When and how were you aware of the Holy Spirit acting in your life?
My first and most significant time was at a retreat after 6 hours of praise and worship. I had fasted for four days, asking God to make himself known to me. I was aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit when a magnificent sense of peace and love overcame me to the point I could barely move...actually, I didn't want to move. I felt an incredibly powerful love for the men who were at the retreat, a love for Jesus that was tangible, and a desire to be closer to Him.
It has been my experience that the presence of the Spirit is most noticeable after an extended period of praise and worship (refer to my first posts concerning how I got there) and asking God to be known. I have also found that fasting for several days helps and that confessing my sins openly does as well. Its like God wants us to clean away the muck of our lives so He has room to inhabit us as we praise Him. This is just my experience, I am sure it is different for others.
But I would like to hear about your experiences with the Spirit. How are you aware of the Spirit? What to you do to make this possible?
Showing posts with label Worship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Worship. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monday, May 25, 2009
Elijah Streams
I just wanted to make you aware of a great resource for Ambient Christian music. It's called Elijah Streams http://www.elijahstreams.com/ It is 24/7 'soaking' music, worship and praise music. Good stuff. If you have 10 minutes or 3 hours, this is great music to play while surfing the web or for a deeper worship time with the Lord.
Try it and then come back and tell me what you thought about it.
Try it and then come back and tell me what you thought about it.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
80% Communication, 20% Words
Several years ago I was reading an article on communication. This particular article said that 80% of communication is nonverbal communication, 13% was tone, volume, timber of voice and the remaining 7% was the meaning of the actual words spoken. Crossed arms, furrowed brows, pursed lips and a cynical snarl communicates more richly than saying whatever words come to mind. I do know that if I walk into the house and my wife has "that look," I know I am in trouble without her saying a word. Our nonverbals are stronger indicators of how we really feel than the words we speak.
So....Let's take this lesson to church. What do your nonverbals communicate to God? Crossed arms (detached or angry), hands in pockets (guilt) and somber faces (Are we having fun yet?) may be communicating an entirely different message than our words say. So here is something to help if you are having a hard time connecting during church:
1. If you were a statue and the name of the statue was "PRAISE," take that position. Now sing a praise song from that position. Experiment with different positions and see which one feels the most congruent with what you want to communicate to God. Do this in you own private praise first then take it to church and try it out.
2. If you were a statue and the name of the statue was "I need you" take that position. Now sing a worship song from that position. Experiment with different positions and see which one communicates best the words you are saying. Do this in your own private worship first then take it out to church and try it out.
3. Be conscious of crossing your legs and arms during a sermon or Bible study. Uncross them and see if there is a difference in how you feel....perhaps more vulnerable? Do this for a month.
4. During prayer, nonverbally communicate with God. Learn to be more expressive verbally and nonverbally. Try it. It really makes a difference.
The reason many people raise their hands during praise is to be more congruent with the praise message. I know for myself I can express my praise better in that position. You the body position that expresses what you want to communicate.
So lets start communicating the other 80%. Try it then report back and let others know how it went.
So....Let's take this lesson to church. What do your nonverbals communicate to God? Crossed arms (detached or angry), hands in pockets (guilt) and somber faces (Are we having fun yet?) may be communicating an entirely different message than our words say. So here is something to help if you are having a hard time connecting during church:
1. If you were a statue and the name of the statue was "PRAISE," take that position. Now sing a praise song from that position. Experiment with different positions and see which one feels the most congruent with what you want to communicate to God. Do this in you own private praise first then take it to church and try it out.
2. If you were a statue and the name of the statue was "I need you" take that position. Now sing a worship song from that position. Experiment with different positions and see which one communicates best the words you are saying. Do this in your own private worship first then take it out to church and try it out.
3. Be conscious of crossing your legs and arms during a sermon or Bible study. Uncross them and see if there is a difference in how you feel....perhaps more vulnerable? Do this for a month.
4. During prayer, nonverbally communicate with God. Learn to be more expressive verbally and nonverbally. Try it. It really makes a difference.
The reason many people raise their hands during praise is to be more congruent with the praise message. I know for myself I can express my praise better in that position. You the body position that expresses what you want to communicate.
So lets start communicating the other 80%. Try it then report back and let others know how it went.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Experience the Spirit Exercises 26 - 38
26. While half the group is singing Jesus is Lord, have the other half pray out loud what God is laying on their hearts.
27. Teach people how to speak their heart to God. I turn to how David spoke his heart to the Father in the Psalms as an example of this. One of the reasons I think David was so special to God was because David, while watching sheep alone for days or weeks at a time, was constantly singing and talking to God as his life unfolded before God. In doing so, David became the man after God’s own heart, a friend of God. It helps to think about saying this to someone who deeply loves you as you say or sing them.
Most people are not used to speaking deeply nor do many have the language skills to do so. So what I do is hand out a list of sample intimate statements for them to say. I have them say each of these statements several times so they can get used to saying them without their flesh blocking it. Worship is saying these intimate things before God, to express our longings and desires, needs and deep felt emotions to God. Say these things only after a time of praise and worship, when we want to engage more of our hearts with God. In my experience, singing these statements makes me feel much more vulnerable than just thinking them or saying them. Here are some heartfelt statements we have said to God during worship time:
I receive your love Father
I receive your acceptance of me.
Thank you Lord for you love (kindness, goodness, peace, joy, presence, etc.)
Draw me into you, Father.
Your love is important to me, it is life and breath.
I delight in love
I feel happy when you are near me, Father
Thank you for choosing me, Lord, for making me one of your own
Thank you for your favor, Lord
Change me, Father, so I can give what you want from me
Thank you, Lord, for being inside me and filling my heart
Expressing Love
I long for you, oh Lord
My heart smiles when your presence is here
I delight in the time I spend with you, Father
I delight in my relationship with you, Jesus
I am pleased that you enjoy me
I need you
I need your love (Wisdom, Guidance, care, friendship, discernment, gifts)
Your love makes me a better man
I am desperate for you
I am glad you are my Father
It gives me pleasure to talk to you
I bless you through this trial, as you guide me and give me wisdom that I may be found pleasing in your sight.
I want you in my innermost being
My heart aches to be in your presence.
28. Use the word GLORIFY and sing it in harmony several (or many) times. Then sing the same word in harmony several (or many) times. Then layer that melody with other melodies and words that come to mind while many are singing the original word and melody.
29. While laying on hands and praying over someone (for healing or whatever) have half the people sing a prophetic song while the other half prays.
30. Sing a prophetic melody without words.
31. Half the group sings their desires, longings and yearnings to Him while the other half sings praise and worship songs.
32. Have half the group sing praise songs while the other breaks into two or threes (with people they don’t know) and give their testimony of how Christ has worked in their lives.
33. At the beginning of the group, tell people that no matter what they have done in their lives (give horrific examples) that they will be loved and accepted in this place.
34. What to do when the presence of God does show up. Usually there is a pleasant feeling that accompanies the presence of the Spirit of God. But, I have noticed, if I focus on the feeling, it goes away pretty quickly. Why? Feelings are flesh and if I focus on my feelings, I am not focusing on presence of Jesus. If I want to keep the feeling, I must focus on what got the feeling there in the first place, focusing on praising and worshiping God. So, when I sense God, I am going to continue praising God for His goodness, or declaring him Lord, or saying intimate loving things to Him so my heart can continue to stay in his presence.
35. For people who struggle with shame, guilt, fear or habitual sin, have them confess it out loud while the rest of the group is singing praise and worship songs. Have the singing be so loud that no matter how loud they confess it, the praise and worship drown out their confession.
36. Don’t allow discussions of a religious nature. Period. The best sure-fire way of running off God is to have a discussion about whether or not one should be baptized, whether or not churches should have weekly communion or whether or not Adam had a belly-button. Engaging the mind during a worship session has the opposite effect on connecting with God for a time. Intellectual discussions, religious arguments, and esoteric discussions on some religious point runs God (and people) off. I am sure you will have to experiment with this point (as most do) but as a rule, just do praise, worship and prayer.
If religious discussions happen (because sometimes people want to avoid the presence of God) reassert the purpose of the meeting and ask that discussions of that nature be held until the meeting is over, or ask them to discuss it on another day, away from the group. Or if you are of a more passive aggressive sort, just start playing praise music and singing....real loud.
37. During prayer time, have members who need prayer to state what their problem is. As a general rule, prayer is, first of all, for the people present at the meeting or for members not present because of illness or some other person there. We laid on hands on members, declared the lordship of Jesus, then asked God for the words to pray. Instruct members to speak what God lays on their heart.
38. During the meeting, time should be allowed for people to confess sins as the Holy Spirit convicts their hearts. This could happen at anytime during the meeting but I encourage leaders to ‘strike while the iron is hot,’ meaning ‘sooner rather than later.’ I have seen God convict men’s hearts about affairs, porn, murder, stealing and other sins during worship time. Allow them to speak so they can be free of that burden. If this has not happened during a meeting (spontaneous sin confession) then, near the end of the meeting, there should be a time set apart for confession of sins. Confession is good for the soul and if the group is going to be a healing place for people, then confession must be allowed.
An effective method of getting people to open up about themselves is to make a statement similar to this: "We want you to find healing in this group. If there is anything burdening you, please tell us so we can pray for you. If you have stolen a 100 grand from your work, had an affair, are addicted to porn, drugs, alcohol, had sex with your grandmother, dog or whatever, this is a safe place to confess it and be free from it. You can’t scare us with your story, whatever it is, we want to help you, not judge you." This statement creates a safe place for people to talk.
27. Teach people how to speak their heart to God. I turn to how David spoke his heart to the Father in the Psalms as an example of this. One of the reasons I think David was so special to God was because David, while watching sheep alone for days or weeks at a time, was constantly singing and talking to God as his life unfolded before God. In doing so, David became the man after God’s own heart, a friend of God. It helps to think about saying this to someone who deeply loves you as you say or sing them.
Most people are not used to speaking deeply nor do many have the language skills to do so. So what I do is hand out a list of sample intimate statements for them to say. I have them say each of these statements several times so they can get used to saying them without their flesh blocking it. Worship is saying these intimate things before God, to express our longings and desires, needs and deep felt emotions to God. Say these things only after a time of praise and worship, when we want to engage more of our hearts with God. In my experience, singing these statements makes me feel much more vulnerable than just thinking them or saying them. Here are some heartfelt statements we have said to God during worship time:
I receive your love Father
I receive your acceptance of me.
Thank you Lord for you love (kindness, goodness, peace, joy, presence, etc.)
Draw me into you, Father.
Your love is important to me, it is life and breath.
I delight in love
I feel happy when you are near me, Father
Thank you for choosing me, Lord, for making me one of your own
Thank you for your favor, Lord
Change me, Father, so I can give what you want from me
Thank you, Lord, for being inside me and filling my heart
Expressing Love
I long for you, oh Lord
My heart smiles when your presence is here
I delight in the time I spend with you, Father
I delight in my relationship with you, Jesus
I am pleased that you enjoy me
I need you
I need your love (Wisdom, Guidance, care, friendship, discernment, gifts)
Your love makes me a better man
I am desperate for you
I am glad you are my Father
It gives me pleasure to talk to you
I bless you through this trial, as you guide me and give me wisdom that I may be found pleasing in your sight.
I want you in my innermost being
My heart aches to be in your presence.
28. Use the word GLORIFY and sing it in harmony several (or many) times. Then sing the same word in harmony several (or many) times. Then layer that melody with other melodies and words that come to mind while many are singing the original word and melody.
29. While laying on hands and praying over someone (for healing or whatever) have half the people sing a prophetic song while the other half prays.
30. Sing a prophetic melody without words.
31. Half the group sings their desires, longings and yearnings to Him while the other half sings praise and worship songs.
32. Have half the group sing praise songs while the other breaks into two or threes (with people they don’t know) and give their testimony of how Christ has worked in their lives.
33. At the beginning of the group, tell people that no matter what they have done in their lives (give horrific examples) that they will be loved and accepted in this place.
34. What to do when the presence of God does show up. Usually there is a pleasant feeling that accompanies the presence of the Spirit of God. But, I have noticed, if I focus on the feeling, it goes away pretty quickly. Why? Feelings are flesh and if I focus on my feelings, I am not focusing on presence of Jesus. If I want to keep the feeling, I must focus on what got the feeling there in the first place, focusing on praising and worshiping God. So, when I sense God, I am going to continue praising God for His goodness, or declaring him Lord, or saying intimate loving things to Him so my heart can continue to stay in his presence.
35. For people who struggle with shame, guilt, fear or habitual sin, have them confess it out loud while the rest of the group is singing praise and worship songs. Have the singing be so loud that no matter how loud they confess it, the praise and worship drown out their confession.
36. Don’t allow discussions of a religious nature. Period. The best sure-fire way of running off God is to have a discussion about whether or not one should be baptized, whether or not churches should have weekly communion or whether or not Adam had a belly-button. Engaging the mind during a worship session has the opposite effect on connecting with God for a time. Intellectual discussions, religious arguments, and esoteric discussions on some religious point runs God (and people) off. I am sure you will have to experiment with this point (as most do) but as a rule, just do praise, worship and prayer.
If religious discussions happen (because sometimes people want to avoid the presence of God) reassert the purpose of the meeting and ask that discussions of that nature be held until the meeting is over, or ask them to discuss it on another day, away from the group. Or if you are of a more passive aggressive sort, just start playing praise music and singing....real loud.
37. During prayer time, have members who need prayer to state what their problem is. As a general rule, prayer is, first of all, for the people present at the meeting or for members not present because of illness or some other person there. We laid on hands on members, declared the lordship of Jesus, then asked God for the words to pray. Instruct members to speak what God lays on their heart.
38. During the meeting, time should be allowed for people to confess sins as the Holy Spirit convicts their hearts. This could happen at anytime during the meeting but I encourage leaders to ‘strike while the iron is hot,’ meaning ‘sooner rather than later.’ I have seen God convict men’s hearts about affairs, porn, murder, stealing and other sins during worship time. Allow them to speak so they can be free of that burden. If this has not happened during a meeting (spontaneous sin confession) then, near the end of the meeting, there should be a time set apart for confession of sins. Confession is good for the soul and if the group is going to be a healing place for people, then confession must be allowed.
An effective method of getting people to open up about themselves is to make a statement similar to this: "We want you to find healing in this group. If there is anything burdening you, please tell us so we can pray for you. If you have stolen a 100 grand from your work, had an affair, are addicted to porn, drugs, alcohol, had sex with your grandmother, dog or whatever, this is a safe place to confess it and be free from it. You can’t scare us with your story, whatever it is, we want to help you, not judge you." This statement creates a safe place for people to talk.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Exercises 16-25 for Worship Groups
Here are some more exercises groups can do that will help in cell group worship or large group worship.
16. Give an explanation of the difference between praise and worship. (Refer to Vivian Hibbert’s book Prophetic Worship.) Simply put, praise is acknowledging the aspects of God that are praiseworthy verbally. It is expressions of the greatness of God and the nothingness of me. Here is a list of sample praise statements:
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.
You are worthy of praise.
You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
You are my strong tower, my Deliverer and Redeemer
I glorify your name
Jesus is Lord
You are the Way, the Truth, and the Light. In you is life and salvation.
You are the Rock. (Gate, Door, Rose of Sharon, Bright and Morning Star, Good Shepherd, Great Physician, Creator, Author of our Salvation, Living Water, Bread of Life)
You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You are the God of David, Elijah, and the prophets. You are the God of the disciples and the God us today.
You never change, you are constant, everlasting, the Alpha and the Omega.
You are the God of Love, Joy, Peace, and Grace.
I am nothing and you are everything, Lord
Worship is slightly different. Worship is our response to the praiseworthy aspects of God. Worship has an aspect of soaking in the presence of God. The following are samples (not exhaustive) of worship statements:
Father, I love you, and need you in my life.
All I need is you Lord.
I receive your love, Father.
Father I want you inside of me, to change every part of me.
Father I invite your healing work inside of me.
Help me Father. I can’t live without you. I need you to work in my life.
I am your, Lord. Take me to the place you want me to be.
Father, you are better than Blue Bell ice cream.
Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence, place in me your gifts, let your light shine in me.
Thank you, Lord for.....
Jesus, fill me with your compassion and love.
Father, God of Love fill me with your love.
Spirit I ask you to fill me with Wisdom and discernment.
As a deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you oh Lord.
17. At the beginning of each session, verbally invite the Holy Spirit to the meeting. Say something along the lines of, "Father we invite you here tonight, you are our honored guest. Father, we are here for you, to praise your name and devote ourselves to. Lord fill this room with your presence." It’s like inviting Him to the celebration where he is the guest of honor. If you start with no agenda other than allowing God to work through you, He will bless your coming together and His agenda will be done.
18. The Holy Spirit is caught, not taught. Trying to convince someone that they need something they think they already have is beating your head against a concrete wall. Instead, demonstrate the presence of the Holy Spirit to the group. Lay hands on people and pray with authority. Go ‘all out’ in praise and worship. Show people the Holy Spirit. Create teachable moments within your meetings.
Be patient. "Holy Spirit Arrogance" will make most people run screaming into the night away from the presence of God. Be gentle. Be real. Demonstrate the presence and people will be drawn to God. If you build it, people who are genuinely seeking the presence will come.
19. Every meeting, give people homework/experiments to try during the week. Most people, once they have a genuine taste of the Holy Spirit, they will want more. Have people practice at home what they have tried during the praise, worship, prayer session. Have them practice their spiritual gifts (practice makes competent) regularly. Give those on fire for Jesus and the presence of God something to do, something to risk, something to try and see how well they respond. This gives the leader a good indication of the spiritual maturity of the group and how to start slow and simple with them.
20. There are so few leaders who are willing to help people find themselves spiritually. To gently instruct on the Holy Spirit and create a safe place to practice gives people the latitude to try and fail and try again. If people know they can try and process what they experience, they will take chances and push themselves...exactly what the Lord wants from them, for him to begin his work in their lives.
The space created must allow people to take risks, make mistakes and listen for God’s direction for the meeting time at any time during the week. God gets excited when we come together to worship and praise Him with all our hearts.
21. Sing a simple tune like ‘Jesus is Lord,’ but just repeat those three words. Then, as the song is repeated several times, allow new words to be sung and new melodies to layer on top of the main melody. If you tell people what you want to do, then let an organic worship experience develop and grow.
22. During praise, worship, and prayer session, let different people lead (training others to do the leaders job) and give them feedback. Each session together should have a feedback time to find how people responded and what could be improved or done differently.
23. Scripture says that as a group comes together, that every person has a word, a tongue, a prophecy, song, hymn or spiritual song (prophetic song). Tell people that you want them to take chances and speak what is on their hearts, sing that melody that is placed in their mind, pray for individuals God lays on their hearts, read scripture or whatever God is urging them to do. The parameters are that it agrees with scripture and encourages or exhorts growth in the individuals attending.
24. During each session, after the worship period, there should be a time of quiet reflection and listening. Three to five minutes of silence feels like an eternity to a leader, but the time is necessary for God to minister to people in His way. Allow it may be OK for soft instrumental music to be played, usually silence brings a clearer "hearing" of what the Lord is saying.
25. There are percussion instruments available in each meeting we hold including tambourines, drums, shakers, bells, sticks and triangles. I think each person should be responsible for the execution of the music and singing.
16. Give an explanation of the difference between praise and worship. (Refer to Vivian Hibbert’s book Prophetic Worship.) Simply put, praise is acknowledging the aspects of God that are praiseworthy verbally. It is expressions of the greatness of God and the nothingness of me. Here is a list of sample praise statements:
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.
You are worthy of praise.
You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
You are my strong tower, my Deliverer and Redeemer
I glorify your name
Jesus is Lord
You are the Way, the Truth, and the Light. In you is life and salvation.
You are the Rock. (Gate, Door, Rose of Sharon, Bright and Morning Star, Good Shepherd, Great Physician, Creator, Author of our Salvation, Living Water, Bread of Life)
You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You are the God of David, Elijah, and the prophets. You are the God of the disciples and the God us today.
You never change, you are constant, everlasting, the Alpha and the Omega.
You are the God of Love, Joy, Peace, and Grace.
I am nothing and you are everything, Lord
Worship is slightly different. Worship is our response to the praiseworthy aspects of God. Worship has an aspect of soaking in the presence of God. The following are samples (not exhaustive) of worship statements:
Father, I love you, and need you in my life.
All I need is you Lord.
I receive your love, Father.
Father I want you inside of me, to change every part of me.
Father I invite your healing work inside of me.
Help me Father. I can’t live without you. I need you to work in my life.
I am your, Lord. Take me to the place you want me to be.
Father, you are better than Blue Bell ice cream.
Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence, place in me your gifts, let your light shine in me.
Thank you, Lord for.....
Jesus, fill me with your compassion and love.
Father, God of Love fill me with your love.
Spirit I ask you to fill me with Wisdom and discernment.
As a deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you oh Lord.
17. At the beginning of each session, verbally invite the Holy Spirit to the meeting. Say something along the lines of, "Father we invite you here tonight, you are our honored guest. Father, we are here for you, to praise your name and devote ourselves to. Lord fill this room with your presence." It’s like inviting Him to the celebration where he is the guest of honor. If you start with no agenda other than allowing God to work through you, He will bless your coming together and His agenda will be done.
18. The Holy Spirit is caught, not taught. Trying to convince someone that they need something they think they already have is beating your head against a concrete wall. Instead, demonstrate the presence of the Holy Spirit to the group. Lay hands on people and pray with authority. Go ‘all out’ in praise and worship. Show people the Holy Spirit. Create teachable moments within your meetings.
Be patient. "Holy Spirit Arrogance" will make most people run screaming into the night away from the presence of God. Be gentle. Be real. Demonstrate the presence and people will be drawn to God. If you build it, people who are genuinely seeking the presence will come.
19. Every meeting, give people homework/experiments to try during the week. Most people, once they have a genuine taste of the Holy Spirit, they will want more. Have people practice at home what they have tried during the praise, worship, prayer session. Have them practice their spiritual gifts (practice makes competent) regularly. Give those on fire for Jesus and the presence of God something to do, something to risk, something to try and see how well they respond. This gives the leader a good indication of the spiritual maturity of the group and how to start slow and simple with them.
20. There are so few leaders who are willing to help people find themselves spiritually. To gently instruct on the Holy Spirit and create a safe place to practice gives people the latitude to try and fail and try again. If people know they can try and process what they experience, they will take chances and push themselves...exactly what the Lord wants from them, for him to begin his work in their lives.
The space created must allow people to take risks, make mistakes and listen for God’s direction for the meeting time at any time during the week. God gets excited when we come together to worship and praise Him with all our hearts.
21. Sing a simple tune like ‘Jesus is Lord,’ but just repeat those three words. Then, as the song is repeated several times, allow new words to be sung and new melodies to layer on top of the main melody. If you tell people what you want to do, then let an organic worship experience develop and grow.
22. During praise, worship, and prayer session, let different people lead (training others to do the leaders job) and give them feedback. Each session together should have a feedback time to find how people responded and what could be improved or done differently.
23. Scripture says that as a group comes together, that every person has a word, a tongue, a prophecy, song, hymn or spiritual song (prophetic song). Tell people that you want them to take chances and speak what is on their hearts, sing that melody that is placed in their mind, pray for individuals God lays on their hearts, read scripture or whatever God is urging them to do. The parameters are that it agrees with scripture and encourages or exhorts growth in the individuals attending.
24. During each session, after the worship period, there should be a time of quiet reflection and listening. Three to five minutes of silence feels like an eternity to a leader, but the time is necessary for God to minister to people in His way. Allow it may be OK for soft instrumental music to be played, usually silence brings a clearer "hearing" of what the Lord is saying.
25. There are percussion instruments available in each meeting we hold including tambourines, drums, shakers, bells, sticks and triangles. I think each person should be responsible for the execution of the music and singing.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Spiritual Exercises 1-15
These exercises are processes we tried and found that they helped us grow closer together as a group of men and, more importantly, grow closer to God. As the leader, I didn’t plan an agenda for meetings, rather, I asked God to direct the meetings as He saw fit. These are not a definitive list of things to do; most of these exercises were a result of a couple hours of praise and a worship then being led by God to ‘try something new.’ These are some examples of where the Spirit of God led us and that we were willing to follow.
Each meeting had a personality of its own. Each meeting developed a theme of what God wanted from us and we just tried to be faithful. That is my hope for anyone who wants to lead a Worship Group or want to have a more active presence of the Spirit involved in worship...to approach God and ask what He wants to you to do and do it; ask what He wants to hear and say or sing it.
1. Ask participants to try something new each and every group. Have them ask God what He wants them to do different and ask them to be faithful. If they aren’t used to raising their hands, have them raise their hands for at least one song. Tell them that when they do something different, it is natural to feel uncomfortable. Other things they can do different is worshiping on their knees, praying for someone, sing prophetically, dance before the Lord, speak what God is laying on their heart.
2. Say ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Scripture says we can only say ‘Jesus is Lord’ by the Holy Spirit. When one feels disconnected, has intrusive thoughts, is in the presence, or having trouble connecting to Christ, ‘Jesus is Lord’ acknowledges that I can’t do it myself and need the Lord to do it for me.
3. Ask participants to take a body position that best represents ‘praise’ and ask them to hold the
position. Have them pray from this position then sing a praise song from that position. Ask them to experiment with different positions to find one that fits best for them. During worship time, ask participants to experiment with different positions to get a feel to which position seems most congruent with the words being sung.
4. Have participants ask God for the words to praise him. There are certain things God wants to hear from each of us, words God created us to say. We want to give God what he wants, not what we think he wants or that we feel comfortable with saying. God wants our hearts engaged when we say what he wants to hear. Jewish teachers ask their students to repeat scripture 3 or 4 times (or more) until the Rabbi hears their heart engage into the words. Say the statement several times until your heart gets into it.
5. Ask someone to play a simple melody (3 or 4 chords, repeated) on an instrument that is easy to follow. Members of the group ask God for words to sing with the music or ask God for a scripture to put to music. One member may start singing the words and others join in as they hear the words (or add new words). Keeps the words simple and repeatable. The song may sound like a round, or may have other words or melodies woven into it as the main melody is sung. Or a new melody and new words may overpower the old melody, just allow there to be a flow of the Spirit as the music and words are sung. Let this exercise go at least 5 to 45 minutes.
6. Have participants do a ‘Go God’ cheer with the same exuberance you would give your favorite sports team scoring a game winning shot right before the buzzer. Have them clap and whoop and holler and cheer for God.
7. Have a mini prophetic workshop that takes 5 minutes. After praise and worship, have participants declare ‘Jesus is Lord’ then ask God "Father do you love me?" Have them listen with their heart and see if they can sense God’s ‘yes.’ Some may have to repeat this exercise several times. Make it OK not to hear but encourage those to keep trying. Once someone can sense a movement of the Spirit, have them ask other ‘yes/no’ questions just to get used to hearing and sensing God.
8. Only play one new song per worship session if you play one at all. Why? New songs break the flow as people have to engage their brains to learn and remember the melodies and words instead of engaging their spirits. Play a new song at the beginning to learn then bring it back up during worship. This way the flow of worship continues.
9. How to start:
A. Ask each person to introduce themselves to someone.
B. Explain the purpose of the meeting.
C. Ask one of these questions: "What brings you here? What do you want to happen during this meeting? What do you need from God during this time together?
D. Invite them to participate. Even if they don’t know the words to songs, invite them to
make up words to sing and sing along.
E. Explain why we pray out loud. Verbal prayers help us to get outside our thinking and
engages our hearts. Encourage them to pray out loud during prayers times, to
tolerate the chaos of everyone praying to together.
10. Be patient. Don’t rush. Keep it simple. Allow there to be times of silence during the breaks between songs and prayers. Give God an opportunity to speak and work.
11. Singing the psalms is a great way of engaging with God and each other. Have someone choose a number between 1 and 150...they choose a number...turn to that psalm. Pray as a group, "Jesus is Lord...Father give us a melody to sing to you." Have a musician play a simple melody then go around the circle and each member sing a verse, in order. The person can either sing the verse as it is written or paraphrase the verse.
12. Say praise statements from revelations several times. I figure if God has the heavenly creatures and angels saying and singing these statements for eternity, then these statements have meaning and importance to him. Plus, we don’t have to make up statements that he wants from us, they are already written down.
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come.
You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor, and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.
Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Just and true are all your ways, King of the Ages.
For you alone are holy.
Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.
Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God
forever and ever.
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be all praise and honor and glory and
power for ever and ever.
13. Tell participants to not wait their turn but to pray as the Spirit moves them. Tell them it is okay to talk over, sing, praise, shout during the praise and worship period. Have them verbalize their prayers instead of thinking their prayers. Practice praying with everyone speaking at the same time, and agreeing with others’ prayers around them. Scripture says that if two or more agree on what they are praying for, it shall be done. Read that scripture and encourage vocal agreement during prayer and worship time.
14. There are several references in scripture of God requiring people to take off their shoes when they came into God’s presence. What if God was serious about ditching your shoes when you come into his presence? Ask participants to worship with their shoes off...see if it makes a difference in their quality of worship.
15. Sometimes in group, some will "sit back and observe" instead of engaging their hearts in praise, worship and prayer. At the beginning, I gently encourage each person to express and actively participate. Refusing to express during praise and worship time, in my experience, seems to shut off the flow of the Spirit to that person. It is important to have an upbeat praise song at the beginning that encourages everyone to clap, raise their hands, dance, etc. to get them more engaged right off. Encourage them to vocalize, sing or say, to help them engage.
Each meeting had a personality of its own. Each meeting developed a theme of what God wanted from us and we just tried to be faithful. That is my hope for anyone who wants to lead a Worship Group or want to have a more active presence of the Spirit involved in worship...to approach God and ask what He wants to you to do and do it; ask what He wants to hear and say or sing it.
1. Ask participants to try something new each and every group. Have them ask God what He wants them to do different and ask them to be faithful. If they aren’t used to raising their hands, have them raise their hands for at least one song. Tell them that when they do something different, it is natural to feel uncomfortable. Other things they can do different is worshiping on their knees, praying for someone, sing prophetically, dance before the Lord, speak what God is laying on their heart.
2. Say ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Scripture says we can only say ‘Jesus is Lord’ by the Holy Spirit. When one feels disconnected, has intrusive thoughts, is in the presence, or having trouble connecting to Christ, ‘Jesus is Lord’ acknowledges that I can’t do it myself and need the Lord to do it for me.
3. Ask participants to take a body position that best represents ‘praise’ and ask them to hold the
position. Have them pray from this position then sing a praise song from that position. Ask them to experiment with different positions to find one that fits best for them. During worship time, ask participants to experiment with different positions to get a feel to which position seems most congruent with the words being sung.
4. Have participants ask God for the words to praise him. There are certain things God wants to hear from each of us, words God created us to say. We want to give God what he wants, not what we think he wants or that we feel comfortable with saying. God wants our hearts engaged when we say what he wants to hear. Jewish teachers ask their students to repeat scripture 3 or 4 times (or more) until the Rabbi hears their heart engage into the words. Say the statement several times until your heart gets into it.
5. Ask someone to play a simple melody (3 or 4 chords, repeated) on an instrument that is easy to follow. Members of the group ask God for words to sing with the music or ask God for a scripture to put to music. One member may start singing the words and others join in as they hear the words (or add new words). Keeps the words simple and repeatable. The song may sound like a round, or may have other words or melodies woven into it as the main melody is sung. Or a new melody and new words may overpower the old melody, just allow there to be a flow of the Spirit as the music and words are sung. Let this exercise go at least 5 to 45 minutes.
6. Have participants do a ‘Go God’ cheer with the same exuberance you would give your favorite sports team scoring a game winning shot right before the buzzer. Have them clap and whoop and holler and cheer for God.
7. Have a mini prophetic workshop that takes 5 minutes. After praise and worship, have participants declare ‘Jesus is Lord’ then ask God "Father do you love me?" Have them listen with their heart and see if they can sense God’s ‘yes.’ Some may have to repeat this exercise several times. Make it OK not to hear but encourage those to keep trying. Once someone can sense a movement of the Spirit, have them ask other ‘yes/no’ questions just to get used to hearing and sensing God.
8. Only play one new song per worship session if you play one at all. Why? New songs break the flow as people have to engage their brains to learn and remember the melodies and words instead of engaging their spirits. Play a new song at the beginning to learn then bring it back up during worship. This way the flow of worship continues.
9. How to start:
A. Ask each person to introduce themselves to someone.
B. Explain the purpose of the meeting.
C. Ask one of these questions: "What brings you here? What do you want to happen during this meeting? What do you need from God during this time together?
D. Invite them to participate. Even if they don’t know the words to songs, invite them to
make up words to sing and sing along.
E. Explain why we pray out loud. Verbal prayers help us to get outside our thinking and
engages our hearts. Encourage them to pray out loud during prayers times, to
tolerate the chaos of everyone praying to together.
10. Be patient. Don’t rush. Keep it simple. Allow there to be times of silence during the breaks between songs and prayers. Give God an opportunity to speak and work.
11. Singing the psalms is a great way of engaging with God and each other. Have someone choose a number between 1 and 150...they choose a number...turn to that psalm. Pray as a group, "Jesus is Lord...Father give us a melody to sing to you." Have a musician play a simple melody then go around the circle and each member sing a verse, in order. The person can either sing the verse as it is written or paraphrase the verse.
12. Say praise statements from revelations several times. I figure if God has the heavenly creatures and angels saying and singing these statements for eternity, then these statements have meaning and importance to him. Plus, we don’t have to make up statements that he wants from us, they are already written down.
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come.
You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor, and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.
Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Just and true are all your ways, King of the Ages.
For you alone are holy.
Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.
Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God
forever and ever.
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be all praise and honor and glory and
power for ever and ever.
13. Tell participants to not wait their turn but to pray as the Spirit moves them. Tell them it is okay to talk over, sing, praise, shout during the praise and worship period. Have them verbalize their prayers instead of thinking their prayers. Practice praying with everyone speaking at the same time, and agreeing with others’ prayers around them. Scripture says that if two or more agree on what they are praying for, it shall be done. Read that scripture and encourage vocal agreement during prayer and worship time.
14. There are several references in scripture of God requiring people to take off their shoes when they came into God’s presence. What if God was serious about ditching your shoes when you come into his presence? Ask participants to worship with their shoes off...see if it makes a difference in their quality of worship.
15. Sometimes in group, some will "sit back and observe" instead of engaging their hearts in praise, worship and prayer. At the beginning, I gently encourage each person to express and actively participate. Refusing to express during praise and worship time, in my experience, seems to shut off the flow of the Spirit to that person. It is important to have an upbeat praise song at the beginning that encourages everyone to clap, raise their hands, dance, etc. to get them more engaged right off. Encourage them to vocalize, sing or say, to help them engage.
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