Expression of Worship

If you are willing for the first time, or if you are unfamiliar with our form of worship, I'd like to explain why we worship the way we do. We would like for you to enjoy our fellowship and be comfortable with the things you see. Just like bowing your head in prayer is an act of reverence, there are other Biblical expressions of worship. I want to give you seven expressions of reverence or worship you may see in our services. 

Kneeling  Psalmist David wrote, "Come let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our God our Maker." (Psalm 95:6) Kneeling has long been an expression of worship, even among some of the most traditional churches.

Clapping  Psalmist David, the prince of praise wrote, "Clap your hands, all people, shout unto God with a voice of triumph." (Psalm 47:1) Although different than worship found in a traditional church, clapping or applause is a known expression of thanks and approval. 

Raising of Hands  Paul wrote, "I wish that all men would pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1Timothy 2:8) David said, "Lift up your hands in the Sanctuary, and bless the Lord. (Psalm 134:2) As an expression of surrender or yielding, the physical act of lifting your hands often brings a greater willingness to obey the Lord in things that are spiritual. 

Standing  Presidents and dignitaries are often greeted with people who stand to their feet out of respect and honor. How much more should we greet our Lord by standing in His presence. 

2 Chronicles 20:19 says, "...they stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice." 

Dancing  At first, dancing seems to be one of the strangest of worshipful expressions; yet, those most critical of dancing in the church, dance all night long in a smokey, stinky, dance hall. Dancing is a celebration of joy and life. Why should such a joyful celebration be rejected when inspired by the Holy Spirit in a church service? Psalms 149:1-3 says, "Let them praise His Name in the dance: let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp." 

Verbally  Paul wrote, "...let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15) It is not unusual for two people who are genuinely in love, to tell one another, "I love you". Likewise, a verbal expression of praise to Christ is a healthy expression of an intimate and loving relationship. Other forms of verbal worship may include shouting. (Psalm 47:1-2) 

Spiritually Spiritual worship is often the most difficult for us to understand. Why? Because spiritual things just aren't logical. Paul writes, "I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." (1Corinthians 14:14,15) Such spiritual worship might include Praying in Tongues. (1Corinthians 14:5) Before judging spiritual things, one must carefully judge and discern those things by God's word.