The Hymn of the Day: A Historical-Liturgical Evaluation and Contemporary Application

Abstract

The Hymn of the Day as a part of Lutheran worship, developed at a time and within the context of an emphatic refocusing on the Word of God. Within that development it came to tie all the scriptural elements within that service together, while simultaneously highlighting the distinctive characteristics of the Proper for the week. How does this look today? How is this plan executed (or excluded) within Lutheran congregations today? Why is this the case? By examining the writings and perspectives as the Hymn of the Day came in and out of Lutheran worship orders, this thesis shows how the Hymn of the Day came from a time when Lutheran focus on the Word was at its highest point, how the concept of a Hymn of the Day became an important piece in the service of the Word, and why preachers and worship planners ought to strongly consider including such a Hymn of the Day plan within their many and varied worship contexts today.