Dear Ones in Christ,
There is a Christian author, theologian, worship leader, that I have come to appreciate and respect. I don't know much about her, except through her books Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down, and A Royal Waste Of Time. Both books deal with Christian worship. In reading the latter book recently she has underscored something I have long thought to be true. That is, that meaningful worship of the Triune God is absolutely necessary for Christian discipleship and mission in the world.
If we carefully read the second chapter of the Book of Acts we note that what is recorded there on the day of Pentecost, happens in the context of worship. Not only do we see the early church at worship, but we see the church impacting the community and being launched into mission in the world. The end of the chapter indicates that the Holy Spirit launched the fledgling church on a powerful mission. Worship was that which powered the church to service.
At a worship service where she was to preach, Marva Dawn prayed this prayer: "Luminous Christ, resplendent in your glory now, give us a glimpse of your radiant brilliance---not to dazzle us, but to transfigure us, to change us from our dullness into light, so that in the world we might show your splendor."
God is both the subject and object of our worship. He is the One who makes it possible for us to even enter into His presence. He is the One who gives Himself to us in His word and in the sacraments. As Marva Dawn says, "Worship is not the pastor inviting us into his of her living room, but God welcoming us into a holy place set apart to worship Him."
I submit to you that whenever we do this with awe and humility we will inevitably be changed from one degree of glory to another, and will be empowered and sent out to touch a hurting world. Worship that offers all praise, honor, and glory to God, will lead to forgiveness and cleansing, and to empowerment for service. Worship is not about style and method. It is about keeping God at the center of the Christian community and at the center of one's own life. God is the infinite center.
