August 2, 2013
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Thoughts on Worship
Worship is a subject dear to my heart. I have read books, attended seminars and workshops and heard sermons about worship. SO much has been written and said about it, but I don’t think it is necessarily all that complicated to understand.Worship (my own definition) is simply giving honor, attention and time to what (who) you love best. Some people worship THINGS. Some may worship a certain lifestyle. I worship almighty God.
(1Chron.16:29 KJV) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
God is so worthy of being loved and worshiped, and worshiping Him is such a satisfying experience. Not everything worshiped gives back, but God does. When we honestly, wholeheartedly give Him our worship, He comes near to us. His presence is the most amazing thing EVER! If you don’t feel Him near, whatever you are doing, it is not worship.
Worship is not so much a style, as an attitude. I know some churches sing three or four fast songs, and then a couple of slow ones. The slow ones are supposed to be worship. Yeah...... Maybe we had a nice song time, but is God there? Is there a sense of reverence and humility as we seek Him and invite Him to come close?
(Psalm 95:1-7) O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.
I have been in some churches where I felt more like I was at a concert than in a worship service. Those on stage seemed more intent on showing off then glorifying Jesus! I have been to some concerts that were DEFINITELY worship! It all depends on the hearts of those leading. If they are looking for praise for themselves, then God is going to stay away from that. If the “worship leader” gets up all.... “Hey, look at me! This song showcases my voice in a great way!” Then it is a concert. Only a concert. If the worship leader steps up with a humble heart that is hungry for God’s presence, God will come.
It isn’t even about how much money was spent on the sound system, or how talented the singers and those playing instruments are. Sure, talented musicians may enhance things, but I have been in services where there were no instruments at all, only one clear, voice leading, yet the presence of God was strong and sweet.
A lot of churches are into banners, streamers, dance and drama. That is cool, and I have no problem with that stuff, as long as it is not just a performance. If I want to see a performance, I can go to the ballet.
Worship is directed to God. It is FOR God. It is ABOUT God. All for Him. Because He deserves it.
Comments (12)
I love praise and worship time at church. I like both the modern songs that I recognize from the Christian radio station I listen to in my car, and I like the old classic hymns too.I've been toseveral churches, including a couple that dim the lights during worship so that people aren't just looking around, judging others, seeing who raises their hands, claps, dances, or bow their heads reverently. It's a private moment felt between the individual and God.
A long time ago I decided a good way to worship God, was to do everything I did to the very best of my ability, ability given to me by the creator. I often remind my coworkers that a wonderful way to honor God is to dedicate the day's work to his name. It makes a miserable or difficult day more joyful in the heart.
Hi Pastor Mae,I have not been that good about worship. I was more interested in the message.I know what you mean about modern church music. One church we attend is wonderful and they are in a new high tech facility. They have strobe lighting, search lights, multiple colored lights, etd with a big band and non-traditional looking choir. I guess it is OK, but sometimes, I wonder.frank
at our prayer group we used to light a candle and put in an empty chair. We haven't done that in a while.
I worry a lot about churches where the worship team seems to be performing - lights, colors, flash and sparkles - and the people might be standing, with a half-dozen hands raised or swaying back and forth. Not that people can't praise God with their hands in their pockets, but it still feels off to me.I wish we could have screens in front of worship teams so we can't see them at all.
Its possible to worship anytime, anywhere. It all depends on our attitude. We usually get too busy to worship our heavenly Father. We forget that He is always with us.
Worshipping a non-existent mythological invention is about as ignorant and ass backwards as it gets. It's time to drop pointless b.s. Just live. Common sense, empathy, reason and knowledge is all we need. Religion is waste of time, and a crutch for the weak of mind. Those are facts, plain and simple.
@Reality_Rules@twitter - Thank you for so eloquently stating your opinion. An opinion is all it is, and you are certainly entitled to it. I tried it your way, and it was not doing anything for me. Reason and knowledge can only take you so far. I would not trade the peace, purpose and joy in my heart for all the "reason, common sense, empathy and knowledge in the world. If loving God is just a crutch... I'll take two!
I think I could have said this verbatim. I agree with everything you have said. Worship is about God and FOR God.
I am back to more time to do Xanga... now if it will only hold out for me! I was so blessed by your post; I totally agree with your message.I believe that my church is blessed by wonderful worship in all of the music that is sung -- mostly accompanied by instrumentals, but other times it is acapella. The entire service is themed -- music, message, and other things too. We sing some louder, fast, lively choruses and hymns, and some quieter, soft, more meditative choruses and hymns. Yes, truly it must be the heart of the ones who participate ... whether the ones on the platform, or the ones in the pew. Have a blessed Lord's Day, Mae. ~ Love you... Carolyn p.s. = I happen to know someone who made a c.d. that is also worshipful!
AMEN! I love to worship.
This is a beautiful post, made me think!! I agree with you!!! ~Linda (cool_mamacita)