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The Power of Worship
I can worship alone in the solitude of simple surroundings - a walk in the woods, a quiet place at home, singing praise in my car, or the war room of a prayer-closet. Yet there are elements of worship that God seeks in concert.
At the core of the First Day Memorial is reverent reflection reaching both upward and outward. Few moments compare to the quiet of assembly bowing in self-examination – “each one” yet everyone.
Same with singing. Individuals sing, but we “speak to one another” in concert. Likewise, the power of prayer cannot be overstated as one leads followed by a chorus of “A-men!”
Worship is also unique due to the ebb and flow of emotions -part exuberant happiness; part solemn sadness -along with both quiet contemplation and expressive participation.
Assembly worship is also evangelistic. Corinthians describes an “outsider” coming and watching worship. He/she is caught in a moment of spiritual thought and “he [outsider] will worship God and declare, ‘God is among you.’” Guests watch us worship. Do they see God among us? Or...
Do they see looks of boredom? Singing half-hearted? Prayers of rote? Lack of prep on the part of worship leaders? Sadly, in some places souls are turned off by the lack of heart worship.
Question: How to drive away millennials (81-96), and Gen Z (97-12)?
Answer: Play church.
Don't play church.
