Day 13 - Sacred Pathways
Today’s chapter in PDL is so full of practical advice that I really want a lot of it rattling around in my head tomorrow when we gather for worship.
But, in my opinion, the very best part of this chapter is Rick’s recommendation of Gary Thomas’ book Sacred Pathways. I read it a few years ago after reading this chapter in PDL, and it helped to revolutionize worship for me.
First, there is the basic concept - We all have different, God-given personalities. Therefore, it would only make sense that we glorified God best in different ways. Imagine how glorified God would be if this concept took hold of the church. Imagine the “worship wars” that would cease. Imagine the gracious spirit that would prevail. Imagine all the guilt that would be lifted. Imagine all the people living life in peace …. never mind.
Second, there is the joy and excitement in discovering how you best worship God. My parents tell the story of my sister getting glasses when she was in first grade. It was only then that she realized that trees didn’t just have green blobs on top of them but were covered with individual leaves. She saw the world in a whole new way. My hunch is that there are a ton of people out there who would love to connect deeply with God, but haven’t had the chance yet because they haven’t been given a new way to look at worship.
Third, there is the appreciation of others. Not everyone has to be like me. Not everyone has to do it the way I do it. And rather than viewing people who are different than me with disdain, I can come to appreciate and learn from their personalities and preferences. None of us has the corner on God, and we all have a lot to learn from each other.
Want to teach me something? Join the conversation.
April 30th, 2007 at 9:48 am
I feel like the ways I naturally worship are already well in use, but I would love to see what it would look like to have a church full of people who have found their own “voice”. There is so much room to grow artistically, or with creative writing, or who knows what else! Seeing others make that connection with God is almost as exciting as making the connection myself. It’s kind of like having someone to share an experience or idea with adds to the value of it.
April 30th, 2007 at 10:40 am
This is very interesting to me, as I have not found ways of worship that fit me yet. I’m still experimenting. I love that our church does not insist on one or two forms and forbid or frown upon the rest. I think I would feel weird about being expected to worship in a certian way, and I’m glad I have the time and freedom to find my own spiritual voice.
Do you remember the scene from ‘Dumb and Dumber’ where Jim Carey makes the most annoying sound in the world? I think that will be my form of worship. You don’t mind, do you? Just kidding.