My reflection of "Worship"- Calhoun Part 1

1)

"Worship" - is generally thought of as a regular engagement with a worshiping community. We find in scripture, that truly worshiping God is with our whole heart, mind, and soul. "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Matthew 15:8). Many times our minds wander, and we think of our agenda's, our to do list. We may be physically worshiping, but in our hearts we are disengaged with God. Calhoun states, a "True worship of God happens when we put God first in our lives." Yes, we can glorify God with of our discipline, willpower, and our spiritual giftedness, but if we do not listen to what God says first, we can't be transformed in Christ. So what is really at the core of worship? It is to seek, to know, and to love God as he created us to do. "Create in me a clean heart , O God, and put a new and right spirit within me"(Psalm 51:10).

My experience of worship and my spiritual formation, literally began at birth. My father is a retired Methodist minister, and my mother a Diaconal minister of music. I had the opportunity of living and sharing in many parishes (as Methodist's do)! I was exposed to many walks of life and worship styles from the inner city of Baltimore, Maryland, to the suburbs in Bexley, Ohio. My roots and membership are with the United Methodist Church, but I have also experienced worship in the Disciples of Christ, Chrisitian Church, and presently the Episcopal denomination. In these differing worship experiences we find method, and holiness of scripture, absence of creed, and the common book of prayer. Although each church may have a different worship style, history, tradition, and literacy story of the Bible there is most importantly a common thread of the Blessed Trinity. It is the core of our heart in Jesus Christ and our worship.



2)

God's intention of the Creation Ordinance of Sabbath (Genesis 2:1-2), is reflected in the Fouth Commandment,"Remember the Sabbath day, by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall do no work"( Exodus 20:8-10). This day was given to us by God to restore our bodies and soul. How unfortunate this is as we are compelled to agend's and schedules in our lives today. Have we scheduled God out of our lives. Unfortunately this is reflected in our life styles. A style of "me" first, and not of God first. Even for those of us who are entrenched in the teaching and leading of a church congreation, we find ourselves wrapped up in what program is next, and what event is to come. Even in this Godly effort, we lose our focus, and balance. I believe that God truly wants us to find that balance, that ulitimately leads to the Fruit of the Spirit, and of God.

I envision leading a congregation in the practice of keeping the Sabbath holy by encouraging time set aside for an intimate relationship with God and family, and the comfort in resting with God one day a week. To stop, rest and reflect upon who and what work is for. A time for us and a time for our loved ones. This encouragement would be reflected by my actions, as well as remembering to trust God in our daily concerns.



MY HEART OF WORSHIP



Almighty God, I praise and glorify your name.

For you are an awesome God.



I seek your mercies and comfort, O God.



Omniscient God, you know what my heart yearns for,

and what is your will.



You are my rock and my refuge, I lean upon you.



For you are the Light and the Way.