Today we move to the 2nd commitment found in ‘A Methodist Way of Life” - We will worship with others regularly.
So how would you define worship and what does to mean to worship with others.
My dear colleague, the Rev’d Norman Wallwork suggests that worship comes in four parts.
- Worship is participatory
- Worship is engaging
- Worship is responding
- Worship is transformative
Norman has granted me permission to use his words over the next 4 days as we explore worship; he writes
“The primary model for Christian worship is Christ. The whole Church lives in union with Christ as does every Christian. In union with Christ, the whole Church and every Christian live daily in the eternal presence of the Trinity. In worship we are drawn into the self-giving and out-going love that unites Father, Son and Spirit. When Christians worship they become part of a continuous action of praise, a never-ceasing work of thanksgiving and an unbroken event of blessing being offered eternally to the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit.
This continuous, never-ceasing and unbroken event of worship is offered in its own way by all creation. Every part of the created order worships with a vibrancy of its own life. This is most vividly expressed in great art and music, and in the canticle called the Benedicite or “The song of creation” (see, for example Singing the Faith 791 or Hymns & Psalms 824). Simultaneously with the Church’s worship the whole community of heaven - both the redeemed saints and the adoring angels - also offer their own praise to God. When the Church on earth offers worship to God the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit, its praise is always in union with all creation and always in communion with the saints and angels.”
The Revd Prebendary Norman Wallwork is a retired Methodist minister who is also a prebendary (or canon) of Wells Cathedral. He is a member of the Methodist Sacramental Fellowship, affirming within Methodism a catholic Christianity rooted in the doctrine of the Trinity.
What part do I play may be a worthy question.
Loving Lord, teach me to ascend to Your throne room in worship and then descend back into the harvest field here on earth, praying and warring for victory in every area of life. Help me to have a lifestyle of worship, thanking You in every situation. I believe that worshipping You is a key to breakthrough in every area of my life. I believe in the power of worshipping You. I know that Your truth dwells in a worshipping heart. I offer You a sacrifice of praise right now. Blessed be the name of the Lord. In Jesus' name, amen."
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