Growing up in the church, I’ve heard many Christian songs. The same old folksy sound mixed with old hymn verses take up my brain space on Sunday mornings. But only on Sunday mornings.
I am a big fan of all music (except country) and I am often found with my earbuds in, letting my soul get lost in rhythm and beats. On top of that, I am a theater kid, often prone to burst into songs. Yet worship music stayed on the fringes of my musical catalog. I believed that worship was a Sunday morning, Christmas, Easter event only. Worship was before and after a sermon. You read the words on the screen and sang, but not too loud. And maybe if you were brave enough, you’d put your hands up during a song. It always felt like there were many rules.
In the city of Antigua, every Monday morning, my team gathers in a small cafe back room for a time called Prayer Room. In Prayer Room two things happen. Prayer and worship. That’s it.
For two hours, you sit there, the Word open, and see where the Spirit leads. People can share a word or pray out loud or sing whatever comes to their heart.The lack of structure to Prayer Room may sound scary to you Westerners reading but in the words of the Lord, take heart, it’s not that bad.
The first time I experienced Prayer Room we were joined by another World Race team and the whole room felt very tight and crowded. And yet, you could feel a sense of intimacy. Intimacy with the Lord. And I’m sure if you asked any of us, we’d say that there were only two people in that crowded room.
Our self and Adonai.
While being on the Race, I’ve not only encountered people from all over but they have shared their worship with me. Whether that’s a fun Christian rap song from Arwyn or seeing Jackson’s passion for praising God’s beauty, I’ve learned something crazy. Worshiping God isn’t boring!
And worshiping God can come in many forms.
I can jump up and down in the field to music or just sit in stillness. I can pray over a family during a house visit or be vulnerable with a teammate about a personal struggle. If all those things are done in Him and to glorify Him, the “rules” of worship don’t matter.
So I have a challenge for you, dear reader. Go find something to worship God in.
Dance, sing, pray, rest, create, read, and love Him.
I LOVE this Elise. While I’m sad to read that your experience of worship growing up was stodgy, I’m not entirely surprised. You got one flavor at one church. I’m so delighted that God is showing you there are so many more flavorful ways to experience and honor Him. And I’m so proud of you for embracing the new.
I absolutely love reading this. It is beautiful to see how God leads individuals in worshipping Him! One of my best friends feels like MATH (I know…what?) is worshipful. You and I couldn’t understand that maybe, as we’re artists, but God made His people so uniquely and it’s a beautiful tapestry of all kinds of thoughts and actions and expressions!