From the Lutheran Liturgy yahoo list…
This concern/question led ot an interesting reference.
The use of the Litany or Suffrages during Lent can leave some
> people "cold." It seems that when these worship forms are
> spoken it becomes just so much repetition and mere words.
> I'm sure that when these forms are sung or chanted their
> content and significance are enhanced. However, this is not
> always feasible. So to counteract the possible discounting
> of these ancient forms, is there a succinct historical
> summary of their origin, purpose, and usage in the early
> church as well as in the Reformation tradition? Something
> suitably simple for distribution to confirmands, for example?
> Internet accessible would be preferable, but any suitable
> resource will be appreciated.
One source: Fegley, Charles K. The bidding prayer, litany and suffrages, v.7 of Memoirs of the Lutheran Liturgical Association. Pittsburg : The Association, 1906-1907.
http://www.archive.org/details/memoirsofluthera00luth
