The Ten Commandments

image from textweek.com

Many people don't know that the 10 Commandments are numbered differently by various faith communities. Growing up as a Protestant, I learned that the first commandment is, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). The second is in the next verse: "You shall not make for yourself an idol..." Then the numbering goes on for commandments 3 through 10, ending with "You shall not covet..." (Exodus 20:17). However, Roman Catholics and Lutherans use a different numbering scheme. Their first commandment is longer, wrapping up both of the Protestant commandments 1 and 2. Then the Catholic/Lutheran numbering continues on, one number different from the Protestant system, until Exodus 20:17. At that point they split that final verse into two -- making up a ninth and a tenth commandment that are both about coveting. And these are not the only two numbering schemes; there are others for Jewish traditions. Confused? This link will take you to a chart that shows how the verses break down according to 7 different faith traditions.

The 10 Commandments can play a meaningful role in your congregation's worship. My prayer for the worldwide church is that responsive readings will make a comeback. They are a great way for the laity to participate in the service. It strikes me as strange that many congregations aren't using responses in an age when it is super-easy to project words on a screen. In any case, here is a responsive reading/prayer using the Ten Commandments ( from The Book of Common Prayer page 350). Give it a try in your church some Sunday.

Hear the commandments of God to his people:

I am the Lord your God who brought you out of bondage.

You shall have no other gods but me.

Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not make for yourself any idol.

Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not invoke with malice the Name of the Lord your God. 

Amen. Lord have mercy.

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

Amen. Lord have mercy.

Honor your father and your mother.

Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit murder.

Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit adultery.

Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not steal.

Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not be a false witness.

Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. 

Amen. Lord have mercy.