German Mass

The German Mass was a significant reform of the Christian mass introduced by Martin Luther in 1526. While retaining the basic structure of the traditional service, Luther made theological changes, shifting the emphasis from the reiteration of sacrifice to thanksgiving. He viewed the sacrament of the Lord's Supper as a proclamation of the Gospel, retaining only the words of institution from the prayer of thanksgiving. The sermon became the central part of the worship service due to the importance placed on the Bible. This reform influenced Lutheran worship, emphasizing the proclamation of the Gospel through both the Liturgy of the Word and the Lord's Supper.1