Silent Adoration
By Glenn Plastina, Th.D Candidate
(This article on Christian worship is an entry to Baguio Herald)
“Let us spend few moments in silent prayers,” the worship minister says. Then the piano begins to play. We do have silent prayers—no words were uttered in the air—but silent moment is nowhere to be found. It seems that we are attuned to hear something rather than have complete stillness in some parts of our worship events. Indeed, there is a time to speak—as well as a time to be silent (Ecc. 3:7).
Occasionally, we miss God’s still small voice in the midst of noisy life-conditions. Raucous conversations can easily swallow what God wants us to hear. People around us can speak so loud that we cannot hear what God is saying. We dissolve easily to the sound of music and words. In fact, some Christians do indicate that “praise and worship” is the act of worship in services; while others trust that preaching is the highest form of worship alone. But these various acts of worship are only part of the whole. Overemphasizing a piece sacrifices the whole. Yet one act of worship we cannot afford to miss is the act of praising God in silent adoration. In one point in time, the Lord said, “Be silent before me” (Isa. 41:1).
In the midst of Israel’s tumultuous history, they were in panic. Many were in pain, uncertain about the future. The torrents of time carried their hearts away. But God spoke. “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). The Lord’s people must not fret in times of trouble, but must let his peace come upon them. Israel was warned: worry for nothing, worship for everything. God is God and they are not as the song goes. Instead of being anxious, God’s people must learn to adore him.
Worship in silence is better done in solitary places, but it is also good to experience it in our community worship. For some leaders, silence in the church is a stranger. The tendency to “speak up”, rush, and fill the gaps with words is common. To some, silence is deafening, void, and undesirable vacuum. To utter is often irresistible, especially to worship ministers or song leaders. Some loved to be heard and quietness means “boring.” Or are they just afraid to see themselves before God alone? Sometimes, we cannot stand silence as the answer to our fearsome questions. In David’s words, silence can “increase” anguish (Ps. 39:2). But he did learn to be “still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (37:7). I believe, the more we “practice”—I prefer “experience”—God’s presence, we see ourselves clearly before God. Put it this way: the more you know and experience Christ, the more you will know yourself.
Some would say silent adoration is individualistic. But that is not the whole side about it. This act of worship is a discipline. It requires deep reflection. This is not mere right-brain worship; this is a decisive act to keep in peace and “know” who God is and what he has done. This is a time for us to consider the Lord’s gracious acts, even his disciplinary measures to us as his children. Do you still reflect on how God delivered you from a previous and dangerous situation? Or an unlikely relationship? Or an evil scheme? Do you remember when you were at the end of your strength, God was there with you? When was the last time you thought of God in the middle of the night? “In quietness and trust,” says the Lord, “is your strength” (Isa. 30:15). Friends, we understand more of God by meditating upon his works to us—just like the OT and NT believers—and on what he has revealed to us in his Word.
Silent adoration is easy to apply when you are in private places. With a Bible in your hand, you read a passage and think what God wants you to hear. Remember, the Bible is not just a historical fact about Israel or Christianity; it is also God’s Word for you. If you’re consumed with reading the Bible just for academic purposes, you will miss the point. God’s Word is not tasteless bread, but the honey for the soul. God can impress his message to you through his words. Be sure to believe what Jesus Christ says rather than what others believe on what Christ “theoretically” meant.
Quite praise can be meaningful. Try to meditate while walking along a garden, on a mountain trail, or in the middle of the pinewoods. See the beauty of God in his creation. Lie upon the grassy ground and watch the stars in the stillness of the night. While sitting on a jeepney—even when the traffic is bad—pray for someone whom God brought you to mind. Yes! Prayer is an act of worship. Remember, these people and friends who “puffed up” in your mind are not there as an accident. Some of them could be your old-time high school friends you haven’t seen for sometime, your pastor, your loved ones—or even enemies. Praying for them or thanking God for the people around you can be an exciting ministry of worship. You glorify God in behalf of others through prayers and quite praise.
Wordless worship does not require extraordinary situations. While watching over a sleeping baby—complete hush is required—but you can wonder at God’s delicate handiwork. God is also pleased in just watching over you even in times you were not thinking about him. But God is more delighted to see us listening to his voice or filling our hearts and minds with his presence and good deeds. As St. Paul writes, “whatever is true...noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable—if anything is excellent and praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8).
Adoration through appreciation is not hopeless devotion. Dwelling upon our fears kept us from exploring our spiritual journey with God. Why is that so? Some would prefer “rationalizing” worship rather than delve into the sacred mysteries of God. This is one thing the West has brought to us—a Christianity that is more academic and powerless, rather than a spiritual life centered upon Christ and in the Spirit. Our worship is more of a didactic exercise rather than a sanctified experience with the Holy One of Israel. We are enamored by what we get from the service rather than what we can give and offer to God.
Sometimes, silence is the best answer. But silent adoration is not passive resignation. It is about being caught with the vision of God and you were petrified, speechless, in awe, in wonder, in humble admiration. It is not sheer emotion, but body and soul in stillness of praise before the Holy One of God. “Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his dwelling place” (Zech.2:13). May we learn to stand in awe before our God…in silence.
(This article on Christian worship is an entry to Baguio Herald)
“Let us spend few moments in silent prayers,” the worship minister says. Then the piano begins to play. We do have silent prayers—no words were uttered in the air—but silent moment is nowhere to be found. It seems that we are attuned to hear something rather than have complete stillness in some parts of our worship events. Indeed, there is a time to speak—as well as a time to be silent (Ecc. 3:7).
Occasionally, we miss God’s still small voice in the midst of noisy life-conditions. Raucous conversations can easily swallow what God wants us to hear. People around us can speak so loud that we cannot hear what God is saying. We dissolve easily to the sound of music and words. In fact, some Christians do indicate that “praise and worship” is the act of worship in services; while others trust that preaching is the highest form of worship alone. But these various acts of worship are only part of the whole. Overemphasizing a piece sacrifices the whole. Yet one act of worship we cannot afford to miss is the act of praising God in silent adoration. In one point in time, the Lord said, “Be silent before me” (Isa. 41:1).
In the midst of Israel’s tumultuous history, they were in panic. Many were in pain, uncertain about the future. The torrents of time carried their hearts away. But God spoke. “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). The Lord’s people must not fret in times of trouble, but must let his peace come upon them. Israel was warned: worry for nothing, worship for everything. God is God and they are not as the song goes. Instead of being anxious, God’s people must learn to adore him.
Worship in silence is better done in solitary places, but it is also good to experience it in our community worship. For some leaders, silence in the church is a stranger. The tendency to “speak up”, rush, and fill the gaps with words is common. To some, silence is deafening, void, and undesirable vacuum. To utter is often irresistible, especially to worship ministers or song leaders. Some loved to be heard and quietness means “boring.” Or are they just afraid to see themselves before God alone? Sometimes, we cannot stand silence as the answer to our fearsome questions. In David’s words, silence can “increase” anguish (Ps. 39:2). But he did learn to be “still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (37:7). I believe, the more we “practice”—I prefer “experience”—God’s presence, we see ourselves clearly before God. Put it this way: the more you know and experience Christ, the more you will know yourself.
Some would say silent adoration is individualistic. But that is not the whole side about it. This act of worship is a discipline. It requires deep reflection. This is not mere right-brain worship; this is a decisive act to keep in peace and “know” who God is and what he has done. This is a time for us to consider the Lord’s gracious acts, even his disciplinary measures to us as his children. Do you still reflect on how God delivered you from a previous and dangerous situation? Or an unlikely relationship? Or an evil scheme? Do you remember when you were at the end of your strength, God was there with you? When was the last time you thought of God in the middle of the night? “In quietness and trust,” says the Lord, “is your strength” (Isa. 30:15). Friends, we understand more of God by meditating upon his works to us—just like the OT and NT believers—and on what he has revealed to us in his Word.
Silent adoration is easy to apply when you are in private places. With a Bible in your hand, you read a passage and think what God wants you to hear. Remember, the Bible is not just a historical fact about Israel or Christianity; it is also God’s Word for you. If you’re consumed with reading the Bible just for academic purposes, you will miss the point. God’s Word is not tasteless bread, but the honey for the soul. God can impress his message to you through his words. Be sure to believe what Jesus Christ says rather than what others believe on what Christ “theoretically” meant.
Quite praise can be meaningful. Try to meditate while walking along a garden, on a mountain trail, or in the middle of the pinewoods. See the beauty of God in his creation. Lie upon the grassy ground and watch the stars in the stillness of the night. While sitting on a jeepney—even when the traffic is bad—pray for someone whom God brought you to mind. Yes! Prayer is an act of worship. Remember, these people and friends who “puffed up” in your mind are not there as an accident. Some of them could be your old-time high school friends you haven’t seen for sometime, your pastor, your loved ones—or even enemies. Praying for them or thanking God for the people around you can be an exciting ministry of worship. You glorify God in behalf of others through prayers and quite praise.
Wordless worship does not require extraordinary situations. While watching over a sleeping baby—complete hush is required—but you can wonder at God’s delicate handiwork. God is also pleased in just watching over you even in times you were not thinking about him. But God is more delighted to see us listening to his voice or filling our hearts and minds with his presence and good deeds. As St. Paul writes, “whatever is true...noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable—if anything is excellent and praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8).
Adoration through appreciation is not hopeless devotion. Dwelling upon our fears kept us from exploring our spiritual journey with God. Why is that so? Some would prefer “rationalizing” worship rather than delve into the sacred mysteries of God. This is one thing the West has brought to us—a Christianity that is more academic and powerless, rather than a spiritual life centered upon Christ and in the Spirit. Our worship is more of a didactic exercise rather than a sanctified experience with the Holy One of Israel. We are enamored by what we get from the service rather than what we can give and offer to God.
Sometimes, silence is the best answer. But silent adoration is not passive resignation. It is about being caught with the vision of God and you were petrified, speechless, in awe, in wonder, in humble admiration. It is not sheer emotion, but body and soul in stillness of praise before the Holy One of God. “Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his dwelling place” (Zech.2:13). May we learn to stand in awe before our God…in silence.
posted by GlenPlas @ 10:21 PM
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