silent worship
Jun 22nd, 2007 by Nathanael
I remember one Sunday night after teaching, I saw a brother kneeling silently while the band was playing and the congregation was singing. After a few songs, I knelt beside him, put my arm around him, and prayed for him. I prayed for a little while, and after I stopped, I asked him if there was anything specific for which I could pray for him. He pulled out a tablet where he had already written, as if to the Lord, “I have decided to worship in silence.”
I thought that was pretty cool, especially since there have been times I’ve been there myself. Although for me, it was never a premeditated choice. There have been times I’ve been so caught up in who my Lord is and in His love for me, I worshipped in silence.
This poem was birthed out of and inspired by that event.
There is a time for silent worship,
When the songs in my heart can find no release,
With a singing heart and silent lips,
My soul adores the Prince of Peace.
Sometimes my heart’s too heavy to sing,
Burdened with pain I cannot express.
Silence is the only offering I bring,
Finding no outlet for my distress.
Sometimes my heart’s too overjoyed to sing,
Enraptured ’til words are not enough.
Songs only echo with a hollow ring,
Unable to articulate my love.
There are times silent worship is best,
To be still in Jehovah’s presence.
I stand in the light of His holiness,
Quietly soaking in His essence.
So friend, whether singing or silent, let’s worship our King,
He is worthy.
An excellent first post. I am a middle aged woman looking for more than a “killer set of songs” on a Sunday morning that will make me feel good. Worship without music appeals to me greatly, since the music seems to be the object of worship instead of the vehicle of worship. Your poem hit a sensitive spot in me. Keep writing, please.
I’ve enjoyed your first post, Nathan. For whatever reason, when I gave a brief answer to your inquiry over on Jesus Creed, I addressed it to Jacob. My apologies. There’s nothing wrong with worshipping in silence. I have found “the Flow” there, waiting on Him. I have found “it” in mid-sentence, blowing in unexpectedly and taking me on high. The last fellow I read over there who addressed the subject spoke of holding a correct “heart” being the necessary, not an assurance of His presence. I’ve no problem with that setting the precedent, as it only is proper no matter how we approach or what we expect. We but “set the table”, prepare a place for Him; it yet remains His decision to accept the invitation………
Wonderful poem! So much truth and emotion packed in there!
Thank you all for your encouragement…it means a lot.