prediken

Prediken is a sermon, a formal religious speech delivered during a Christian worship service. It is typically delivered by a priest, pastor, or minister and serves to interpret a biblical text, explain its meaning, and apply its message to the lives of listeners. The aim is to instruct, exhort, and encourage faith and ethical conduct. The sermon may be preceded by scripture reading and prayer and is usually followed by a concluding blessing or response.

Sermon construction often follows one of several patterns. An expository sermon centers on a specific passage, explaining its historical context and main message; a topical sermon builds on a theme such as grace or justice. Common elements include an opening, a development of key points, illustrations or anecdotes, and a practical application, ending with a call to action or reflection and a closing prayer. Length can vary from a few minutes to a quarter of an hour or more.

Historically, preaching has been central to Christian worship, especially in Protestant traditions where the sermon became the primary means of teaching doctrine. In Catholic and Orthodox services, a homily or sermon accompanies liturgy but is typically shorter or less programmatic. The term prediken is used in some Scandinavian languages for the sermon; the practice and style vary across denominations, with differences in formality, delivery, and emphasis.

In modern practice, prediken can be delivered in person in churches, or via broadcast media, podcasts, and online platforms, and may be part of sermon series or special themes. Despite stylistic differences, the sermon remains a core tool for interpreting scripture and guiding communal life in many Christian communities.