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The Lord’s Prayer—Bell Ringing
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| Written by David Hudson |
| During our liturgies, while the congregation prays together the Lord's Prayer, you may have noticed that a bell in the tower is being rung (or rung via the pipe organ). Although a 20th century interpretation of this practice suggests that (1) the rings recall the Holy Trinity or (2) the three rings represent God, Jesus, and the coming of God's Kingdom as evidenced by the words which invoke the striking of the bell. However, this old practice is not for the sake of the congregation at worship inside the building. In most churches that ring the Lord's Prayer Bell, it is the smallest of the bells which is rung, and easily identified. The intention is that those who are unable to attend, and within earshot, will be able to hear the bell being rung and participate with the congregation in praying the Lord's Prayer. Usually bells have names, and this one is always called the "Pater," after the Latin name of the prayer, Pater Noster, or Our Father. In Germany this bell was often called the "Kartoffelglock" (Potato Bell). In many places it was the custom for the servants to attend worship early in the morning, a shorter service, and then to return home to prepare the meal for the family whom they served. The family would attend the later and longer service; so when the servants in charge of the meal heard the Pater (Lord's Prayer Bell) being rung they could both pray with the congregation where the master was worshiping, and know that it was time to put the potatoes on to cook because the family would soon be home for the noon meal, hence, the “potato bell.” (adapted from Zion Lutheran Church, Indiana, PA. website) 12-04-2008
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