What do rubrics refer to in liturgical churches?

In liturgical churches, rubrics refer to directions or instructions found in a prayer book or liturgical manual. These guidelines typically dictate how various worship services and rituals should be conducted, ensuring that the practices are done in an orderly and standardized manner within the tradition of the church. The term "rubric" originates from the Latin word "rubrica," which means red, indicating that these instructions were often written in red ink to distinguish them from the main text.

Understanding this context emphasizes the importance of rubrics in maintaining the integrity and consistency of worship practices across different services. This ensures that leaders and participants alike are aware of the established procedures, contributing to a structured and reverent worship experience.