Contemplative Worship

Last Sunday, we finished the last of three nights called the "Summer Worship Series." One Sunday night a month, the church came together to worship. What makes this unique is each night was a different style of worship: one traditional, one contemporary, and one contemplative. Each one also included a time of fellowship with a potluck.(I know, we're kickin' it old school!)

This last Sunday was the contemplative service. It was done in the style and manner of Taize (www.taize.fr for more info). Of all three styles, this was the one I was looking forward to most. It also was the one I was dreading most. You see, the Taize service places a HUGE emphasis on silence and prayer. The praise team, singing all reflective songs, sang from the back. The liturgy was read by Vicki and one of our elders, John Barton. The structure is very liturgical with candles and crosses. The room was darkened. In other words, very Catholic. And I was nervous as to how our church would receive it.

I personally get a lot out of this style of worship. In my hectic life, I sometimes need to be FORCED to slow down and listen to God.

Listen.

It's that word that I like. In so many of our other services, it's not so much about listening as TALKING and DOING. And as much as I love the activity and the outpouring of other languages of worship, there is something to being still and listening for the still, small voice of God.

To my surprise, the contemplative service was a hit! People responded very well to the almost 5 minutes of silence, the selection of taize songs, as well as the candles and the crosses. And they asked to do it again!

I am thankful I am in a church that is open to try varying styles of worship in this way. That they aren't afraid to experience God in different and sometimes uncomfortable forms. From songleaders and hymns to praise teams and choruses to silence and liturgy, we can all find something meaningful in each one. We can appreciate each one for their depth and authenticity. Each style is a language that has communicated adoration through the years to one God. And that is something we can all come together for!