Chapter 17 The Letter of James and the Divine Liturgy
In: “To Recover What Has Been Lost”: Essays on Eschatology, Intertextuality, and Reception History in Honor of Dale C. Allison Jr.Search for other papers by Alicia J. Batten in
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Abstract
This essay begins by addressing how liturgical traditions may have played a role in shaping the Letter of James before it turns to the role of James itself within Christian liturgy. In particular, the essay explores the use of James within the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine rite. In this context, Jas 1:17a appears in a final prayer of the Dismissal. Every time the Divine Liturgy takes place, worshippers are reminded that God is a provider of every good and perfect gift and a “Father of Lights” before they leave the sanctuary. Research in cognitive science has demonstrated that the manner in which people imagine the deity during prayer influences people cognitively and bodily. Moreover, ritual—which involves repetitive and sensory experiences—is a powerful means of shaping identity and perspective. Although it is impossible to measure its precise impact, the perception of God as a beneficent deity and provider of good gifts within the context of the rituals and prayers of the Divine Liturgy may therefore play a significant role in the cultivation of the Christian life.