Collective Worship
I was struck last Sunday evening by a comment Steve made about our collective worship; that when we worship collectively, we receive individually too. There is something so powerful about welcoming God’s Spirit through collective worship as His united church, but from that we are also blessed uniquely and individually through receiving God’s love, joy, peace and wisdom afresh. I also think there’s something so encouraging about worshipping together, particularly when you don’t feel like praising. Often when we see others worshipping, we can’t help but join in, and that leads us to a place of personal communion with God, where we encounter His deliverance, forgiveness and guidance. We see this in the Psalms…
“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles.”
Psalm 34:1-6
This is such an encouragement to us as worshippers and as worship leaders. We have the wonderful role of helping to create a collective movement of praise, in which people can individually encounter the Holy Spirit, but we can also do this in our own lives, day-to-day. How can we live in such a way that people see us worshipping and are inspired to do so themselves? Perhaps this looks like getting out to enjoy nature with a friend, and noticing God’s glorious creation around you. Maybe it looks like praising God in prayer before you eat a delicious meal! Be empowered that you are a worship encourager and leader at church, as well as at home!
As you reflect on this, here are some questions you might like to think about:
How can you worship in your day-to-day, and how might you encourage others to join in on that?
Which part of the Psalm above stands out to you? Perhaps that’s something God is wanting to do in your life – to heal, restore, forgive, deliver, or give you joy, peace, or a renewed sense of your salvation