Formula missae et communionis pro ecclesia Vuittembergensi (1523) is a 16th-century tract on the reform of the Latin liturgy composed by Martin Luther for Lutheran churches in Wittenberg, Germany. The Formulae Missae was included in Luther's "scriptural correctives" which was how he intended to align the inherited liturgies with the Bible. He particularly targeted the Canon Missae with recommendations on what to omit or modify. His subsequent Deutsche Masse (1526) was a vernacular mass, which adopted the ideas from the Formula Missae.
Formula missae was not itself a new mass, but rather an outline and guide for using the existing missals and office books in Latin, with the primary difference being the omission of the Canon of the Mass. It was not prescriptive for Lutherans in general, but was widely influential as Lutherans sought to bring their worship into harmony with their theology.
It was followed three years later by the Deutsche Messe (German Mass), a guide to mass in the vernacular, but the Latin liturgy for both mass and office continued in use in various Lutheran churches and cathedrals for more than two centuries afterward, still guided by the influence of Luther's Formula missae.
Parts Introit Kyrie Gloria in Excelsis Deo Collect Epistle Gradual or Alleluia Gospel (optionally with candles and incensation) Nicene Creed Sermon Preface Eucharistic Prayer Sanctus (including elevation of the elements during the Benedictus) Lord's Prayer Pax Distribution during Agnus Dei (the pastor communicating first himself and then the congregation) Collect Benedicamus Benediction
External links "Liturgies of Luther" article from Christian Cyclopedia "A Brief Exposition of the Divine Service (archived version) "The German Mass and Order of Divine Service by Martin Luther, January 1526" (archived version)
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