Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents:

Part I.A narrative and liturgical-ritual analysis of liturgy and stories of suffering --

A narrative analysis of liturgy --

Liturgy through the lens of narrative-ritual polarities --

Themes in addressing suffering through liturgy --

Suffering in worship: empirical perspectives --

Part II. Liturgical theology: human tears and divine tears --

Connections: human tears and divine tears --

Remembering --

Remembering suffering --

When stories meet: liturgy as transformation and healing --

A communal and liturgical spirituality of reconciliation --

Conclusion.

How does the universal experience of suffering relate to the experience of worship? Questioning how Anglican liturgy welcomes people who are suffering, this book uniquely applies a narrative-ritual model for the analysis of both the liturgical text and worship services themselves.

In this book, van Ommen draws on interviews with participants in worship as well as clergy. Highlighting several elements in the liturgy which address suffering, including the Eucharist, songs, sermons and prayers of intercession, he shows the significance of a warm and safe liturgical community as a necessary context for suffering people to find consolation. This book also uses the concept of remembrance to plead for liturgy that attends to the suffering of both God and people. As such, it will be of interest to scholars of pastoral theology as well as clergy.