Praise and worship is my favorite way to be with God. Perhaps I should say that Bible study or prayer or some other discipline is my favorite so that I sound super spiritual. I love those other ways of spending time with God too, but praise and worship – singing and music – are the BEST!
Of course every church conducts praise and worship times differently. On one extreme, some churches sing traditional hymns the numbers of which are posted on a wooden board at both sides of the pulpit - #126, #52, #221. They use an organ to accompany the congregation, only an organ. They don’t clap after the song, and they especially don’t clap during the song.
On the other extreme (as though I’ve been exposed to so many different church worship experiences), some churches sing contemporary songs from the radio. They have a band with electric guitars, drums, and an assortment of other modern musical instruments. They clap and dance and sing according to the moving of the Spirit.
I realize some of the reason for a given approach to praise and worship is related to denominational distinctives. I also realize that everyone connects to God in a different way. I’m just saying the way that I like to commune with God is the latter extreme (or near extreme).
I particularly love songs that talk about touching God in some way – The More I Seek You. I also love songs that make me want to dance – Oh Happy Day. And I love longs that talk about how there is renewal after pain – Your Love Never Fails. What songs do you love?
Gotta chime in on this one. I immediately thought of two songs, then tried to think of others. But those two remained alone. They bring tears more than joy, but also are reminders that God is good even when life is hard. My two favorites are the songs we sang at Ava's funeral. Perhaps they're favorites also because they express how much I've changed and grown since Ava died, something I desperately prayed would happen in the early hours of that experience. The two songs are: It Is Well With My Soul and Blessed Be Your Name.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the words and the sounds of Be Thou My Vision. It always touches me.
ReplyDeleteBlessed Be Your Name is definately on my list too :) And oh so many others. Thank you my dear.
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