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March 2004 Table of Contents
Special Feature
Modes of Worship
Part One of a Four-Part Series
By Mark Garner
Associate Pastor, Worship and Creative Arts
First Baptist Church, Hurst, TX
The Goal
If as Christian worship leaders we say we believe the Bible, then our worship services must be biblical. If they are to be biblical, then they must include the elements/acts found in the Bible.
It's always about the heart. All our worship must flow from a pure heart. Jesus in Matthew 15:7-9 referenced the passage in Isaiah when confronting the Pharisees by calling them "Hypocrites." In 1 Kings 8:39, we are reminded that only God knows the real hearts of each man and He alone knows our motives. In Jeremiah he reminds us that He alone will put His law in their minds and will write it on their hearts. So all worship begins, especially for those in leadership, with a heart check.
We will be looking at these various modes of worship during these next four articles. These include a brief description of the element, mode, or act of worship along with the biblical references, followed by an Explanation: of the element/mode in light of scripture, and then a few application suggestions for your worship services. Remember as a worship leader, you are teaching theology as you lead in worship, and the question we should be asking each other is, "IS OUR THEOLOGY BIBLICAL?" As you lead, remember the opportunity you have to teach through example, modeling, and, yes, even taking time to give clear Explanation:s as to why you do what you do.
Element #1
"Shouting Praises to the Lord"
Biblical References: Psalms 33:3; Psalms 66:1-2; Psalms 81:1-2; Psalms 95:1
Explanation: Simply means "SHOUT TO THE LORD!"
There is a release that happens spiritually when we shout TO the Lord. We shout FOR the victory that has already taken place.
Application: Begin by planting a seed by singing about it. Use such songs as "Shout to The Lord" by Darlene Zschech, "Shout to the Lord" by Kevin Prosch, "Shout for God has given us this City" by Don Moen/Terry Brooks. (There are over 510 songs with the word shout listed in a search for the word "shout" in songselect alone) See www.songselectlyrics.com for more information.
Use songs that include shouting "Freedom" by Darrell Evans. Give a brief explanation of the background of shouting to the Lord and use the spoken phrase in the song "There is Freedom!" to allow your people to maybe ease into shouting. You'll be surprised how some people are just waiting for the opportunity to express a shout, because of what the Lord has done in their hearts.
Move to times of worship where shouting is directed and modeled. Use the story of Joshua at the battle of Jericho.
ELEMENT #2
"The Ministry of Silence (Selah)"
Biblical References: Ecclesiastes 3:7; Habakkuk 2:20; Psalms 46:10
Explanation: The word Selah is a Hebrew word meaning "to meditate, or be silent or to pray."
Often we can mistake our loudness for worship or silence for a lull in worship. There are over 400 songs that use the word "silence" or "quiet." Isn't it interesting that the same God that calls us to shout calls us at times to be silent?
It seems that worshipers in the time of David were accustomed to moments of silence in the Tabernacle.
Silence can be liberating as we still our hearts and minds to listen to His still small voice.
Application: Practice silence in your own life. As a leader be at peace with silence in worship. The worship may be going more places than you could have ever imagined, even though the congregation is enveloped in silence.
Anticipate and allow for planned times of silence and for spontaneous times of being quiet before the Lord.
ELEMENT #3
"Kneeling in Worship"
Biblical References: Psalms 95:6; Philippians 2:9-11; Ephesians 3:14
Explanation: Simply meant, "Kneel before the King."
Worship in the Old Testament usually means "Shaha" to bow, kneel, or prostrate one's self.
Often these physical directives in the scripture carry with them a sense of moving our body into a position to seek the Lord wholeheartedly.
It has been said that a reverent Jew would seldom worship standing up.
Application: Practice kneeling in your secret times of worship.
Model kneeling in worship, during songs, during prayer times, during moments of silence.
Sing songs that speak of kneeling and allow the congregation to sing them on bended knees.
ELEMENT#4
"The Congregational Amen"
Biblical References: 1 Chronicles 16:36; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 106:48; Deuteronomy 27:14-26
Explanation: A spoken "Amen" (SO-BE-IT) In Revelation 3:14 Christ is referred to as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness." It is used here in direct relation to the terms true and faithful, and emphasizes Christ and His message, the embodiment of TRUTH (John 14:6; 17:17). These verses conclusively show the word's scriptural meaning.
Moses' directions for worship included, "and all the people shall say AMEN."
After hearing Ezra read the law, all the people raised their hands and shouted, "AMEN."
Paul refers to the people's "AMEN" of thanksgiving.
The Hebrew "Amen" has the force of strong affirmation or assent, usually to something spoken by another. During the reformation, Martin Luther interpreted the "Amen" as an expression of "firm and hearty belief."
Application: Use the Amen both directed and spontaneous.
Use readings either scripture or other Christian readings with an inserted pause, allowing for the "Amen & Amen" to be given vocally. One reading that works nice is the "Te Deum" that can be found at the following link: home.earthlink.net/~thesaurus/thesaurus/Trinitas/TeDeum.html
Know your congregation - the idea is of a vocal response of agreement, some have changed the "amen" to "so-be-it," "yes, we believe" or "yes it is so"-follow the Spirit's leading.
ELEMENT #5
"Raised Heads-Lifting of The Eyes (gaze) to Heaven"
Biblical References: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 24:7-9; Luke 21:28
Explanation: Lifting of the HEAD or EYES upwards in worship.
Application: Use songs dealing with the eyes "I Lift My Eyes Up" (Vineyard - Brian Doerkson).
Actually give directions-to make it clear you may want to write out exactly what you're going to say.
Read the various scriptures listed and give an explanation of the act. You may want to research and share the significance of the eyes as "windows into the soul," with various scriptures that deal with the eyes. Remember you are a worship developer. Even in the midst of the flow of worship, you can take time to explain and educate to your congregation on what these simple acts of worship mean and exactly how they are carried out. This article link has other references to "lifted eyes:" xww.redbay.com/ekklesia/lifteyes.htm
ELEMENT # 6 "Bowed Heads"
Biblical References: Genesis 19:1; Isaiah 58:5; Micah 6:6
Explanation: The act of bowing is a symbol of reverence and acknowledgement of royalty. Bowing as an act of spiritual reflection has often been associated only with Asian spiritual practices. Yet while Buddhists perform the act of bowing in the traditional sense, Christians kneel for morning prayers, Muslims turn east to Mecca for the first salat (prayer) of the day, and Jews shuffle while praying. No matter what form the practice takes, the intent is the same: to physically express spiritual aspirations, humility, gratitude, and respect through bending the body.
Application: Bowing can be modeled during times of singing or praying. It also can accompany kneeling, but also could be done by bending at the waist. Use of bowing works well with "That's why we praise Him, .That's why we bow down, and worship this King" Tommy Walker.
This act is one that can be modeled, and also explained and directed.
"Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down" Tim Hughes.
ELEMENT #7
"Lying Prostrate before the Lord"
Biblical References: 1 Chronicles 29:20; Nehemiah 8:6; 1 Kings 18:39; Numbers 24:4; Deuteronomy 9:18 & 25; 1 Samuel 24:8
Explanation: Simply stated, "Lying in a prostrate (stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission) position before the Lord." It is seen as a variation of "bowing low."
The passage in 1 Chronicles suggests that one day they "bowed low and fell prostrate before the Lord"-then the next day they were filled with great joy "in the presence of the Lord," could it be that true humility before the Lord is a prerequisite for true joy?
Nehemiah says "their FACES were to the ground" and Nehemiah 24:16 says, that after they fell prostrate (flat)-"their eyes were opened." (spiritual significance)
Application: After Moses broke the first set of "Ten Commandments" he "once again fell prostrate before the Lord for 40 days & 40 nights." It was in this position Moses repented and in Deuteronomy 9:19, Moses reveals, "again the Lord listened to me."
Many of these elements of worship would be practiced if we simply gave people permission visually and verbally along with a simple explanation.
Coming in the next issue are 7 more acts of worship including: Declaring our thanks, the use of affirmations of faith or creeds, Singing psalms, singing hymns, singing spiritual songs, singing new songs, and the use of times of confessions.
Mark's "Modes of Worship" teaching seminar is available on CD, and has been formatted for a "thirty days of praise" emphasis that involves 30 daily emails highlighting one act of worship a day. If you have further questions on materials available or other thoughts on "Modes of Worship," you can reach Mark via e-mail:
mark@firsthurst.com
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