The name, Practicing Worship, conveys at least two ideas: repeating and improving.
Repeating
A common command in the Scriptures is to ‘remember,’ implying, of course, that we forget. I have joked that a perk of being a naturally forgetful person is that old jokes are always new. However, it’s not a trait that the Lord encourages. Instead, he calls us to recall, remember, and repeat. This is especially true regarding worship. We need the repetition in part because we are forgetful, and in part because the repetition accomplishes what a one time experience (no matter how awesome) could never do.
A pianist does not become accomplished after one good practice. An appetite for great music can’t be developed with just one listen. A young ball player shoots free-throws over and over in order to make the motion second nature. Likewise, it takes years and years of repetition to develop an appreciation for certain passages, let alone a taste for the complexity of language, theology, hymnody, and the like. Practicing worship week after week is the only way to develop a love for it, to make it second nature.
Improving
Also, the name mirrors the world of medicine. It implies that we should constantly evaluate, do the very best we can, and yet still improve. If we assume our approach to worship in style, content, order, flow, etc., has arrived, thinking the way we worship is great and therefore the best, perhaps we have only driven into a ditch full of folks who assume the same. Whether we are talking about an individual heart in the congregation or musicians in large worship department, it’s vital that we identify areas that need improvement. If we assume we have this thing down, it may be pointing to a subtle pride or a lurking laziness.
One caveat: Keep in mind it’s better to pick a path than to be in constant experimentation. Again, repetition is important. However, let’s not mistake confidence for pride or patience for laziness.
Focus and Goal of this Site
- To post short thoughts or slightly longer articles related to Christian worship, including practical considerations related to corporate worship.
- To build a useful database base of suggested Psalm tunes, hymns, and songs for congregational worship. These posts may include demo recordings, sheet music, videos, occasional tips, etc.
- To collect a few series of classes or lectures on the subject of worship.
- To highlight and suggest content for certain elements of worship.
May the Lord grant us joyful, humble hearts as we practice worship.