service book
Definition
Noun: A book containing the prescribed forms, texts, or rituals for religious services, especially within a Christian church.
Usage
A "service book" is a formal, often liturgical, text used by clergy and sometimes congregations to conduct worship services according to a specific tradition or denomination. It ensures uniformity and correctness in religious ceremonies.
Examples
- The priest opened the service book to the page for the evening prayer.
- Different Christian denominations, such as Anglican, Lutheran, and Catholic, each have their own official service book.
- The choir followed the hymns as listed in the service book.
Advanced Usage
- Liturgical Use: The term is most commonly associated with structured, liturgical Christian traditions. The content is considered authoritative for public worship.
- Historical Context: Many service books, like the , have historical significance, shaping language and religious practice for centuries.
Variants and Related Words
- Missal (n): A service book containing the prayers and rites for the celebration of Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Breviary (n): A service book containing the daily prayers, hymns, and readings for the Divine Office.
- Liturgy (n): The prescribed form for public Christian worship; a service book contains the liturgy.
- Prayer Book (n): A general term often used synonymously with "service book," especially in Protestant traditions.
Synonyms
- Liturgical book
- Prayer book
- Worship book
- Ritual
Related Phrases
- Book of Common Prayer: A specific and famous example of an Anglican service book.
- Order of service: A term for the sequence of a worship event; a service book provides this order in full detail.
Noun
-
a book setting forth the forms of church service
