What Does it Mean to Worship

The drum beats, claps, thunks and bangs.
The bass hits the low notes
And the electric guitar fingers a sweet slide.
The piano and keys harmonize
Eloquently and fearlessly.
This has got to be good worship.

The congregation starts to sing the words on the wall.
We do the two-step sway and get 'into it'.
At the right time, I let air flow under my feet.
I stretch my arms in surrender on the right beat.
The worship leader's neck is flexed as she pours out
Her vulnerable soul before You.
This must be great worship.

The lyrics are penetrating if attention is paid.
They speak things proclaimed in Your Word.
If spoken by the pastor, someone would shout, "Amen!"
A man next to me breaks down; he can barely stand.
Maybe tears can roll down my cheek...
This is amazing worship.

Pause.

Mute the melodies;
Shut down the sound board
For a moment please.

What does it mean to worship You?
To glorify Your name and praise You
Independent of my heart's ability to sing?
What does it mean to fall to my knees,
Because I am unworthy to look upon Your face
And yet...You still welcome me?

What does it mean to sit before You
And fully realize that I am in the presence of the Almighty God?
I am completely welcomed, but so out of place.
Miracle of lavishly, unwithheld grace:
What does it mean
When I jump, dance and shout -
There is an immeasurable and uncontrollable joy inside of me?

What does it mean to mean the words?
Throw out the dictionary of religious language.
When I intertwine my fingers and utter petitions
There is more than walls that listen.
Something yanks on my heart and aches until I mind.
Simple words are all that is said; sometimes only a groan.

What does it mean to worship You?
Darken the stage.  Hide behind the closet.
Away from looking eyes - only room for the intimate.
No more drumbeats or cymbals.  No more strings.
Where no one can see and no one can peer
Except for You.
Perhaps worship is more invisible.

Not only in the melodic notes, but found in silence.
Not only in spoken prayers, but found in listening.
Not only in the excitement of revelation and grace,
But found in the desire to sit at Your feet.
Perhaps worship is more tangible when we
Forsake our natural senses
To come before You. 

(Written in 2013)