When and how do you use the word “worship”?
Is regular worship a discipline you practice?
The Book of Order, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has three parts. The second is the “Directory for Worship”. Apparently our church, leaders past and present, believe that worship is one of most significant aspects of the Christian life. Being Christian means worshiping God. Mid-way through the directory I found these words: “God hallows daily life, and daily life provides opportunity for holy living. As Christians honor and serve God in daily life, they worship God. For Christians, work and worship cannot be separated.” (W-5.6003)
Read those words again and maybe again.
What do you hear? Does that expand or contract your understanding of worship? How in your life do you connect worship on the Lord’s Day with work on Monday? How in your life do you worship on Tuesday as you car pool the kids? What does it mean to worship?
The Directory of Worship describes the elements of worship AND the places of worship. Howard Rice, past professor of ministry and chaplain of San Francisco Seminary, summarizes this way: “[The elements of secret or private worship are] reading scripture, prayer, silent waiting upon God, meditation upon the Word, self-offering, and commitments to service. Each of these parts of secret worship is balanced by public worship and kept honest when shared with others, but they must be done alone if they are to have meaning.” (Reformed Spirituality, p. 54) Corporate and private come together; worship and work are a continuum; offering prayer, reading scripture, promising service are all required in worship. Certainly we cannot afford to ignore this discipline!
Perhaps now is the time for you to grow your discipline of worship. Attending regularly the Lord’s Day service is a place to begin. Preparing for worship by personal prayer and reading Scripture (We’re told the passages to be preached and read the next week at the bottom of the bulletin.) may be the next step. Establishing a special time of meditating and offering of self to God daily will certainly enhance corporate worship. And as we wait on God, God may surprise us in the supermarket line, on the computer screen, at the lunch table with colleagues and friends. And we are just beginning.
Blessings
Caroline
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