Or is that WARship? That is not meant to be taken from my Pennsylvania accent, but from what were once called “the worship wars.” When the “new music” came on the scene, many predicted the worship war was upon us. Fortunately, that has dissipated. But there is another worship WAR going on-all focused around this question:
WHAT. IN. THE. WORLD. IS. WORSHIP. ANYWAY?
I think, and I can may be wrong, one of the reasons we even have to ask that question is that we just don’t grasp what worship is. A.W. Tozer is correct when he says, “Worship is the missing jewel of the church.” I am beginning a 10 week series on “Signs” (Did you break out in song? “Signs, signs, everywhere are signs/ clogging up the scenery, breaking my mind/do this, don’t do that/ Can’t you read the signs?”), which is actually short for “10 Signs of a Maturing Christian.” For the next 10 weeks I plan to take a look at some very practical signs of maturity and growth in a person’s individual life. In all honesty, until we get the “Worship thing” right, we are going to have trouble with the other 9.
I am going to spend some time in Psalm 95 this Sunday. I don’t know if you can find a more complete chapter in the Bible on worship. I’m going to give you a little heads-up about part of the message for Sunday. Here is your “homework.” Four Scriptural examples. What do they say about worship?
- I Samuel 13: 8-14
- Leviticus 10:1-3
- John 4 (particularly verses 20-24)
- I Samuel 15
Monday morning’s post will highlight some of the main thoughts from the message and also give my thoughts on these four passages. I would appreciate your prayers as I begin this series. Thanks ahead of time. Let me ask you: besides the “homework” what are your thoughts on worship-general or specific?
Thanks once again to Dan Drewes for the banner. He took my idea and totally made it better. 🙂
One more thought: I know this Sunday is the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. Right or wrong we will not be making a big focus on it. However, I would like to suggest that you take the time to read Moe’s post from Wednesday here. it is one of the finest articles on the subject you will read, and you will definitely see the connection to this post on worship.
Using my pastor’s definition, I’d say worship is a whole-hearted submission and commitment to God in spirit and truth.
I’ll be praying for you and the church community.
Good definition Mercy. Thanks for the prayers.
worship is when we slow down long enough to just enjoy God.
Instead of running @ 80 mph all of the time…we just slow down & bask in His presence.
The music helps.
Being with other believers helps too. But for me, worship is letting down my defenses, my agenda, and my to-do list for God so that my time with Him is about Him…not me.
Praying for you brother
All the outside stuff can help but you are right Craig, it is you and God that matter. Praying you have a good “story” to tell after this weekend of worship. Thanks for the comment.
I know this is often said, but worship is a lifestyle, a 24/7 thing. It’s so much more than music and feelings.
Will definitely be praying for you and your church community. Props to Dan for the banner!
O and yes Moe’s post was fantastic.
Totally agree about the 24/7 Jon. Thanks for the prayers. Will tell about your kudos. Glad you liked Moe’s post. Thanks for coming by.
I often find that worship is something that we prepare to do. We plan it, we strategize it and work to hard at it. Worship is the language of the Christian. It’s not only what we do on Sunday, or during our gatherings. Worship is what and who we are.
I’ll be praying for this sermon Bill. Thanks for the link up too. I appreciate that.
Worship the King!
Worship the King for sure Moe! I like what you say: what and who we are. You’re welcome about the shout out. I told you in my comments that it was a fantastic one. Others needed to read it. Thanks for the input.
I would have to agree with Jon that worship, I believe, is meant to be 24/7 365… ongoing and continual… Do I honestly think I will achieve that? not hardly! However, as I interact with my family, my coworkers, my friends, strangers, the key is that they see less of me and more of Jesus.
Your last statement is key Ryan: less of me and more of Jesus. That, after all, is to be our purpose. Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to comment. 🙂
I find worship to be something that is confusing for most people. We call songs worship songs, some call their church service a worship service, others call times of prayer worship. I find all to be right because as it has been said – worship is a lifestyle but I see it as more than that – I see it as life itself.
Moe’s post is a definitely worth the short time it takes to read.
I have been batting around ideas of how to have 9/11 remembered in the service here. I think I might start our time of prayer out with a time of silence then I will pray for those family members and others who were affected and then transition into the prayer needs of our church.
Man, Jim, you hit on something important-all of those should be seen as worship/part of our worship. Good idea about the remembrance for Sunday. Thanks.
Hi Bill,
I like the idea of an outward expression displaying worship. The Bible does talk about what is inside the heart will come outside and be seen.
At the summer fair this year my friend and I went to a free concert. April Wine. She is 15 years younger than me, so she wanted to go. I witnessed young people raising their hands and bowing down toward the band during a couple of songs. These acts were clearly acts of worship to anyone looking.
I guess that’s why I like times of raising my hands when worshipping God. I concentrate on God when the band sings. The words cause me to show my worship and express my adoration through my outward acts.
I think that this is scriptural. David’s tent worship in Jerusalem was set up this way. And David’s tent is the one God declares in scripture that he will re-build.
Worship is also other things. Obedience, valueing God and his commands, devotions, standing up for the things of God when we are challenged, etc.
Heartfelt, outward displays are good Linda. I love to raise my hands in worship but not just on any song but on one that is honoring God at that point. Worship is done in many different ways and to many different things. Thanks.
Some may think this is overused, but I do not think it can be repeated enough:
Overused? No. Under-practiced? Most definitely. Thanks for the Scripture Dusty.
Great. Now that song’s in my head.
Thanks.
Really. 🙁
I know you are sad Jason for the same reason I am: it has nothing to do with us! 😛
I am looking forward to this series! My own ideas of what corporate worship should look like have changed over the years. I assume that it is mostly *opinion* so I don’t talk much about it. I am interested in what you will have to say about that.
My ideas have changed a bunch also Lori. I have done a whole series on worship but this will be a one time shot. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts though. Blog about them. 🙂 Thanks for coming by.
Worship:
Certainly a defined method of bringing glory to the God all mighty be it in prayer, dancing, rejoicing, or song.
Personnaly, I put in a great deal of emotion in music ( If you call my singing and playing music, actually music). It is a way for me to reach out to God and edify His name. I think I am in good company in this respect based on the Psalms in scriptures.
So many tunes really touch me deeply in expressing my love for God that if I didn’t sing out in Joy I would explode and self destruct.
I am praying for you new series and will now attempt to study the homework. Never was very good at following directions correctly.
Music is definitely a tool for worship larry. And it is a good thing that God doesn’t really care what we sound like because it would not be pretty for me if He didn’t. 🙂 Thanks for your prayers.
Worship to me is stopping all the distractions of life and giving God the praise and credit for who he is and what he has done for me. It is a time of hearfelt thanksgiving to the creator of all things and from whom all blessings flow.
Praying for you and the new series.
-Peace