Transitions - September Spire

Why the Changes?

Some have asked and no doubt more have wondered, “Why has the worship service changed?” Granted these changes have been small and subtle ones, but still they are evident. Some have liked the changes; others have found them a little unsettling. Either way I have appreciated the feedback and questions, and the discussions that have followed. In an effort to ease the transition for those who have not been in worship or a part of the discussion, I share the following.

It is my belief that there are four parts to a worship service; they are Praise and Thanksgiving, Confession, Hearing the Word, and Commitment or Dedication. Each of these highlights an important dynamic in terms of how we see and relate to God. They are not linear in the sense that one follows the other; rather they flow through our worship and prayer life. 

Praise and Thanksgiving. Psalm 100 tells us we are to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, as we come into God’s presence with singing, remembering that God is God and we are God’s people. Certainly as we look at the beauty and wonder of creation, as well as reflect on the way God sustains us, we can agree that God is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving. Each of us can count the many ways God has sustained us as we have journeyed through the highs and lows of life; this is another reason for praise and thanksgiving.

Confession. As we look at our lives and the way we respond to God’s presence, each of us has things to confess. Our confessing them to God is not telling God anything new. Rather what we are doing is opening up a dialog with God where we are honest and forthcoming.  We know that in all relationships honesty brings us together and enhances the relationship as it breaks down the barriers that inhibit growth and intimacy. As people who desire to journey with God we need to acknowledge those attitudes, beliefs and actions that separate us from God’s love, grace and mercy. We are free to make this confession because from God’s perspective, “nothing in life or death can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8)

Hearing the Word. Hearing the word through song, scripture, prayer and the sermon allows us to grow in our understanding of who God desires us to be.  We need to hear and struggle with God’s word, and understand how it can guide, strengthen and sustain us if we ever hope to live more faithfully in an ever changing world. While our hearing may not always lead to new learning, I think we can agree that there is value in having our understanding of who God is and what God calls us to do affirmed and reinforced.

Commitment/Dedication. Our response, the way we express our commitment and dedication, is an important step in our faith journey. Having been fed and nourished by God, the faithful response is to go forth and feed and nourish others. A part of our covenant relationship with God involves our telling the story through word and action. By nurturing the community of faith and the world through prayer and deed we celebrate and affirm what our relationship with God means to us. It is not just about what we "get"; it is also about what we, in gratitude and thanksgiving, give back. As our membership vows remind us we participate in helping to bring about "God’s will on earth" through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness. As we worship and pray we affirm that devotion to God and actions that tell the story of God’s love flow from each other.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of my theology of worship and prayer. I invite you to reflect on what I have written and, if appropriate utilize it to help with your own prayer life. In addition, I invite you to see if what I have shared influences your understanding of or appreciation for worship. As always I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Peace,
Eric