Come and Worship: Come and See

The Lord’s Prayer, chanted in the Aramaic language which Jesus spoke.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. Psalm 113: 3     

To Worship is to offer an expression(s) of reverence and devotion towards a deity. As Christians  and Disciples of Christ, worship is a time of offering praise and prayer to the Holy Trinity of God, communally and individually.

In today’s culture, Worship Services are often offered in a variety of styles: e.g. traditional, contemplative, contemporary, and praise. Across the globe, worship is expressed according to culture and language. Yet, within these differing and emerging variations, one might ask, ‘What are the roots which bind this diversity of worship styles?’  Scripture offers these essential roots.

Praise and Thanksgiving which includes prayer: "Therefore, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to God." (Heb. 13:15).

During my early years, celebrating Jewish Holy Days often included the prayerful ritual of washing hands before dinner. Though I didn’t understand the meaning of ‘worship, the idea of coming together to perform this act seemed sacred to me. Amid the many ways we offer God praise and thanksgiving, doing so in the presence of community is both powerful and fortifying.

Music as found in the Psalms. "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all you lands!  Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing." (Psalm 100:1-2).  
Music has the ability to speak beyond language and reach into one’s heart and soul. History has shown the spirit of music can build bridges within the challenges of human development, and reach across the barriers of culture and language. Can you imagine brothers and sisters around the world lifting their voices, singing praises to God at the same time?

Observing God’s Holy Days of Worship, since the beginning of time. On the 7^th day, God rested and saw what was good (Genesis). "Now on the 1^st day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, 'Where do You want us to prepare for You the feast of Passover?' ” (Matthew 26:17). I will say more about this worship note later.

The Giving of Spiritual Gifts and Tithes speaks of our intentions within worship. "To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift....so you may grow in all ways into God, from whom the whole body joined and knit together, by what every joint supplies…according to the effective work by which each part employs…causing growth of the BODY for the edifying of itself in Christ’s love." (Eph. 4:7, 15-16).

I found myself reading this a few times to take it all in. The words speak to God’s intention creating us in God’s image; in relation to, and as stewards of this earth and of one another. They also lead me to my earlier reference to Mathew 26:17.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread or Passover Feast was also the Last Supper. In early times, God had commanded the Hebrews to set aside 7 days in remembrance of their journey into freedom. The lamb, unleavened bread, and wine, which they were instructed to eat, was to be shared with anyone alone or unable to afford this meal. These foods were not just to be given to the poor; rather this feast was meant to be shared. This was a time of worship intended for the purpose of edification; a time to give, to teach by retelling and sharing the journey to freedom, to pray and to sing. This was also the meal which Christ shared his disciples. This was Worship, which we gather and share in today.

There is a Hebrew song which translates “It is good for brothers and sisters to dwell together." During Friday eve Worship at this week’s Synod Assembly, we sang as prayer, “Christ Be Our Light."  The last stanza reads:  

  

Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another, making your kingdom come.

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.

There is a wealth of information pertaining to today's and early practices of Worship.  I invite you to explore our ELCA Worship website and check out this weblink. http://www.biblelessons.com/origins.html

May your worship experiences enrich your own life, and the lives of others near and far.

Shalom,

Susan