When Does Worship End?

Matt — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:23:30 +0000

Almost every morning I go on a bike ride through the woods near my home. As I ride I listen to either an audio book, a podcast or some worship music on my mp3 player. This morning I was praying while listening to Deluge’s new worship album (which is phenomenal!). My mind and heart were becoming totally focused on God, which is a beautiful thing. But this beautiful moment came to a sudden stop. Why? Because I got distracted. I was not distracted by the beautiful scenery, or the wild birds and rabbits. These rather focused my thoughts on God. I was distracted by something within, by my own thoughts. As I was becoming totally focused on God the thought entered my mind that I was really praying well. And the moment was gone.

This made me think, when does worship end? The singing of worship songs at church may end at a certain point, but often worship ends before the singing, if it ever really began. So when does true worship end?

Worship ends when I think about me. This is introspection, not worship.

Worship ends when I think about the music. This is evaluation, not worship.

Worship ends when I think about the past. This is reflection, not worship.

Worship ends when I think about the future. This is expectation, not worship.

As long as you notice, and have to count, the steps, you are not yet dancing but only learning to dance. A good shoe is a shoe you don’t notice. Good reading becomes possible when you need not consciously think about the eyes, or light, or print, or spelling. The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God. – C. S. Lewis

Matt Bennett » distraction

When Does Worship End?