This is only intended to be an observation of something I noticed during the worship portion of the meetings. During worship, there are moments when a phrase is repeated over, and over, and over, and over...to the point of annoyance for me. I choose not to become critical but to allow Holy Spirit to evaluate my heart posture. I think part of my concern (annoyance) over repetitious singing is result of teachings that draw upon other religions that use "cult" chanting.
In contrast, when I am singing or playing the piano as an act of worship, I only repeat certain patterns a few times before moving on. This difference doesn't in style doesn't make one right or wrong...they are just different. However, with discernment, it often begs the question of worship or works or worship mixed with works.
In my opinion, my behavior indicates I am not a compulsive repeater of a specific phrase of word as an act of worship.
Prior to the beginning of the second night meeting, I met and talked with Gabriel, a 17yr old tick tock sensation who led in worship. He shared his testimony with me and Mike. It was really inspiring to see such a young person follow Jesus with reckless abandon. I told him when he played that night to release the word of the Lord over the people...that his instrument and voice would be released to change the hearts of man. Sure enough...during worship, through music and song, he prophesied over the people. It was an incredible moment.
For what I write next, I am thankfully people don't rely on my feelings to base any truth or opinion! I believed the wind-down of worship was after he released the word over the congregation. However, the music continued and a repetitious cycle incurred. I am not saying it was wrong. I am saying that my observation was that a member of the worship leader moved in the flesh to try and continue the flow.
Let me bring a point of perspective to this situation. Years ago, I attended a service at a church of some friends. The drummer was out and I was asked to play. During worship, there was a moment of prophetic worship and I felt Holy Spirit move through me as I played. The other's stopped and while I played quietly, prophetic words came to the worship leader and it was released. I definitely felt the anointing at that moment. Once the word was released, I felt the anointing lift. In an effort to recapture the moment, I continued to play. I quickly realized that it didn't matter what I did, I was not going to recapture the move of Holy Spirit. I realized I was playing from the flesh. The moment was gone but I thought I might be able to get it back. That was a valuable lesson I learned and have been aware of ever since.
With this worship experience in my box of experience, the moment at the revival service appeared to be a reflection of that past experience.
I don't have regrets about worship. I want to better understand why worship leaders tend to take a phrase and repeat it to the point of annoyance. Is it something that needs to be changed in my heart or is it something worship leaders should be aware of, or both? Is it better discernment or discipline we need in order to be led more fully by Holy Spirit?
People were touched and God was given glory. He received our praise that I believe was an acceptable offering. Praise be to God.
In contrast, when I am singing or playing the piano as an act of worship, I only repeat certain patterns a few times before moving on. This difference doesn't in style doesn't make one right or wrong...they are just different. However, with discernment, it often begs the question of worship or works or worship mixed with works.
In my opinion, my behavior indicates I am not a compulsive repeater of a specific phrase of word as an act of worship.
Prior to the beginning of the second night meeting, I met and talked with Gabriel, a 17yr old tick tock sensation who led in worship. He shared his testimony with me and Mike. It was really inspiring to see such a young person follow Jesus with reckless abandon. I told him when he played that night to release the word of the Lord over the people...that his instrument and voice would be released to change the hearts of man. Sure enough...during worship, through music and song, he prophesied over the people. It was an incredible moment.
For what I write next, I am thankfully people don't rely on my feelings to base any truth or opinion! I believed the wind-down of worship was after he released the word over the congregation. However, the music continued and a repetitious cycle incurred. I am not saying it was wrong. I am saying that my observation was that a member of the worship leader moved in the flesh to try and continue the flow.
Let me bring a point of perspective to this situation. Years ago, I attended a service at a church of some friends. The drummer was out and I was asked to play. During worship, there was a moment of prophetic worship and I felt Holy Spirit move through me as I played. The other's stopped and while I played quietly, prophetic words came to the worship leader and it was released. I definitely felt the anointing at that moment. Once the word was released, I felt the anointing lift. In an effort to recapture the moment, I continued to play. I quickly realized that it didn't matter what I did, I was not going to recapture the move of Holy Spirit. I realized I was playing from the flesh. The moment was gone but I thought I might be able to get it back. That was a valuable lesson I learned and have been aware of ever since.
With this worship experience in my box of experience, the moment at the revival service appeared to be a reflection of that past experience.
I don't have regrets about worship. I want to better understand why worship leaders tend to take a phrase and repeat it to the point of annoyance. Is it something that needs to be changed in my heart or is it something worship leaders should be aware of, or both? Is it better discernment or discipline we need in order to be led more fully by Holy Spirit?
People were touched and God was given glory. He received our praise that I believe was an acceptable offering. Praise be to God.
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