The passionate love of Christ as demonstrated through His life, death, and resurrection deserves a passionate response from His Bride. When expressing our praise and thanks to God through music, how do we engage? What is pleasing and right before our Father?
Consider this quote from C.S. Lewis:
“The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.”
Zach Neese, author of How to Worship a King, and Pastor of Worship Development at Gateway Church, outlines the following Biblical postures and expressions of praise – transcending time, culture, and denominational preference or reputation:
- Singing (1 Chron. 16:23, Psalm 9:11, Psalm 30:4, Psalm 68:32, Psalm 96:2, Exodus 15:21, 2 Chron. 20:21, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 135:3, Isaiah 12:5, and more)
- Praising with Instruments (2 Chron. 5:13, 2 Samuel 6:5, 1 Chron. 13:8, 1 Chron. 15:6, 1 Chron. 15:28, 1 Chron. 25:6, 2 Chron. 29:25, Nehemiah 12:27, Isaiah 30:32, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 15:2)
- Shouting Praises to God (1 Samuel 4:5-6, 2 Chron. 13:15, Ezra 3:11, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 32:11, Psalm 33:3, Psalm 35:27)
- Clapping as Praise to God (Psalm 47:1, Psalm 98:8, Isaiah 55:12)
- Raising Hands in Praise (Nehemiah 8:6, Psalm 28:2, Psalm 134:2, Psalm 141:2, Lamentations 3:41, Luke 24:50, 1 Timothy 2:8 and more)
- Dancing (Exodus 15:20, 2 Samuel 6:14, Psalm 149:3, Psalm 150:4, Psalm 30:11, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Jeremiah 31:4)
- Bowing (Genesis 24:26, Genesis 24:52, Exodus 34:8, 1 Chron. 29:20, Nehemiah 8:6, Psalm 5:7, Psalm 95:6, Ephesians 3:14)
What new expression will you try in praise and thanksgiving the next time you engage in musical worship?