Earlier this week I sent out the following tweet.
"Don't fall into the trap of thinking that worship is dependent on musical interludes" @bkauflin #worshipmatters
The quote comes from the book Worship Matters written by Bob Kauflin (@bkuflin).
A few days latter @brenmclean responded to the tweet with these simple words.
Profound. Worship is possible with zero music #Matteroftheheart
Have we fallen into the trap that we can only worship when the church gathers?
Have we become conditioned to only worship when the music starts?
If the answer is yes to either of these it is the wrong answer.
"Worship can happen and should happen at times when there is no music. As Bren McLean (brenmclean) says: "it's a matter of the heart."
Recently I have been studying the book of 1 Timothy. As Paul writes the letter there are sections where he seems to just stop and worship. As he speaks of the work of God and His church he becomes overwhelmed with God and worships.
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself-a ransom for all a testimony at the proper time."
"He (God) is the blessed and only sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, the only One who has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; no one has seen or can see Him, to Him be honor and eternal might. Amen."
Some of my closest encounters with God have been when I have been quiet observing all He has created; or when I have been reading His Word and the Holy Spirit has given me understanding of who God is and what He has done for me.
There was no music for these moments of worship, yet because of them I am more ready to worship with the church gathered.
As a worship leader I need these non-musical encounters with God. Every Christ-follower needs these encounters with God. And because we have these on-going conversations of worship with God the time with the church gathered that includes music becomes even sweeter.
Worship, its not about the music. It is about God and all He is and all He has done. Praise, Adoration, Thanksgiving and Surrender.
Here's a challenge: before this weekend's gathering of the church find a place to read God's Word out loud and then be quiet and listen. It's a great way to prepare for worship.
Do you you have a way that you prepare for Sunday or weekend worship services?
