Praise and Worship

Prayer and worship of our great God are at the heart of church. They are also a lifestyle for us, His people.

When we hear the word ‘worship’, we automatically think of singing at a Sunday service. In a small church particularly, this can sometimes be a tricky experience, with low numbers with low confidence singing along to music (live musicians or technology).

If we remind ourselves of the vision John had of Jesus in Revelation 2 v10-16, we are awestruck again and like John, fall to our knees. But then Jesus said in verse 17 ‘Do not be afraid.’ It’s like he lifts John up and says it’s OK I’ve got this.

• Jesus is awesome yet approachable.
• Jesus is all powerful yet he says ‘do not fear’
• Jesus is all knowing YET still loves you!
• Jesus is the lamb who was slain but now sits at God’s right hand.

These are all good reasons for praise and thanksgiving to flow from us daily, but especially when we gather as church. In Revelation chapter 5, the heavenly creatures, elders and thousands of angels all worship constantly.

There are many ways to worship and pray. Here are a few ideas how to worship without music:

• Spontaneous prayers of praise out loud, one at a time
• Praise out loud at the same time
• Reading the Bible together aloud especially Psalms
• Writing your own psalm is an excellent way of expressing your thoughts and feelings towards God.
• Dramatic reading of Scripture
• Preaching is part of worship – it should not be regarded as separate.
• Each person brings a word, reading, prayer or testimony (1 Corinthians 14v26)
• Have a quiet corner where there is a collection of smooth stones that people can pick up and use to focus on milestones in their lives where God has touched them significantly, or meditate on God being our rock
• Give out a variety of translations of a psalm and after a time of quiet, ask people to share their thoughts.
• Have a candle burning and encourage people to share thoughts about what Jesus being ‘Light of the World’ means in their life.
• If your tradition encourages the use of spiritual gifts, consider how to include them (words of prophecy, prayers for healing etc

I would encourage you to break the mould of what you are used to and step out. Worship God in a new way, fixing your eyes on the risen Jesus, at home, at work, at church.

Inspired by Stuart Hawthorne (Carnmoney Church)

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Jesus says ‘I Know’

As we read through the letters to the seven churches in Revelation, we maybe have mixed reactions to Jesus’ words ‘I know’. Jesus who dictated these letters to John, said ‘I know’ to every church – 10 times in 2 chapters!

• I know your deeds, your hard work
• I know you do not tolerate wicked people
• I know your afflictions and your poverty
• I know about how people slander you
• I know where you live
• I know your deeds, your love and service
• I know you have little strength

It is very comforting to know that Jesus knows us, both as individuals and as small churches. He seems to be saying that he’s got our back. He understands and He is with us.

However, it also says that Jesus knows the ‘not so good’ things we do:

• Losing our first love
• Believing false teachers and false prophets
• Looking alive on the outside but actually dead on the inside
• Being lukewarm

He knows we are weak but He is strong “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9

We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us.

We also have a God who speaks to keep us on His right path, if we listen – ‘Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches’.

(Inspired by Jim Thomas)

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In need or in plenty…

In the light of recent global events, many of our prayers seem small and selfish. We pray to pass exams, have a new job, swift recovery from illness or move to a new home. We need like Paul in Philippians 4 v12 to be content whatever our circumstances. He says “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Our prayers and our actions need to build up, help and encourage those who are desperate at this time. To join our efforts with many worldwide to bring the blessing of God’s kingdom here and now. To lift our eyes from ourselves, to those who have nothing. Most of all to pray that they would encounter the living God so their eternity is assured through the blood of Jesus.

In Deuteronomy chapter 8 v1-5, God reminds the people of Israel that He looked after them and provided for them through the tough wilderness years. In verse 3 they are reminded that they need God’s word to live, as well as bread.

Verse 6 says “Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him” This is the key to spiritual prosperity.

Verses 7-9 look forward to the Promised Land, the land of plenty and peace. For Israel, this was a physical land. For God’s people now, we look forward to heaven, the place of peace and healing, the place where there are no more tears, no more pain and no more death. (Revelation 21 v4)

Until then, we look to God for His presence through the tough times and be in unity in prayer with our hurting brothers and sisters.

Philippians 4 v13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

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Traffic Lights #2

Still at the red light…Listening in Lockdown

John the disciple turned apostle was exiled to Patmos, a small island in the Aegean Sea, home to a penal colony. Essentially, John was in lockdown but holding to his deep faith and conviction alongside his many memories of his friend and Saviour Jesus. While worshipping on the Lords’ day, he had an amazing and profound vision of the risen Jesus then a series of visions, revealing God’s plan for the future. He was told to write it all down.

Revelation1v1-2 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw — that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1v9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 1v10-18 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Lockdown is an opportunity to be still. To worship and praise our risen Lord. To listen to Him. To read His word. To seek revelation from Him for these times.

Thank God for John. Because he was obedient and wrote down the visions while in lockdown, we know the end of God’s story for the world. We have hope. Praise God today!

(Inspired by my friend Roger)

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