Which term best describes the People’s response in worship?

• A. Doxology
• B. Canticle
• C. Acclamation
• D. Litany

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is the way the assembly responds with a brief, affirmative expression in worship. An acclamation is a quick, enthusiastic outburst of praise or agreement by the people—things like “Amen,” “Praise the Lord,” or “Hallelujah”—that follows a statement, blessing, or moment led by the officiant. It’s about the congregation’s immediate, communal response rather than a structured hymn or prayer.

This best fits because it specifically names the act of responding with a short, vocal declaration of praise or assent. Doxology refers to a formal hymn of praise to God, often a set sung praise rather than a general response. A canticle is a specific scripted hymn or song, usually drawn from Scripture, used in liturgy. A litany is a longer, call-and-response prayer with repeated petitions. None of these capture the everyday, succinct response described by acclamation as clearly as the term acclamation does.