📖 Biblical Definition
The Votum (Latin "vow") is the opening declaration of dependence in classical Reformed worship: "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 124:8). Spoken by the minister at the very beginning of the service, before the Call to Worship, it is a brief vow placing the worship and the congregation under God’s name and protection. The whole service is hereby acknowledged as God-dependent — without His help no true worship can ascend. Calvin’s Geneva liturgy used it; the Dutch Reformed tradition still does. The Votum trains the soul: every Sunday begins not with welcome, music, or announcements, but with the explicit, scriptural confession that the LORD alone is our help.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The Reformed opening declaration of dependence.
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The opening element in classical Reformed worship — a brief vow drawn from Psalm 124:8 ('Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth') placing the gathered service under God's covenant name; precedes the salutation of grace.
📖 Key Scripture
Psalm 124:8 — "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:2 — "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."
Psalm 20:7 — "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Lost in many evangelical services; the votum's confession of dependence orients the whole service rightly.
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The votum is one verse spoken at the start: our help is in the name of the LORD. Spoken weekly, it shapes a congregation's entire spiritual posture. Recover this small Reformed treasure.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Latin votum — vow.
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['Latin', '—', 'votum', 'vow, prayer']
['Hebrew', 'H5828', 'ezer', 'help']
Usage
"Recover the votum from Psalm 124:8."
"Our help is in the name of the LORD."