Lamentable Worship

I've really not wanted to blog much since starting at Theological College - there are too many voices babbling away, sharing their ten pennies worth. So before I go on, and simply add more hot air to the interweb, allow me to explain why this blog...

Firstly, this piece today is much more for my friends and colleagues at Ripon College Cuddesdon (RCC) - this is the college I'm training at in preparation for Ordination, which (God willing) will take place next summer - 2017. I hope this piece will be of use to anyone who leads or plans worship...

Within college I have the dubious honour of being one of two worship leaders. It is our responsibility: to pull together the talent and skills from across the college (which we do marginally well); to plan the basic structure for the term's worship, which involves balancing our use of traditional and contemporary styles (which we do less marginally well than the first duty); we help shape patterns and choices through our introduction (or shelving) of certain music/hymns/songs; we encourage people to engage with the college's breadth of style and volume of worship; and finally, we draw upon our (and others') skills to contribute to the weekly 'Worship Rehearsals' where we consider (in 25 minutes) an aspect of our shared community worship life.

This week had been ear-marked for 'Song Bashing', i.e. we were going to have a brisk romp through a few songs we fancied using in future weeks/months, or ensure new material already used was bedding in well.

I was, therefore, less than amused when our Worship Director (the member of staff responsible for the college's Worship life) asked if I would consider how we might encourage students to use more songs of LAMENT or SOCIAL ACTION.

ha!

 

Thanks for that!

Earlier in term I'd led a session on 'choice and variation in Morning Prayer' (we do Common Worship Morning Prayer Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, at 7.30am), and a second session on Hymnody/Song Choices. The second session was really a two-for-one - we tried to do too much in 25 minutes.

And so it proved again tonight - 25 minutes was NEVER going to be long enough to cover all the ground...

SO......

Mindful of what I didn't say, and in an attempt to capture what I did, here are my thoughts on this tricky (if very topical) issue of choosing songs that look to life's harsher realities.

Foundations

Firstly, I encourage people to look at this excellent blog by Bob Kauflin. He's a Worship Leader and theologian I respect working with a team of worship leaders and song writers who ensure they craft songs of depth and substance. Within the blog he explores why we shy away from songs of Lament, and ways to approach the subject. Bob's blog also includes links to three other blogs he's written that include songs he's used. In addition, here's a useful blog by Cardiphonia. This has a host of resources to aid you - I confess I haven't checked them all out...yet!

I think the simplest way to start this topic is to accept that all too often our worship has a tendency to rely on a overly-realized eschatology. Many Christians accept the 'now, but not yet' paradox that life in the here and now presents: we're simultaneously here on earth (now) but citizens of heaven (the not yet). Unfortunately, our worship tends to focus much more on a 'shiny happy people' syndrome which makes over-reaching claims about how much of God and his kingdom has broken out in our lives. Yes - God is faithful and loving, but we have to accept that to the widow, the abused, the marginalised and many many many others their lives are not rosy or happy - and their circumstances do not testify to a loving, kind, faithful God.

Thankfully, we are in good company for the Psalmist has many causes to cry out to God in desperation and anger - WHERE ARE YOU??

Our worship must accept and address these real emotions.

BUT!!!!!!!!!! (and this is a clear warning!)

These songs (the few you can find) are not to be flippantly dropped into a service without a second thought.

For instance, the John Bell and Graham Maule song 'Christ's is the World (A Touching Place)' includes the following verse:

"Feel for the parents who've lost their child,

feel for the women whom men have defiled,

feel for the baby for whom there's no breast,

and feel for the weary who find no rest"

These are not easy words to read, let alone sing, let alone sing if you know somebody for whom these categories are true, let alone if you are one of the people in those categories...

This is NOT a tick box exercise - "Have we included a song of lament in this service?"

No, indeed, we should always ensure that songs like this are coming out of either the theme of the Bible passages we read, the sermon, or perhaps real events going on around us, but we must be pastorally sensitive. Always!

Categories

I would say that you have to be alert to some subtle distinctions too.

Some songs are less lament, and more corporate confession. Other songs don't really do anything more than offer intercessions on behalf of other people. A Lament is defined as 'a passionate expression of grief or sorrow'. So yes, a lament could be on another's behalf, corporate or individual - but the emphasis, I would suggest, is on GRIEF. Songs of Lament in church flies in the face of our espoused HOPE. But it is important these songs are written and sung. There is a place for songs that accept our responsibility - where we confess our sins. The key difference I would suggest is that confessional songs focus on our sin, whereas Lament can be about the sin we feel that has been done to us, or a general sense of God's absence in the face of trials and suffering.

Trials and suffering is the key link to Social Action songs. These appear to fall into one of three broad camps: songs about Acts of Mercy (references to the poor, blind, needy in a general sense, but built upon Jesus' instructions in Matthew 25); songs about Mission (a more settled focus on taking the Word to the 'lost', whatever lost means); and finally songs about Injustice (explicit reference to sin in the world that should be challenged).

I think the last category (Injustice) is the trickiest to approach. In these songs we are deliberately naming the sin and evil around us. This may prompt questions and anger in some congregations. How about these words from 'Inspired by Love and Anger':

'From those forever shackled

to what their wealth can buy,

the fear of lost advantage

provokes the bitter cry,

"Don't query our position!

Don't criticize our wealth!

Don't mention those exploited

by politics and stealth!" '

How easily might these words be sung on a Sunday morning?? They beg a response and prayer - don't they!

Slim Pickings and the final verse pick-me-up

But where to even start...?

There are some songs/hymns about social issues. There are scarcely a handful of genuine songs of lament. There's a fair bit of the confessional stuff I've listed above.

What you tend to find are songs that have blurry edges.

One of my favourite songs in this genre is 'O Lord the Clouds are Gathering' by Graham Kendrick. I've used this song on a few occasions, notably once in Yorkshire not long after the London Riots (which were spreading around the country). The response from the congregation was moving - it had clearly struck a chord. The song addresses sin around us, our choices to ignore God, the horror of war, but the chorus switches to an 'us' mentality. I especially like the use of both the Kyrie Eleison motif ('Have mercy, Lord') but also the quote from Amos 5:24

"But let justice roll on like a river,

righteousness like a never-failing stream"

However, and this is an important facet of virtually all these songs, even when the subject matter is tough and gritty, there is almost always a positive final verse. Theologically, I understand. Most Psalms of Lament have a turn to faithful trust in the final verses, even in the midst of despair.

There is one notable exception: Psalm 88.

Might it be possible to sing any song in church which has an ambiguous or unresolved end?

One that I have found is Stuart Townend's 'We Have Sung Our Songs of Vict'ry', which ends with the chorus:

How long

before you drench the barren land?

How long

before we see your righteous hand?

How long

before your name is lifted high?

How long

before the weeping turns to songs of joy?

There is no happy ending. Yes the final verse declares that we 'know a day is coming'...but they conclude with 'how long?'

Sourcing these songs

So you decide to try out some of these songs, where to start?

In fact, how do you begin to broaden your repertoire in general?

Firstly, do some detective work. Talk to your friends, ask on Facebook. Just in preparing for my session today I asked the community and learnt of three songs I had no idea about. You should also try to visit other churches and try different YouTube/Spotify channels that might expose you to new material.

I've had a long aversion to Taize, but Spotify and the wealth of Taize albums has meant I've had reason to really engage with their catalogue of material - lots of it is beautiful.

Always try to stay open-minded about what you might learn from other traditions.


Secondly, do some homework. Look at the indices of your songbooks.

You should invest in one or two music hymnbooks. At college we use A&M, which is 'Ancient & Modern' (2013) and 'Complete Anglican Hymns Old & New' (2000, although a newer updated version is available). You might prefer 'Hymns for Today's Church' or 'New English Hymnal'. Either way I really do think having access to some old traditional hymnody is a great place to start.

For more contemporary styles you have three broad 'book' choices: SoF which is 'Songs of Fellowship' series (6 volumes), 'The Source' series (4 volumes), and 'Mission Praise' series (2 volumes).

Personally, I have grown to love A&M and SoF. A word of caution though, unless you're really committed to staying 'cutting edge' the very latest SoFs may not be necessary. You know what style suits you, but as a guitarist I trust the chord arrangements in SoF for all songs, especially any hymns they include, which is a lot actually.

Once you've got your book you should look through the indices - you can usually look up songs by Bible Reference and/or Theme.

What you'll notice is how few songs there are under the themes of sorrow, lament, social action, justice, etc.


Thirdly, do some listening.

Okay, you've found a handful of hopeful looking songs - but you don't actually know the tune/song at all.

I have found Spotify and/or YouTube a good place to start to try and locate a song to have a listen.

Or you could use various online portals for support:
For Hymns: Hymnary, Cyberhymnal or Oremus. I've also recently been pointed to Andrew Remillard's YouTube channel which you can search through by Hymn tune name.
For Contemporary: WorshipTogether, Worship Central, weareworship, and Praise Charts.

Have an explore!


Finally, you need to have a sing!

Additional tips

- Don't try and crowbar these songs in, especially the ones with tough lyrics. Be especially sensitive!
- It may be that you find a song and it works well musically but the time is never right - be patient. I've sat on some discoveries for years before I feel the time is right to use a song, etc.
- Always keep in mind the core underlying structures/shape of worship.
Whether you adhere to a loose: gathering-word-prayer-sending out model,
or a more Eucharistic flavoured: processional-confession/absolution/Kyrie-Gloria/praise-readings/acclamations-creed-intercessions-offertory-Sanctus-Agnus Dei-distribution-post-communion/praise-sending out/recessional
finding a suitable spot for a song of lament will be tricky. Some songs about justice would be entirely appropriate around the confession, others the prayers, while others act as great stimuli to get out and walk the walk! Think about where you place these.
- Remember the joy of hymns: you can use a familiar tune with unfamiliar words if the meter works. Here's a blog introducing meter.
- Also, remember to introduce new songs carefully and sensitively! I'll blog about new songs sometime...

Final Comments

This blog has ended up taking an entire evening to write...and probably a long time for you to read it - sorry!!

But this issue is important.

My favourite Psalm is Ps.42. It includes the opening: "As the deer pants for the waters so my soul pants for you, O God." But within a short span you end on the less positive note:

"Why are you so downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Saviour and my God." (v.11)



 

Two verses earlier, "why have you forgotten me?" (v.9)

 

Are we honest with ourselves about where we feel close or distant from God?

 

Good worship is not a result of one service, it is a disposition of the heart, which finds expression in a community. Worship is measured by its fruit - does God get glory, is Jesus lifted up, and do we see a deepening pattern of discipleship. Are we more loving, joyful, peace-ful/peace-making, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled?

 

For these things to happen I think we must be honest and authentic with God - privately and corporately. We do not put a pious veneer on our lives to pretend we're okay. We're called to mourn and weep with those who mourn and weep. And sometimes we are the ones mourning and weeping.

 

I wonder, given the political and emotional climate in the world today, what might happen if we created more opportunities in our worship for our worries, grief, grievances, fear, sorrow, anger and lament. If the world saw Jesus being lifted up, worshipped and praised, the Prince of Peace amidst our honest struggles - would this be the sign of hope the world needs?

 

 

Wake up!

Wake up!

I can think of this phrase being used toward me in two distinct ways. Firstly, my mother shrieking at me – desperately berating me for not getting out of bed sooner, the constant nagging (oft-realised) fear of lateness. I’m reminded of the time my Mum burst into my bedroom at 3.20am (yes…AM) to startle me awake – I’d missed the rendezvous with the school exchange trip leaving for Switzerland. We were due at school for 3am….quickest morning I’ve ever had. Have you ever overslept? Struggled to rouse yourself from deepest recesses blissful slumber? My colleagues and I have to be in chapel for 7.30am each day – the latecomers do not go unnoticed!

Then secondly, I can think of people’s response to my naïve assumptions about the world and its workings. My idealistic naiveté getting in the way of accurate assessment – met with the words, “Wake up, Rolf! Get real!” A real call to understanding and right thinking.

All humans are similarly called in these ways. On the one hand we’re asked to be alert, to be present, to be ‘on time, whilst also being reminded to understand and see things for how they really are. Wilful ignorance is one of the greatest threats to humanity – we allow ourselves to be told, to be spoonfed and be misled. And our diets of consumerism and individualism lead to drowsiness and slumber. We are, if you will, asleep on the backseat while we let someone else drive the car.

This is why the great Advent cry is of such importance to our spiritual (and therefore whole) wellbeing.

Jesus spoke in stark terms about the future of humanity. He painted a bleak, depressing image of the world:

“On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity”, and “your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:25, 34)

When we look at the world today we are immediately struck by the confusion and pain. How do we respond to such ‘reckless hate’ seen in the attacks across the world, the suicide bombers? How do we tackle the threat of violence? With more violence? And what are we protecting? A consumerist madness where we worship sales and bargains and deals? At what further cost, when the leaders of the nations are assembling to consider climate change and the ongoing damage to the environment? Violence. Consumerism. Poor stewardship.

But before we get the impression these ‘evils’ somehow exist outside of us, in the great beyond, out there, in ‘other people’, let us be clear that this same evil that grips the hearts of others, grips us.

We too have angry, rage fuelled thoughts. I get incensed at the slow driver, the poorly organised queue in a coffee shop, the disruption to sleep.

We too are driven by individualism and consumerism. I’m prepared to buy books from a website knowing that its employees are treated as nothing more than cattle – just so I can save a few pounds, or worse, get it sooner. I am willing to dehumanise someone just so I am not inconvenienced?

We too are poor stewards. The food I throw away. The clothes that are replaced. The unethically farmed meat. The heating left on all day. The lights not turned off. The hospitality not gifted. The love not offered.

 

That is why Advent is a penitential season. For it is only when we wake up and see both the state of our hearts and the state of the world that we truly see the need for a Saviour.

Advent is not a make believe season. We don’t pretend to be Jews waiting for their Messiah. It is not a preamble to Christmas – it is the real deal – it is about God working in our lives.

We need a Saviour now!

 

So Advent is most especially about preparing our hearts to hear afresh the wondrous news that God HAS COME. Much like in Lent, where despite knowing we live in the shadow of the cross, we use the time to prepare for a fresh sense of awe and wonder at the mercy and grace God poured out in and through the cross, so Advent must also be a time where we are prepared. We come to acknowledge our desperate brokenness.

And yet, it is also, most profoundly, about an acknowledgement of the world’s brokenness.

This is the root of the cry, ‘Come, Lord Jesus’. We don’t pretend we’re living two thousand years ago, watching and waiting. We look on our 21^st century world and sigh in pain and sorrow.

We try to bring something of God’s Kingdom to those around us. We believe the Kingdom of God is within us, is growing, is glimpsed at in the loving relationships around us.

But, O Lord, we are also painfully aware that God’s Kingdom is not yet here.

 

Advent then forces us to pray, with increasing fervour and intensity, “YOUR KINGDOM COME!”

 

And he will!

 

Jesus speaks about the future return of the Son of Man:
‘²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. ²⁶ People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷ At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

²⁹ He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:25-27, 29-31)

These words “concern the true eschatological event, the coming of the Son of Man, which…is the “fulfilment” of the kingdom of God, the moment when God’s rule becomes definitive.” (Johnson, 1991, p.330)

The waiting game though, is hard. The Parable of the faithful and wise manager (Luke 12:42-28) reminds us that one temptation is to ‘beat the servants and to eat and drink and get drunk.” I was profoundly struck when I heard my placement incumbent suggest that the obsession with eating and drinking around Christmas is a form of (false) worship. We are to rejoice and celebrate – but not in and for itself.

Another temptation is to despair – the seed that has fallen but whose life is choked out by life’s worries – the ones who don’t mature (Luke 8:14). Jesus himself says, “³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. ³⁵ For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.” (Luke 21:34f.)

So what are we to do? How are we to use Advent as a time to reflect on our personal need of a Saviour, but also a time to look for God’s return?

Jesus says:

²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Praise God! We are called to worship!

³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Be Confident! We are promised His continued presence.

³⁶ Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Watch and pray! We are called to wake up!

 

And yet…let us be reminded of the great Advent prayer: Come, Lord Jesus!

We are not praying that we might be better able to effect God’s kingdom – we look for God to move. This is why the words of Isaiah are so redolent:

“Awake, awake, arm of the Lord,

    clothe yourself with strength!

Awake, as in days gone by,

    as in generations of old.” (Isaiah 51:9)

 

May we all, this Advent, be awoken to worship and prayer.

May we all, this Advent, cry together, “Lord Jesus, Come!”

Preparing for Advent

Nine years ago, while worshipping at St Augustine's (Bradford) I led prayers immediately prior to Advent. I used an online article I'd found to frame my intercessions which included prayers for Iraq and Sudan. In preparing for Advent this year I've been prompted to seek the same article out, and I found it here.

I've decided to reproduce the piece in my blog as well, which I invite you to read in a spirit of prayerfulness. I've added some guides and prompts to help you take the theme on and into Advent.

I think the message of this piece is so important:

Do not get so sucked into Christmas preparations you lose yourself, that you become emotionally drained and emptied. Advent is a season where we reacquaint ourselves with HOPE, but all too frequently we're obsessed with guaranteeing the JOY of Christmas we fail to remember that when the great food, loving family and thoughtful presents are a memory, we're still in need of a Saviour. Hope speaks to our real, true, deep selves.

I pray you are blessed this Advent, and that you'll pause (however briefly) beforehand to prepare yourself.

Preparing for Advent

Getting in touch with myself

One of the best ways to prepare for the very special season of Advent is to 'get in touch with ourselves'. It may sound odd, but one symptom of our contemporary lives is that we can often be quite out of touch with what's going on in our very own hearts. We are about to begin Advent, right at the time our western culture begins Christmas preparations. It is a busy time, and our heads are filled with details to remember. And, it is a time of emotional complexity that is part of this holiday season - with all of the expectations and challenges of family and relationships: who we want to be with and who we struggle to be with. So, our hearts are a bit tender, if not completely defended from experiencing anything deeply.

[Take time to slow down, relax and think about the coming weeks. Imagine those scenarios with friends and family. Recall how previous Advents/Christmases have left you feeling]

We are about to hear some very powerful and stirring readings from Isaiah, the Prophet. We will re-enter the ancient tradition of a people longing for the coming of a Saviour. We may remember the days of our childhood when we longed for Christmas to come, because it was a magical time of receiving gifts. As adults, we have to ask ourselves: what is it I long for now? The answer won't come easily. The more we walk around with that question, and let it penetrate through the layers of distraction and self-protection, the more powerfully we will experience Advent.

[Set yourself the challenge of 'walking around with a question in your mind': what is it I long for now? Maybe you could keep a trinket or note in your pocket to remind you about the quesiton during the day. I've sometimes used a Duplo brick, or a small stone. Share any thoughts you might have with a loved one. Pray about answers that come to you]

Salvation from...

We are about to read and pray about the expectant hope of Israel, as expressed through Isaiah. The images we will be using are about darkness and gloom - about thick clouds covering the people - and about hunger and thirst. They are images that attempt to capture a sense of what we feel when we are distant from God. There are many images about war and conflict. They express the powerlessness and anxiety we experience when we feel vulnerable and defenseless. Most of all, there are images of a future day - a day that can only be called the Lord's - when all the tears will be wiped away, when there will be plenty to eat and drink, and when there will be no more conflict and no more war. God's salvation will be made known. God's victory will be complete.

[In what ways are you spiritually hungry and thirsty? Do you feel distant from God? Cut off? Alone? Do you feel like you've been in a battle spiritually? Tell God about these feelings. Bring them to mind during Advent as you hear of the promised Saviour]

These are very precious days for us to come into intimate contact with our own need for salvation. It is a time to make friends with our tears, our darkness, our hunger and thirst. What is missing? What eludes my grasp? What name can I give to the 'restlessness' in my heart? What is the emptiness I keep trying to 'feed' with food, with fantasy, with excitement, with busyness? What is the conflict that is 'eating at me'? What is the sinful, unloving, self-centred pattern for which I haven't asked for forgiveness and healing? Where do I need a peace that the world cannot give?

[Use these questions to examine your walk with God. What do you need, right now, from God? Ask]

Coming to know where I need a Saviour is how I can prepare for Advent. I am preparing to listen to the promises, listen to these rich texts announcing the liberation I can tuly long for. When my heart is open, when my hands are open, when my mouth is open and ready to ask for freedom, healing and peace, then I am ready to begin Advent.

Celebrate, don't just commemorate the Wesleys!

Today is the Lesser Festival of John and Charles Wesley. They died in 1791 and 1788 respectively. But despite their deaths being over two hundred years ago we should not just commemorate them, but celebrate their contribution. This blog is, however, focused on Charles...

As a worship leader I am constantly struggling and highly critical of the many contemporary worship songs written and produced that are unintelligible theologically. Too many are products of the Christian Song Cliche machine...or so it seems!

That said, I have found a 'new' song recently that is as interesting, refreshing musically as it is theologically stimulating. 'I Come By The Blood' by Steve and Vicki Cook (Sovereign Grace Music) is a triumph.




When I consider the number of hymns I continue to use whose words are by Charles Wesley I am greatly indebted to him.
When I was baptised as a 14 year old on 11 July 1993 (my twentieth anniversary is approaching) the hymn I chose was ‘And Can It Be’, which I also asked for at my induction service as Chaplain at Bradford Cathedral. The words continue to move me, deeply.

Our vicar and I both share a passion for the great Advent hymn, ‘Lo! He comes with clouds descending’, a rare song about the second coming and the awful reality of its revelation for those who haven’t followed Jesus.

And there are so many more: ‘Rejoice, the Lord is King’, and ‘Jesus, the name high over all’ (I found a brilliant version of this song by Geraldine Latty on Spotify some time ago).

I often wonder if I should try to write some worship lyrics, but find myself incapable of moving beyond Wesley’s brilliant poetic theology. Good hymnody is more than a catchy tune, it is the poetry, the way theology is conveyed, and the correctness of the theology too.

Wesley also wrote one of the most powerful lines in all hymnody when he penned ‘Love Divine’, in which he writes, “Take away our love of sinning” (or “bent of sinning” depending on your version) it’s in the occasionally sung 2nd verse. I often struggle to sing it; it’s too much, and it gets to the heart of walking as a Christian – the desire to be free from sin means hating sin, not even allowing it to have root. Rend Collective Experiment have a beautiful setting of Love Divine.

And let us not forget that Charles Wesley wrote one of the most popular Christmas Carols, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, although for once, there is a suspicion of dodgy theology with his inference of Docetism (‘veiled himself’).

But beside this small matter, Wesley’s contribution seems unparalleled. He remains an inspiration to me.

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior's blood!

Died he for me, who caused his pain!

For me? who him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be

That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be

That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!

Who can explore his strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

To sound the depths of love divine.

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;

Let angel minds inquire no more.

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;

Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father's throne above

So free, so infinite his grace!

Emptied himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam's helpless race.

'Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

'Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,

Fast bound in sin and nature's night;

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray;

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,

That whispers all my sins forgiven;

Still the atoning blood is near,

That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;

Jesus, and all in him, is mine;

Alive in him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th' eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Bold I approach th' eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

PENTECOST PRAISE

Sunday 19th May is PENTECOST SUNDAY.

And Bradford city centre will play host to an exciting festival of the Holy Spirit, seeking to bring together Christians from across the district and denominational spectrum...this will be an excellent opportunity to pray for the city, in the city, in the beautiful City Park, beside the Mirror Pool.

There will be a family fun day feel from 3pm, with activities and stalls

At 4.30pm a family picnic

Culminating in a worship service at 5pm.

I am excited to be leading the worship band at the service. We've brought together an exciting and talented bunch from across Bradford...it will be brilliant!

What's a priest? (Hebrews - Day 21)

Sermons are tricky beasts...they can get away from you sometimes. And with the kindest respect to our vicar, Paul, I think his sermon back in October on Hebrews 7:23-28 rather got away from him. As I've read back through my notes of the sermon, and as I re-read the passage I'm forced to conclude he tried to say too much..breaking my personal rule that a sermon should be summarisable in one sentence (see here for a rather brutal critique of a service I attended).

I think Paul was trying to summarise a number of Hebrews-related themes:
1. The High Priest
2. Sacrifice
3. Sin
4. Exaltation and Acension

Now as it happens I've already picked up the theme of ascension in Hebrews here. And I've spoken about sacrifice here, amongst other references. And sin get's an expose in other places too. (This is why it's useful to do a journey through the book - not an edited highlights approach of the lectionary)

This then leaves us with the High Priesthood to consider.

(It's certainly worth saying at this point that I have, as someone who is seriously interested in ordination, found this study of Hebrews very helpful in deepening my understanding of the priestly function of a vicar...who's other main functions might be seen as pastor and prophet...or is that chaplaincy?...)

It's worth, while we're thinking about Priests to pause and consider what Hebrews notes they do:
- They represent the people (Heb 5:1) and in a sense vicars do still do that. They are not mediators - Hebrews streses this later in the letter - Jesus is the only mediator. But priests stand alongside people, almost like a union rep, petitioning and standing up for them.
- Intercessions (Heb 7:25): we see Jesus in heaven offering prayers for us, and so priests on earth would be expected to do the same.

- Sacrifices...perhaps of praise (Hebrews 5:1; 13:15), but also the role of our priests is to preside at communion which is an enactment of Christ's sacrifice. They are recounting the passion of Christ.
- Gifts: I think priests do unlock our potential and talents, but they also practically receive and offer to God our monetary offerings (Heb 5:1)
- Pastoring (Heb 5:2) is part of being a priest - like Jesus the shepherd - where the ignorant and those going astray are cared for by the priest.
- Worship (Heb 8:1-2) is part of making God present to us. We are brought more consciously into the very throne room of God when our priests lead us in worship of God.

But Hebrews makes it very clear that Jesus is a FAR superior High Priest to those who served in the Tabernacle, or in the Temple.

In these six verses in Hebrews 7:23-28 we review six ways in which Jesus is shown as totally adequate to meet our needs:

Hebrews 7	Jesus	The High Priests
v.23	One	Many
v.24	Permanent	Temporary
v.25	Saves completely	Saves incompletely
v.26	Holy, blameless, pure, set apart, exalted	Earthly, sinful, profane
v.27	Once-for-all	Repeated
v.28	Perfect	Weak

There is only one JESUS, but he is totally sufficient.

Our response?

Come to Jesus, through God (Heb 7:25) and he WILL save you completely. That's a promise!

The ASPECT method

The ASPECT method

Quiet time is one of the most essential aspects of your Christian life. Many Christians take some time reading the bible everyday. While it is very useful, just reading the bible will not lead you to much fuller Christian walk with Christ. You need to spend time in his words, study and learn from it everyday. Without daily regular quiet time, our spiritual life can be seriously malnourished just as our body can be mal-nutritioned without proper food and water! I often wonder when people talk about forgetting to do their quiet time due to busy schedule; I have never found anybody who forgot to eat for a day due to work!

Here I am presenting simple steps for how to do your daily quiet time:

Time: Quiet time should be about 10-15 minutes long. You can choose time according to you schedule. For some, morning works better, for others, night may work well. While, I recommend the morning time as you are much calmer and fresh, any time can work fine. It is also important to set fixed time everyday, as it brings discipline and consistency.

What do you need?

Your bible, note and pen. You can occasionally refer to bible commentary or dictionary for difficult passages of bible (Free bible study resources). But I would recommend studying bible as it is and ask God for his guidance to understand the passage. It is a very good practice to take notes in your quiet time. You will be amazed when you will see your quiet time notes years later!

How To do Quiet Time?

Start with prayer:

■ Spend just few minutes in worship and thanksgiving.

■ Spend some time in asking God for forgiveness for our sins.

■ Ask for his guidance in today’s quiet time

 

Passage for Quiet time: It is good to select any book of bible and read it continuously. It will help you to get the whole picture and can enjoy your quiet time more. 

■ Select about 8-10 verses, don’t select whole chapter, as you may not be able to cover it all. Select small paragraph according to passage.

■ Read the paragraph for 2-3 times. This bible study method is also called ASPECT method. From the paragraph, ask following questions.

■ A – About God – What can you learn about God through this passage?

■ S – Sin – Does it talk about any sin?

■ P – Promise – Is there any promise in the word?

■ E – Example – Is there any example, I can follow?

■ C –Command – Which command I need to obey?

■ T – Teaching – What can I learn from this passage?

 

Concluding Prayer:

■ Thank God for his guidance in quiet time

■ Worship God for his characteristic

■ Pray for deliverance from any sin

■ Ask for strength for the day.

 

Extravagance and Circumstance

Today's readings (1 Kings 8:63-9:9; and Acts 16:25-end) for morning prayer ask serious questions about our worship.

God responds to worship. He appears to Solomon, in person, after worship. He sends an earthquake to free Paul and Silas, after worship.

However, there are two characteristics, two principles of worship we see at work here.

1. Worship must be extravagant.

Solomon is a wonderful example of this spirit of worship. Funny really, David (his father) is seen as the worship-leader - after all he wrote the songs, played the lyre - but here we see Solomon leading the people with:
- Profuse Sacrifice - "the bronze altar before the LORD was too small to hold the burnt offerings" (1 Kings 8:64). Is your worship too large for the altar? Could anyone describe your worship as over-the-top? Excessive?
- Vast Assembly - this was a huge gathering - HUGE! Now...please don't think I'm advocating for large congregations only. However, there is something electrifying when lots of people come together to worship. We know that large crowds take on their own personality - sometimes an evil character (the Nurenberg Rallies? the summer 2011 riots?).
In a week's time 80-100,000 people will gather at Wembley Stadium for the National Day of Prayer and Worship. I'm sometimes quite sceptical about these sorts of events...but perhaps that says something about my approach to worship - I'd rather have my small personal offering rather than come together with thousands of others to pour my worship into one space?
- Significant Time - this act of worship took 14 days (v.65) - two weeks! Imagine an act of worship that takes the same time as the Olympics!! Do we schedule an hour and a half a week for God, for worship? Think about it: there are 168 hours a week, one and a half of those is less than 1% - LESS THAN ONE PERCENT!! Some of us spend more time on the loo.
[And don't go giving me that nonsense that "we're always worshipping!" - yes, I know...our lives are one long act of worship, but tell me... are the other hours of your week punctuated with the aroma of sacrifice - holy and pleasant (Romans 12:1f.)]

- Not Embarassed - Then we come to Paul and Silas, who worship to witness. As they worship others hear them - they aren't in the least bit embarassed to worship. I get squirmy if a non-Christian friend gets in my car while I have worship on. Eh? Why am I embarassed to show the world what I believe?

The picture that is built up is one where worship that moves God is worship that has a personal cost: it costs time, our reputation, it might inconvenience us (imagine the logistics of getting 100,000 people together)...but that's the point. Worship that costs us nothing does not move God. He is unimpressed and unmoved by worship that doesn't show him how much he's worth!

2. Worship defies circumstance.

Solomon "had achieved all he had desired to do" (1 Kings 9:1). He was in a place of blessing, a place of abundance. And he worshipped.

Paul and Silas had been attacked, put on trial, stripped, beaten, then severely flogged, thrown into prison, placed in stocks and under guard (Acts 16:20-24). And they worshipped.

You know this. I know this. But we try to ignore it.

God deserves our worship regardless of our circumstance.

Whether you are experiencing a time of closeness to God, of fulfillment and pleasure. Or whether you are experiencing the desert years, the dryness of spiritual disillusionment, the pain of loss, the struggle of ill-health. Whichever end of the spectrum you are on: worship!

How do we do this?

Develop a pattern in our daily lives where we try to more of the following: pray, sing songs of worship, consider ways we might offer something to God - our money, our abilities, our time, our home, our lives.
Develop an unembarassed lifestyle - don't switch that Christian CD off when your colleague walks into the office, or hide your Bible.
Develop a settled schedule - a habit - of worship that you complete regardless of the amount of sleep you've had, your health, the age of your children...whether or not you feel close to God.

I commend to you (and to me) this lifestyle of worship.

And it is my prayer that as we engage with this two things will happen in your life: firstly, that God will hear your prayers; and secondly, that your friends, family and colleagues will hear your prayers; and that both will respond!

Worship Leading

I have two immensely fulfilling and rewarding roles in church that take up a good chunk of my time: worship leading, and cell facilitation.

I've decided I should write more about how and why worship is so important to me: some of it’s quite biographical, some theological, some practical. I don’t know if it’ll help anyone other than me, but I have come to realise that I've spent large chunks of the last 19 years involved in worship, for last 12 years leading.

These days I then to lead at Pudsey Parish Church (my home church) at our evening service. For a few years now our evening service has been café church (style) buuuut it’s gone through a number of revised formats to keep it alive. We appear to be somewhat rare in the diocese as an Anglican church with an evening congregation – although most attendees are morning folk who want more, there are a few evening-only folk.

On occasion I lead at the morning service, which is GREAT fun and a very different dynamic.

I'm also called upon by my good friend Robin Gamble for events, most recent was the Hope & Gamble events at Bradford Cathedral.

It’s fair to say that I’m given a lot of freedom to pick songs, arrange them, rehearse them as I want, and then essentially suggest to the vicar/leader the running order/order of service. It’s also fair to say that I am pretty conservative with my suggested batting orders, although I do have a preference for periods of sung worship (I might have to comment at some point about the pedants who keep forcing me to say ‘sung worship’)

I really enjoy leading worship, it's a massive privilege. Hope you enjoy my perspectives.

Gideon or Gerrard?

I love and loathe being a football fan in equal measures this morning.

Last night sat with my friends (all male) watching England crash out (deservedly) to the Italians on penalties, I asked (whiningly), "Why do I get so emotionally involved in this??".

My wife often argues that she should get a refund on our relationship; apparantly I told her while courting, 'I'm not really into sport that much'. Whoops?!

The opposite really is quite true...I adore sport. In fact, and my wife will hate this, I really don't have enough of it in my life: playing it, watching it, talking about it.

Sadly, I wonder whether there isn't a snobbish-ness in Christian circles that this obsession with sport is rather too worldly and physical - it's just not spiritual enough. And as I looked around at my mates last night, chatting about plans to go watch a Blackburn Rovers-Crystal Palace game this coming season, the following thoughts crossed my mind: how do we make more space for blokey blokes in churches...? Is there something godly in this enjoyment of sport?

Analysis of failure

I've enjoyed listening to and reading the commentaries/editorials/blogs about the latest England tournament competition: the debrief is often the most enjoyable element (especially after last night's turgid offering). As an England fan I agree that we had some very tired players last night: Ashley Young underperformed in all four games, none of the inventiveness or flair he's shown for his club team; James Milner and Scott Parker worked hard (one fan described Milner as a Hamster on a Wheel! (lol)) but endeavour and a willingness to put your body on the line isn't enough at International level; Theo Walcott made an impressive cameo against Sweden but his two subsequent appearances were ineffectual; and, most especially for me, Wayne Rooney simply didn't look fit. He lacked the pace, touch or shots to warrrant his hyped tag as England's best.

The real 'heroes' were the defence - and our captain 'fantastic' Steven Gerrard. But...wait one moment...before you think I've disolved into hyperbole: our captain fantastic was chasing shadows last night - not released to dictate play (which Roy Hodgson (manager) clearly understands is Gerrard's natural role - centre-right midfield with some licence to move...don't get me started on how other managers have failed to use Gerrard to his abilities); our defence was more fortunate than obdurate against Italy; and Joe Hart - "one of the best keepers in the world" - flapped and punched too much, to say nothing of the clearly pointless last-minute revision and face-pulling he partook of in the penalty shoot-out.

That said - Glenn Johnson put in his best performance for England to date - his block in the last ten minutes was top-draw - and John Terry (whom I much malign...normally) was solid.

But as the inquiry continues, and English players are compared with their Italian opposites, particularly the "peerless" Andrea Pirlo, what does all this male-hero-searching really say? (As an aside I thought it laughable that the BBC pundits sought to clutch at straws at half-time by suggesting Pirlo would tire in the second half...ah well!)

Gideon

(If you celebrated the Birth of John the Baptist yesterday) Today's Morning Prayer Old Testament reading was Judges 8:22-35.

Gideon had been appointed by God to lead the Israellites in their uprising against the Midianites. His successful leadership led to the request for Gideon to be Israel's ruler (Judg. 8:22)...and not just Gideon but his son and grandson...a whole new dynasty.

We're so easy to acclaim individuals - aren't we?! We so quickly want to take someone who's successful on one occasion and stick them on some sort of pedestal. I, for one, am really nervous about the pressure the British Olympic athletes are being placed under. Jessica Ennis (English heptathlete) on the radio this morning sounded genuinely worried about letting the country down.

In Gideon's case he actually understood the error in the request to make him ruler - instead pointing out that Israel had one ruler - the Lord, Yahweh (v.23)

But....but...but...

The request had ensnared his heart and he makes an ephod, which in turn is worshipped by the people (vv.24-27).

"But alas! the way of the flesh is unbelief; though Gideon refused their proposals it affected his spirit. He seemed afterwards desirous to be something and to connect the deliverance [defeat of Midian] with himself. Gideon broke down. Sorrow and darkness shrouded the rest of his history and that of his family. That is an impressive lesson of the need of abiding in dependence upon God, walking in faith before Him. No past victories will secure the next step. " Taken from here.

So Gideon makes an ephod - the Israelites worship it.
But worse still...
Gideon dies - the Israelites immediately "prostituted themselves to the Baals" (v.33)

No sooner had Gideon died, than the Israelites - the very people who had offered Gideon's son and grandson the throne - turned their backs on God himself.

And so the pattern would go, for hundreds more years to come. Over...and over...and over again....the Israelites would put all their devotion and hope into men, individual men....Judges for now, then kings...and sometimes even Priests...but ever and always they would turn back to Baal...away from God.

Hope springs eternal

England fans are accustomed, by now, to expect failure with Penalties - 1990, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2006, and 2012...over...and over...and over again. And still we turn back and believe.

Why? Why do players like Rooney, Hart and Gerrard get lauded so?

Because we want a Gideon - we want a hero.

Perhaps, we are not so dissimilar to Gideon's followers...we want to be ruled, to have someone to idolise, to follow, to honour...

And so we must hear Gideon's call, "The LORD will rule over you" (Judg. 8:23)

We must not mistake the vessel for the deliverer - we must not worship or idolise the created over the creator.

We are to have one hope, one God.

So, while many across the country mourn with seriousness and depression another failed campaign, Christians dissimilarly disappointed should move quickly beyond this frustration and look back to our real hope, the one in whom we can place all our hope and trust. Jesus.

Postscript

[This all said, I think it is also important that Christian Men enjoy the freedom we have in Christ to take part in and celebrate physical activities - we are not to deny the body - but steward it well. And yes, perhaps, part of our often denied natural manhood is to find deep pleasure in sport. But that's for another blog...]

Explorers in Prayer Day

Prayer life a bit dry? Fancy a shot in the arm for this essential aspect of our Christian walk?

Check out the Explorers In Prayer Day. This is an exciting opportunity to pause and reflect on our prayer lives...it's a one day event on Saturday 16 June at Pudsey Parish Church.

After the excitement and busy-ness of Hope & Gamble, I pleased to have been invited to lead worship by Jonathan Walker, who's leading this day. Jonathan's story about Prayer Eleven can be read here. The worship will be much more intimate and stripped away - me and a piano at present.

But I'm looking forward to it!

Hope & Gamble...it's started!

Sorry to keep banging on about this, but now it's started it would be rude to not remind you what you might potentially be missing out on.
Last night saw the Cathedral full, which in itself is an amazing spectacle!

You know something's caught people's imagination when congregants are arriving with over half an hour before the service starts. Normal church services are like film screenings - you know if you arrive five or ten minutes after the start you won't have missed much - maybe the notices! This is not like a usual service...

At 7.25pm the Band (the Hope and Gamble band...hmmm...we do need a better name!) played 'I've come to wash my soul'...a little known Graham Kendrick number from a few years back....(although as I write the name Graham Kendrick I can already sense Robin was right when he said this was a more radio 2 event than radio 1)

At 7.30pm on the nose (again - rare) we started.

Robin and Sue traded jokes and amusing anecdotal stories of their sporting prowess - related to the overall Olympic-related theme of 'More Than Gold'.

We then enjoyed a period of worship (Crown Him With Many Crowns sung with enormous vigour by the congregation!); interviews with Richard and Paul Walker - Bradfordians, brothers and both vicars (you can follow Paul on Twitter @paulwalker71); then a beautiful song by the talented John Froud.

The H&G Band then led the congregation in 'At The Foot Of The Cross' leading into 'My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less' - both songs not usually sung across Bradford churches but picked up easily.

Robin then spoke with pathos, humour, clarity and passion about the difference Jesus brings. He used the metaphor of a mile race - typically four laps of an athletic track - and he encouraged us to think about where we all are...in the main (without being cruel) many people last night would be late lap 3/lap 4 - sobering. But with his visual aids Robin demonstrated the stark reality of eternal life with Jesus.

In response we sang Amazing Grace - with an opportunity to respond individually as well - either for healing prayer - or to commit to a life with Jesus.

As a team member, it is sobering to see God at work - to reflect on how this one event, these evenings, sometimes just fragmentary moments totally transform a person's entire life - forever.

Perhaps you might want to bring someone - or bring yourself. 2 nights left: 7.30pm at Bradford Cathedral.