Worship: A Universal Discipline
Randy Mayfield, a worship leader and missions pastor at Central Presbyterian Church, explains that “Worship is not just the music part but worship is who we are.” This idea may seem contrary because Mr. Mayfield’s job consists of leading musical worship. However, it is true that the spiritual discipline of worship is much more than music or singing because with this interpretation worship would be a divisive tool, done only by a select group of people. Oftentimes, the spiritual discipline of worship is seen as a performance by those with musical talents and abilities but worship actually unites Christians through a similar emotional response to God’s redemptive grace.
Worship means more than half-hearted singing …show more content…
Worship does not simply need to be confined to a church, it is a way of living that allows the fullness of God to radiate in everyday activities. When the author of Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster, sought to practice worship in his everyday life his "desire was to punctuate each minute with inward whispering of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving" (Foster 162). He also argues that Christians should "have many different experiences of worship. Worship God when you are alone. Have home groups not just for Bible study, but for the very experience of worship itself. [...] All of these little experiences of worship will empower and impact the larger Sunday gatherings" (171). A common misconception about worship is that it can only take place in a traditional or structured setting such as church or youth group. However, worship is so much more than showing up to church on Sundays. It is a way to live life, appreciating the gift of grace God that has given to every person. As Foster explains, Christians should have “many different experiences” of worship in order to better prepare their hearts for Sunday service and also to learn which worship practice they prefer. By practicing worship in many different forms, from small groups to simply praising God while doing mundane tasks, a better understanding of worship is reached. Also, through this practice, Christians are able to better understand the essence of worship; a complete life dedication and praise to God in all areas and aspects of
Randy Mayfield, a worship leader and missions pastor at Central Presbyterian Church, explains that “Worship is not just the music part but worship is who we are.” This idea may seem contrary because Mr. Mayfield’s job consists of leading musical worship. However, it is true that the spiritual discipline of worship is much more than music or singing because with this interpretation worship would be a divisive tool, done only by a select group of people. Oftentimes, the spiritual discipline of worship is seen as a performance by those with musical talents and abilities but worship actually unites Christians through a similar emotional response to God’s redemptive grace.
Worship means more than half-hearted singing …show more content…
Worship does not simply need to be confined to a church, it is a way of living that allows the fullness of God to radiate in everyday activities. When the author of Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster, sought to practice worship in his everyday life his "desire was to punctuate each minute with inward whispering of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving" (Foster 162). He also argues that Christians should "have many different experiences of worship. Worship God when you are alone. Have home groups not just for Bible study, but for the very experience of worship itself. [...] All of these little experiences of worship will empower and impact the larger Sunday gatherings" (171). A common misconception about worship is that it can only take place in a traditional or structured setting such as church or youth group. However, worship is so much more than showing up to church on Sundays. It is a way to live life, appreciating the gift of grace God that has given to every person. As Foster explains, Christians should have “many different experiences” of worship in order to better prepare their hearts for Sunday service and also to learn which worship practice they prefer. By practicing worship in many different forms, from small groups to simply praising God while doing mundane tasks, a better understanding of worship is reached. Also, through this practice, Christians are able to better understand the essence of worship; a complete life dedication and praise to God in all areas and aspects of