The Rote of Worship (Reprinted from Theologyweb)

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Shall we turn in our hymnals to number 237 . . .

Those words are probably familiar to a vast majority of church-goers, who, dutifully, turn to the required page number and sing, or at least lip-sinc along with the worship leader. Such is worship in many Evangelical, as well as Liturgical churches nationwide. Three verses and three choruses from three or four hymns, written by someone, somewhere. Sometimes church-goers are required to stand for one or two of the songs --perhaps as some sort of stimulant to prevent a journey into rem-state --after which, the pew positions are re-established, and church goes on as usual.

Is that what worship is all about? Is that what God seeks from His people?

Now many of God's people , later in the same day, can be found parked in front of a TV somewhere, worked into a lather, as they watch their favorite sports team chase the: puck/ball/pigskin, around the: diamond/rink/ grid-iron/court. And I can certainly see why they become mesmerised, I mean after all, it takes a lot of talent to knock a golf ball 300 plus yards, or throw a 95 MPH heater. Or even better, have you seen some of the latest end-zone dances, choreographed and performed by the NFLers? They are so well done they would bring Bob Fosse to his feet in appreciation. How about some of the grand entrances made by professional sports teams? The players are made welcome by throngs numbering in the tens of thousands, as they run frantically out of the giant, smoking helmet, prodded on by some sort of mega-electrically amplified ear piercing "music" and make their way onto the playing surface. And that's just the beginning of the game. It's easy to see why many love to pine away in admiration when after 500 laps around an oval, the driver triumphantly climbs out the window of his car, takes his position on the cab, and lifting both arms skyward, he taunts his vanquished challengers, to the sheer delight of a million screaming fans.

Let's face it . . . God simply cannot compete these days.

He hasn't kept up with 21st century mankind, or at the very least, He's not closely following the trends. Perhaps if He were to complete a hat-trick in a big game, He would garner more attention. Have you even seen Him enter the slam-dunk contest at the All Star game? I haven't. I've never seen Him hit one into the ocean at SBC Park, like Mr. Bonds has. I mean, even the burning bush tale seems to pale in comparison with our modern day pyrotechnicalia. Maybe if the worship of God were more exciting, we'd be more prone to enjoy it? Or at the very least, participate in it. It's a multi-media world, shouldn't an Omni-media God, be able to find some adoring fans?

Let's be honest my Christian friends, first let me say, "let him who has never taken an impatient glance at the clock at the back of the Sanctuary, cast the first stone". Attending church is my primary goal on Sunday morning, with the worship and adoration of God being the main facet of that weekly experience. But, reluctantly I must admit, very often, there are other things that I want to engage in on Sunday also. And oftimes I do find myself distracted by the things that lie in store after the act of church has finished. And guess what else . . . I AM THE WORSHIP LEADER. I know, I know, it's shameful, you'd think that the one person who would find himself immune to lackadaisical worship habits, would be the worship leader, go figure.

Now, hold on just a cotton picking minute.

Can any worship leader compete with the myriad of entertainment options available to the average American? I don't know any worship leader who would stand a chance against U2, or the Superbowl Halftime show, at least in shock and awe. But,is worshipping God about church goers being entertained? No, not at all. The act of worshipping God has little if nothing to do with being entertained. It's not just a filler between Sunday School and the sermon. It very well may be the most important time spent in church, the time when our souls can cry out in praise and thanksgiving to the Most High, Who has delivered us from the bondage of sin and death and made us alive -- truly alive -- in Christ our Lord.

Come to think of it.

I believe that the very best worship service recorded in all of scripture, was in Exodus. You remember the story, Moses had left the Israelites encamped at the base of the mountain, he went upward to receive the tablets of stone, in the interim, some of the folks came to Aaron, "Look," they said, "make us some gods who can lead us. This man Moses, who brought us here from Egypt, has disappeared. We don't know what has happened to him." Aaron, being the temporary leader, gave the people what they wanted. And what followed was a worship service, the likes of which would make the most seasoned, modern day, reveller blush (I can only speculate as to whether or not there was a "wardrobe malfunction"). Maybe you get my point; worship isn't about what we want, worship is about adoring God. Another thing we learn from the Exodus story is the fact that God is not impressed by mis-directed pomp and ceremony.

So what does all this mean?

My point is: Worship is a posture of the heart, worship is really a lifestyle of behavior which is pleasing to God, not just three or four hymns on Sunday. But don't get me wrong, those three or so hymns are very important too. If I might make a suggestion; when the worship is about to begin, prepare yourself to meet the Living God, put away any notes you may have been taking, stop any conversation you might have been a participant in, don't go over your grocery list in your head as the music begins, if your children are fidgety, take them out, or at least, get them to behave. It's hard enough to worship under the best of conditions, get rid of any un-necessary distractions. And most importantly . . . SING. I know, some of the songs are just to high to reach, do your best. I know, you sit right behind Mr. So and So, who is always loud and off key, do your best. I know, some of the words are dorky, do your best. And remember, you aren't performing for the other members of the church, you are directing your expression to God. He knows the sound of your voice, and more importantly, He knows the sound of your heart, when it's enraptured by His majesty.