I hope you've found chapter one, of Matt Redman's book "Facedown," to be insightful and challenging. I love the fact that Redman, in a few short pages, captures the essence and communicates the necessity of facedown worship. Well, below you'll find some thoughts and reflections from chapter one and also a question, as I promised, to respond to.
Reflections:
"When we face up to the glory of God, we soon find ourselves facedown in worship."
"Each time we gather together, we don't just journey to a church building-we journey to the very throne of God."
"Good people bring good things out of the good stored up in their heart, and evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."
-Luke 6:45 (TNIV)
"Every posture in worship says something of both the worshipper and the One being gloried in. The raising of hands tells of a soul stretched out high in praise and the worth of the One being exalted. Joyful dancing interprets a grateful heart and points in adoration to the source of that joy. When it comes to expressing our worship, what we do on the outside is a key reflection of what's taking place on the inside."
Questions:
1. How does this apply to us both personally and corporately?
2. Why is raising our hands in worship seem easier than bowing ourselves in humble reverence?
Put it in Action:
Sometime this week I would encourage you try facedown worship. You could take this posture on during your personal prayer time or during a time of corporate worship. It might be hard at first, but take it one step at a time. As Redman says, "To worship facedown is the ultimate outward sign of inner reverence."
blessings,
Matt
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2 comments:
Are we in the "worship band" merely because we can play an instrument or sing a melody? How does this apply to us individually? simply this: our view of God dictates the nature of our worship. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1) This offering of our bodies means to give EVERY possible part of ourselves, physically and metaphysically.
Does my life look like i worship God Almighty? No. But that is easy to say, and even easier to forgive.
What does it mean to "lead worship?" Are we leading worship, or just facilitating it?
My heart cries out for a chance to corporately worship Christ. But I dont know if that will happen at Beachpoint. That is a hard thing to say. I wish for the day when i look out in the pews and see a the tops of people's heads or i see hands lifted high and cries shouted acknowledging Christ's free gift. But is that too much to ask for in a culture that is used to Christ and familiar with going to Church?
That is enough our of me.
tim
OK, so Tim's comment is so insightful, that it's hard to follow, but I'll do my best....
The application of Face down worship, for me personally, is easier done in private, not only is the pose physically awkward, but it's not exactly the "accepted" pose for worship in our surroundings... also, I think it's truly an intimate pose when worshiping, as you are giving wholly of yourself. However, in saying that, when I have worshiped, or gone to God facedown, I find that it is almost easier to focus on what you are doing (because it's so physically awkward).
So, as to why raising hands over facedown worship... in a corporate setting I feel more compelled to raise my hands, not only because if I got on the floor facedown everyone would think I'm crazy, but that is the posture that I feel most comfortable with in that situation. However, in private, I feel more compelled to bow before God rather than raise my hands... I'm not quite sure why that is, but I think that it goes back to private vs. public displays of my affection toward God... and since I've always been conservative and private in my feelings I think that is why I worship differently in different settings. I don't even think that if facedown worship was the "thing" at BeachPoint I would do it, because that to me is so much more private.
So, I think that's all I have to say on this matter... and, I'm sorry I'm running behind on my comments!
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