Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Worship (corporate) (10/04/07)
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TITLE: The Essence of Worship | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debbie Roome
10/09/07 -
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In the background, a tour guide gave a running commentary. “Table Mountain rises a kilometre above Cape Town and overlooks the southern most point of Africa. Once we reach the summit, you’ll enjoy a stunning panorama across the city, the ocean and the peninsula.”
Her words were an understatement. Magnificent views unfurled in every direction, rolling to the horizon in swathes of blue, green and grey. Far below, Cape Town looked like a toy city with Lego-block buildings and silent cars scurrying like ants. A fringe of purest yellow beaches merged with turquoise and royal seas that wrinkled gently in the breeze.
“Oh, God,” I whispered, “I feel like I’m on top of the world.” My senses rippled with joy as I wandered freely across the plateau, weaving through scrubby bushes and clambering over massive boulders. It was as I approached the western escarpment that I heard it. A snatch of melody. A tune that sounded familiar.
“This is the air I breathe,”
Yes, I knew that song. My feet increased in tempo, rushing, pattering as I sought the source, my spirit stirred by their worship.
“This is the air I breathe,
Your holy presence living in me.”
It was a group of women, a diversity of cultures linked by a common bond. I stopped still, observing for a moment. Oblivious to my presence, they sang in rich, pure harmony, hands uplifted, eyes raised to heaven, authentic worship pouring from their lips.
“I’m desperate for You,
And I’m lost without You.”
I glanced round. Everyone had stopped what they were doing, mesmerized by what was happening. “It’s God.” I wanted to tell them. “They’re worshipping the Creator. The one who created this beauty.”
“This is my daily bread,
Your very Word spoken to me,”
The presence of God was irresistible. A sacred warmth in a cathedral of rocky pews and domed skies. The women worshipped on, their song echoing across craggy peaks and far flung valleys.
“I’m desperate for You,
And I’m lost without You.”
I took a step and joined the circle, my voice rising to join with theirs. It was almost tangible, the sweetness that immersed us, the liquid love that surrounded us, the fragrant oil that melted our hearts.
“This is the air I breathe,”
A warm wind drifted by and with it I heard the whisper of God. “In spirit and truth, this is the kind of worship the Father seeks.” It was a defining moment, a glimpse of heaven.
Hands outstretched, I prayed for those around us; for eyes to be opened, for souls to be touched, for lives to be transformed as we sang. Then once again, our worship streamed forth and God took it and purified it and filled the mountain with His presence.
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Based on a true experience I had on top of Table Mountain in 2004
Words from song - “Breathe” by Marie Barnett 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing.
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"Hands outstretched, I prayed for those around us; for eyes to be opened, for souls to be touched, for lives to be transformed as we sang."
True worship does not want to stay contained....it wants others to taste it, too. God is all over this testimony for sure!
You drew me into your mystical moment. Your great skills perform mightily for our dear Lord.