A fellow worship leader posted on her website a little while back about something that I have been observing in a particular person in our own congregation for a while now - abandoned praise:
I just experienced one of the most authentic worship times in my life! I
walked across the auditorium to listen to the sound levels and stopped far to
one side for a while.
As I stood and began to worship, I noticed a 'mentally challenged young
man' worshiping. It was one of the most moving times of worship I have ever
experienced.
He had a freedom to express himself that I have never felt. He could have
cared less who was watching, I often wonder who is watching me. He was filled
with the Holy Spirit at a level that most 'normal' people never reach. Complete
surrender, unaware that he may be the only one with a true understanding of our
Savior.
I will look for this young man in the future and try to stand near to him
during worship so I can also leave cares behind and become overcome with love
for our God and express it freely!
http://www.loribiddle.com/2008/12/authentic-worship.html
Often I have felt that our worship times are perhaps a little stilted when I watch the bush shrike "bokmakierie" throw back it's head with its throat completely exposed - vulnerable - and sing as though its life depended on it. My prayer is that our worship this week would head towards a life abandoned to God. Not caring for or about the praise or criticism of others but only reaching upwards to love the One who gave everything for us. Pressed down, shaken together and running out all over...
If you have any suggested songs or readings, please leave a comment. If you've had a similar experience to Lori and myself, please comment...I would love to hear from you.
