Words Words Words

Words are important. My little girl Phoebe is learning to talk. Currently her favourite word is 'booby.' (I blame her mother!) We've had much embarrassment with her pointing to people and shouting as loud as she can 'booby.' When it comes to worship words are important. Finding expression to all the emotions within is vital. As worship leaders how are choosing and finding songs that give voice to the depths of peoples feelings? How are we allowing people to communicate with God in a way that goes beyond the familiar and predictable? If we get stuck saying the same words time and again there's a danger of them losing a sense of power and meaning. Obviously liturgy and repetition is a wonderful gift to the church in worship, especially in the way it can form our thinking and shape our understanding of God. There's something inspiring about repeating words, prayers and hymns that are centuries old. But where are we stretching the limits to enable not only ourselves but also the church to move into a fresh expression of worship? I've been struck by something Athanasius, one of the early church fathers, said, “The word of God speaks to us, the Psalms speak for us.” If you look through the Psalms there is such a richness of emotion expressed. It's honest, raw, shocking, exciting, profound, moving, gut wrenching and worshipful. They are such a great form of inspiration to us today, and are indeed a collection of poems, prayers and songs that can fill our mouths with words that enable us to worship a glorious King. If you feel your worship has become safe and dull then perhaps dig into the Psalms and begin speaking them out - sing them - pray them. Not only will it stretch and enlarge our view and comprehension of God, it will release greater creativity and depth to our worship. Words are important!