Nehemiah 12:27-47
Today's reading, Nehemiah 12:27-47, really charged me up. You see I'm a music lover to the core. I enjoy listening to music, I sing, play the piano and I lead worship at my church (Plus, I love a good celebration). So I found this passage particularly encouraging because it shows that God is music lover too and that He enjoys hearing our voices raised up in song to Him.
So all this singing and celebration got me thinking about how we could use singing a little differently to praise and celebrate the Lord. Here's my proposal. Let's sing what's on our heart to the Lord today. Start by writing down a thought or phrase like "I love you Lord. I want to serve You today." Then, simply sing those words out loud to Him in any style, tune or manner that you like. And don't worry if you not a great singer or even consider yourself a singer at all. It's not about that. It's about making a special effort to praise and celebrate the Lord today. Now this idea of singing my heart to the Lord came to me on a plane as I was traveling this week for work and I actually tried it on the plane (I sang very softly). Guess what? I loved it! So give it try and then tell us about your praise experience. Was it helpful, fun, weird? Would you do it again? Tami W.
Singing in the choir is very rewarding. Being a part of the worship and praise I truly sense HIS prsence in the Sanctuary. But there came a point when I needed to sit in the pews and look at it from a different view. It is hard to explain but I don't want my worship to ever become a ritualistic thing to do on Sunday! I want to experience His presence at all times everywhere. I want to sing out loud all the songs I've ever learned all day long. Passion is what I'm trying to say, is what I desire for my Savior.
This part of Nehemiah was great for me too. I too am a music and worship leader. I never feel more in tune with the Lord than when I am singing. But honestly, I have never thought about just lifting up my thoughts and prayers in song. So, here goes...........
Different, but great. My brain is wired to make thoughts flow in song unlike with simple talk. This may be a new way of praying for me!
I loved this idea and decided to try it on my drive to work. It made me really stop and think about who God is to me personally and what He is doing in my life. Although my song was quite short, it was a very powerful experience! It kind of woke me up to God in a new way for the day. Made my worship much more meaningful. Thanks for the idea!
Tami, this was an excellent request and I wrote my song of praise and thanks. I not only sang it once but more and since I have it on paper I will continue to sing it as some of the words are from some special Psalms. It is a wonderful idea to write or just sing our own songs of praise but still lifting up those God had inspired others to write. Sometimes when I am singing I will make up my own verses at the end of the song and I feel really good that God listens to me. So thanks again. By the way I am not a singer in any comparison to you, Mary and Jim. I can bearly hold a note as my husband would tell you. Keep up the good work all.