Why Do Some People Feel the Divine Liturgy is Boring?

It's understandable that individuals may have different experiences and feelings during the Divine Liturgy if they do not understand its purpose. The Divine Liturgy is a sacred and traditional form of worship that has been passed down from Apostolic times to commune with God.

The Divine Liturgy is a sacred ritual that involves the coming together of the Heavenly Kingdom and earthly life. It is not merely a performance or a formality. It is a time when we can enter into the presence of the God, participate in the mystery of Christ's sacrifice, and receive the actual Body and Blood of Christ. We do this each Liturgy to be cleansed, transformed, and strengthened in our ability to live as He commanded. 

If you find it boring it might be helpful to consider its purpose, to explore its content and identify the symbolism used. Every aspect of it has a spiritual meaning. Better understanding of the Divine Liturgy, will help make it more spiritually beneficial.

The Divine Liturgy encompasses a rich tapestry of traditions, rituals, prayers, readings and hymns that are always changing. Each Liturgy offers a different experience that varies based on the tone of music, the saints or feasts being celebrated, and the period of the liturgical year. This dynamic nature adds depth and variety to the Liturgy.

All senses are stimulated in the Divine Liturgy. The sense of hearing is stimulated by the beautiful music and the sounds of Scripture readings and prayers. The sense of smell is stimulated through the use of incense. The sense of taste is experienced in the taste of Holy Communion. The sense of touch is experienced when we venerate icons, when we kneel, or are blessed with holy water. The sense of sight is stimulated when we see the beauty of the icons, the light of candles, the actions of the processions and the colorful vestments.

There are eight tones of music used during the Divine Liturgy, along with melodies of various hymns that can greatly influence the overall atmosphere and emotional experience. Whether it's solemn chants, joyful hymns, or meditative melodies, the music aims to evoke a particular spiritual disposition, allowing individuals to connect with the sacred in diverse ways. Again remember the purpose, it is to connect with God.

Moreover, the celebration of various saints and feasts throughout the liturgical year brings a unique focus and theme to the Liturgy. This enables us to reflect on different aspects of our faith, commemorate important events in Christian history, and learn from the lives of holy men and women who have exemplified virtues and spiritual journeys.

There is a different Scripture lesson at each Liturgy based on the Church Lectionary, both a Epistle reading and a Gospel reading and then a sermon for understanding. Through these readings we learn about what God expects of us, teaching us how to become like Him for our salvation.

Recognizing the purpose of the Divine Liturgy and its changing nature, we are invited to be receptive and attentive participants seeking communion with God. Approaching the Liturgy with a clear purpose, an open heart filled with love of God, feeling humbled by our struggle to live up to His teachings, and seeking to receive the spiritual nourishment, the Divine Liturgy provides an opportunity for personal transformation and growth, fostering a deeper connection with God.

Some people develop an irreverent habit of coming late to the service and some even come after the sacred Scripture readings. This should be avoided. It indicates a lack in understanding the purpose of the Liturgy and lack of reverence toward God. For Orthodox Christians attending a Divine Liturgy is not something we do to fulfill some kind of obligation. It should be an intentional choice to enter a sacred space with the purpose to commune with God. This choice should be made based on love of God and a sincere desire to commune with Him. 

It is also important to properly prepare before attending the Liturgy. We are expected to be living an Orthodox way of life with a daily prayer routine, regular repentance, fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays, and helping others. We should settle all our grievances before attending, asking for forgiveness and forgiving the transgressions of others. There is also a fast required beginning at midnight before a Liturgy where we have nothing to eat or drink. This enhances our desire, our sincerity, in anticipating a divine meal of His Body and Blood, an indescribable gift, that is offered in Holy Communion.

Remember that the Divine Liturgy, calls us to a deeper level of engagement and understanding, inviting us to commune with God, to grow in faith, humility, and love. The Liturgy is not intended to entertain or provide instant gratification. While it's natural to experience moments of restlessness or find certain aspects less engaging, approaching the Liturgy with the right purpose and understanding can open a receptive attitude leading to a more profound and transformative spiritual experience.

Reference

Divine Liturgy Explained: https://www.orthodoxprayer.org/Divine_Liturgy/Divine Liturgy-Introduction.html