Repost (with edits) from Glen Jones
As we start gathering again, one of the most obvious things that will be different from pre-COVID gatherings is that we are “avoiding communal singing” in line with our government’s recommendations.
The idea of gathering as a church and NOT singing will likely give a wide range of emotional responses. But the Lord hasn’t left us without options. His Word is full of instructions on how we can appropriately respond to Him in worship with our bodies.
Romans 12:1 says
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Remember, the MOST important part of our worship is not our volume or expression but our hearts. Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees for outward expression with inward deadness. Let that NOT characterize us as we gather! May our inward love of the Lord overflow into outward expressions!
8 “‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
9 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
So, let me encourage you to consider a few ways the Lord’s given us to magnify our enjoyment of Him:
LIFTING HANDS
“So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” - Psalm 63:4
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” - 1 Timothy 2:8
STANDING
“You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!” - Psalm 22:23
BOWING & KNEELING
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” - Psalm 95:6
DANCING
“Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!” - Psalm 149:3
CLAPPING
“Clap your hands, all peoples!” - Psalm 47:1
SHOUTING
“Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” - Psalm 47:1
