(1) Space: How is the worship/mediation/gathering space laid out? Is there a focal point?Does it create a certain mood (transcendence and awe or intimacy and familiarity)?What does this suggest about the presence of the Divine? Is there art in this space? Whatis it like? What does the art communicate about the sacred?(2) Ritual: What happens? prayer? silence? movement? preaching? music? Is it veryritualistic or more free-flowing? Who are the main actors? What is the attitude of theparticipants? serious? upbeat? inattentive? Does this suggest a sense of the sacred?(3) Words: What is said? How is God or the Divine described, if at all? Do the texts of hymns, prayers, or meditations suggest a particular way of viewing the world, humanbeings, or some form of divinity? What is the “ultimate concern” addressed in the liturgyof the day?(4) People: Who is there? How are people arranged? Is there a visible authority, and if so,what is her/his role? Is gender significant in this gathering, and how can you tell? Howare people (including yourself) responding to the rituals?
