Worship Services

SAT., FEB. 8, 1992, 6:42 AM
FARM, STUDY

Christians gather for services of worship. Some of these gatherings are small, a few are huge, and most are somewhere between. Numbers are not important, but numbers help establish the feeling of a service. There is intimacy in a small group, particularly as they are well acquainted, one with another. The large congregation often can generate a feeling of power, particularly as rousing hymns are sung. Each size has certain advantages and certain disadvantages. No particular size is objectively ideal.

Tomorrow morning you shall face a familiar congregation in a familiar setting. Probably there will be nothing different from usual that you’ll have to deal with. Familiarity is good until it becomes humdrum. Therefore it is important for you to inject just that bit of fun into the service. I much prefer church folk coming to prayer with smiles than with bland to sad faces. Even when you pray for serious conditions do it with a smile, in acceptance of the fact that I am listening and responding in ways best for everyone.

Worship is basically thankfulness. It is first just an acknowledgement that I exist and, because of this supreme fact, so do you… each of you. Whatever the present conditions of your life there is something for which to be thankful… usually very much. As you approach the church tomorrow be thankful for the parking area and the whole, familiar edifice. Oh, there are more majestic house s of worship, but this suits you well, and it is familiar. Be thankful for the fellowship in the narthex. Part of worship for you should be greeting people, encouraging a feeling of gladness that the time of worship approaches.

Then comes the sanctuary, familiar in appearance and in size. Tomorrow you shall look out at the congregation as you help lead the worship, and thus you have this “other view” of the sanctuary. There have been special evening services, including that special one with a full congregation and candles. The other special ones, in the chancel or in the rear give you the memory that worship has many “frames,” even in this sanctuary.

Because you are not sophisticated musically, the organ often sounds magnificent to you. The organ is a great adjunct to worship, with its very special sounds… that have come to be clearly associated with worship. Hymns are a great part of the service for you, and they should be, for most. Even if the hymn is not a familiar one, sing with joy, so that the next time it may be more familiar. Smile as you sing the great hymns. When Chris was in the choir, she was your reminder to smile as you sang. Now let Charlene be that reminder, for she does sing with a joyous spirit. The choir is not exceptional, but you can appreciate them more than you usually do. Be thankful for Lawrence and his abilities and spirit, expressed in the music, as part of worship.

A big part of worship is remembrance. The Christian religion is big on remembrance when it comes to worship. You should know the Holy Scriptures well enough that their reading becomes a remembrance. Remember the events and the stories… and, most importantly, the people and the spirits who should be familiar to you. Remembering how I have been in the earth helps you in anticipation of My continued action. Always read the Scriptures before the service, even when you are leading, and read along as the passages are read aloud. This practice has present value, but also helps assure that there will be better remembrance at another worship service.

Be attentive to the sermon. Tomorrow you shall be somewhat distracted, for your prayers must follow, and you want to be prepared. However, you should let the sermon help generate some themes for prayers. See what you can do with that tomorrow.