I'm doing some thinking and I could really use the community's help. To be honest, I think that I'm stuck in some really old thinking. My idea of "proper" praise and worship comes from experiences that are now sixteen or seventeen years old. When I think of praise, I think of exuberant dancing before the Lord. When I think of worship, I think of being laid out before the Lord with tears streaming down my face. As a result of my understanding, I have placed expectations on how I think others should respond or connect with God through music. Expectations can be the breeding ground of miracles OR they can be the cause of judgment and disappointment because what I am looking for in others is unrealistic or the results of a misunderstanding.So, here is what I need from you: What is it in music that helps you connect with God? Is it a connection with emotion? Is it that the lyrics speak to an experience that you are living? Does music allow you to bypass your intellect and release your soul?
When that connection comes (if it does come), what is your natural physical response? Do you want to sit down and be quiet? Do you want to dance?
Does just listening to the music feel like a participation to you? If the musician connects with God in some way, is that good enough for you or do you need to make a connection on your own?
Wow, what a bunch of questions! Please help. So...what do you think?
6 comments:
I think since I usually have a favorite song of the week or month that it is probably that the words of a song are something that I relate to in my life at that time. Sometimes it is the music of the song and not so much the words. It just depends. It is hard to explain.
I have a hard time with the new types of worship such as what you and Denny had in Chicago on "that" night that touched Denny so. Denny still holds that as one of his most precious times for him, but to me I struggle with that. I guess I am old fashioned and or traditional, but it is probably more that I am afraid to step out into something new. I do admire people who sing, play an instrument or dance in their praise and worship. I wish that I could do that, but I get so self conscious about what I am doing that God gets lost in the process for me. I know that is a me issue and not a God issue though.
Since God made us all so differently, I am sure we are all made to minister to the Lord differently in praise and worship.
I have thought about this for a while today. I am like Lisa, it really depends on the moment. Sometimes the words, sometimes the music. I know one thing, if it isn't annointed, it does nothing for me.
Music is my favorite thing. Lots of days I will get my CD player and just sit and listen to the music. It takes me out of this world and into God's presence. When you are in His presence you can hear and see things so differently. You are a changed person when you come out. Just like PBR talking about worshipping God whhile playing the piano.
There are some songs that I can listen to everyone and his brother sing and they don't do a thing for me. Then you let another person sing it and it touches you to the core. For example, I Can Only Imagine. It is a good song. I have heard alot of singers sing it. I love the song. But it doesn't do a thing to me until I hear Jonathon Roberts sing it. For some reason, all he has to do is strum one chord on his guitar and I lose it. For me, he has a different annointing for that song than others do. I cry eveyrtime. I was sitting at my table a few days ago just talking to GOd. All of a sudden, I heard Jonathon singing that song and I started crying.
I don't think it really matters how you praise and worship or to what kind of music as long as it is done to God and not caring what others like or don't like.
For me, the words are what I connect to, but that is what I like about any song not just songs for church. I love music because it seems like other people have been blessed with such great talent for expressing the perfect words to either tell God what I am feel about Him or express what I am feeling in general at a given moment. I can't ever think of those beautiful words or melodies so I feel so lucky to even have access to someone else's thoughts and descriptions. Primarily, praise and worship is a time that I can clearly focus on God. I don't know why it is easier, but that is the easiest time for me.
Sometimes, I feel like it is a time for encouragement and warfare for others. The words of the songs give me a way to encourage someone or even a way to pray for someone who is struggling. I can feel that my dancing, singing, and praying is pushing through a way for someone to get to God. That sounds crazy, but I really believe that is how it works sometimes.
I guess this is something that is totally individual. I am someone who desires to express myself openly. My sons not so much. I think for them it does not feel like worship if they are not being somber. For me it is a emotional connection that can come from the words to a song, a melody, the message or even others reaction to any of the above. Is there a right was to properly praise, I don't think so. I do however think that those who are able to let go get more out of the time with the Lord. I hope this helps to answer your question.
So I am in church today and the song "Standard of Praise" comes up. I could not help but think about this blog. I was also thinking about my sons and their manner of worship compared to my own. My way is to express myself openly. My sons way is to be very stoic and somber.(I guess this is from telling them to contain themselves when I am talking as a show of respect) We are to come to the Lord as children. So I see this as permission to be expressive and free in my worship. I also see this as being mature in my worship because I am comfortable being free. My sons see being mature in their worship as coming to the Lord in a quiet way. I don't know maybe I am rambling. Either way thanks for listening. :)
So...you on vacation or what?
Post a Comment