is given by a member of the congregation.
It is very simple in comparison to Mass. We don’t have candles, incense, or images inside the actual chapel (though images are found in the hallways of the church, as well as throughout our temples). Also, you remain seated throughout the Sacrament service, including during prayer.
After Sacrament Meeting, there is Sunday School, where we study the scriptures. Each year is dedicated to studying a certain scripture, such as the Old Testament (in addition to the Pearl of Great Price), New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants and Church History. While that is the main class, other classes also occur during this Second Hour, such as Temple Preparation, Marriage Preparation, Gospel Principles (for new members/converts and those learning about the Church), Mission Preparation, Family History, etc. There are also classes for children under 12, known as Primary.
After the Sunday School hour, the Final Hour takes place. During this time, we separate into groups for men (various Priesthood groups) and women (the Relief Society). During this time, a lesson is given from a manual on a Gospel topic, or on teachings from various Church leaders. In Priesthood meetings, ordinations can also take place.
And that’s generally what happens on a typical Sunday in a Latter-day Saint church. On First Sundays of the month, instead of the typical Sacrament Meeting, we have a Fast and Testimony Meeting. Members typically fast for two meals (and donate the money saved), then during church, those that feel the desire to share their testimonies with the congregation.
