Singing the Psalms

I've been thinking a lot about give praise to God, and it's discussion of singing the Psalms. This book seems to be a massive untapped asset to our music ministries. Why not sing the songs the Bible already gave us? I've also been considering about what the author had to say about choosing appropriate tunes. He says they need to carry weight and majesty(273). I've been struggling what the author means by this. He calls many tunes prissy and frivolous and I'm not sure exactly what he means. I think that the style of music should appropriately carry the text. Does weight and majesty mean everything has to sound like a mighty fortress is our God?

Practice, practice, practice

I loved the fourth chapter of Worship Matters. So often I struggle with giving God credit for what I practice so hard for, or I wonder why I practice when God looks at your heart more than your ability. According to Kauflin, there is a correct balance between worshiping technique and lazy leading. In order to focus on God while leading and keep others focused, we need to hone our strengths as musicians, but we also need to have worship in our hearts to express by our music.

The Language of Scripture in Our Prayers

On page 162 of GPTG, the author encourages us to pray the language of scripture. I began to think about what a difference it would make in the lives of other believers if when I prayed for them I was also reassuring them with truths and promises that God Himself has offered. We talk alot about how as Christians we need to look to something beyond ourselves, God's Revelation, to establish truth and find ways to live and so on. If this is truly our desire, why aren't we praying that same Revalation as a way to communicate back with God?

I thought it was interesting how on page 166 the author encouraged the leading of the congregation in confessing sins during corporate prayer. I had never thought about that before and it was eye opening for me. I haven't had much experience with a Pastor who leads their congragation in confessing sin or thought about it enough to even notice if a Pastor was leading us in confession. Confession to me is something that is done privately. This can cause frustration for some people because they may have confessed their sin but they do not feel any relief. For this reason it is important for a Pastor to lead his congregation in confession so that they can be reminded of God's promise, "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Great Expectations

On page 120 Burroughs talked about coming to worship with great expectations of a merciful God. It contrasts our relationships because people get upset with us for asking to much, however God is pleased the more we ask of Him. He also pointed out that we need to come with merciful hearts to a merciful God. I was thinking about that because I tend to have a very judgmental spirit, how can I ask for God's mercy when I'm not willing to give it?