Christian Living

_{Music has always seemed to play a vital role in the practice of religion. In ancient civilizations it has been found that the Pharaonic rites included music, seen on the tombs of many pharaohs and noblemen. In other religions, such as Judaism and Christianity, people use music as an integral part in the performance of their worship and religious celebrations.}

_{There are two different ways to view this combination of cultural influences: What is the role of music in religion? And - what is the position of religion towards music?  And down through the ages, music has evolved from the traditional hymns, to the Southern Gospel, to the contemporary, to the Praise and Worship formats. One can almost always find a music style to their liking. What about you, what is your preference ?}   

_{In today's church atmosphere, a lot is being said about the new "Praise and Worship" music. Not to discount the old hymns of the faith,  as all spiritual messages have a place in God's heart, as well as ours. Holders of the faith, however, appear to have now  given way to "Praise and Worship", as this  new worship experience has most recently come to the forefront.}  

_{Having an understanding between these two idioms of "Praise and Worship" can bring a new depth to the way we honor the Lord. The scripture gives us numerous dictates  to praise the Lord (Psalm 89:5) (Psalm 103:20) (Psalm 148:2). In fact, all inhabitants of the earth are instructed to praise the Lord (Psalm 138:4) ( Romans 15:11). We can praise Him with singing (Isaiah 12:5) (Psalm 9:11), with shouting (Psalm 33:1) (Psalm98:4), with the dance (Psalm 150:4), and with musical instruments (1 Chronicles 13:8) (Psalm 108:2) (Psalm  150:3-5).}

_{PRAISE- (Psalm 71:23) is simply the joyful recounting of all God has done for us, as believers.  Praise is universal. However, praise often times has a secular relationships as well as spiritual. You see, we may praise our family, friends, boss, or paperboy. Praise does not require anything of us. Praise is purely an honest  recognition of  one's virtuous acts or deeds. Since God has done many wonderful deeds, He alone is worthy of praise (Psalm 18:3).}

_{WORSHIP-(Hebrews 12:28-29) comes from a different place within our spirit being. Worship should be reserved for God alone (Luke 4:8). Worship is the art of losing one's self in the adoration of our Heavenly Father. So, even though praise can be a part of worship,  worship reaches far  beyond praise. Praise is easy; worship is not. Worship gets to the heart of who we are. To truly worship God, we must let go of our self-worship, and be willing to humble ourselves before our Father God, by yielding every part of our lives to His perfect will. However, both our 'Praise and Worship" is truly an  everyday lifestyle for followers of Christ.(Philippians 1:21) (John 4:23).}

_{The Bible presents  praise  as boisterous, joyful, and uninhibited. God invites praise of all kinds from His creation (Luke 19:40).  And  when the Bible speaks of, worship, the atmosphere changes  to that of holiness (Psalm 96:9).(Psalm 9:6), as  worship is coupled with the act of bowing or kneeling, and the lifting of  hands which shows humility and contrition (2 Chronicles 29:28) ( Hebrews 11:21) (Revelation 19:10). It is in this mood of  worship that we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us, convict us, and comfort us.}

_{Praise and Worship can be any type of music that glorifies God regardless of the style.  Lyrically speaking, "Praise and Worship" music generally is short and easy to sing by repeating its themes several times. This is part of what makes the "Praise and Worship" style perfect for corporate worship because even people who aren't familiar with a particular song can sing along with ease after hearing one or two repeats of the chorus.}

_{Like many of the "old time religion" enthusiast, I too cut my Christian teeth on the old hymns of the faith. Maybe, just maybe, we should just give this new "Praise and Worship vortex an undertaking(1Cor 10:31).}  

_{Author's Post Script}

_{Recently, with the help of a Christian artist friend based in the United Kingdom, God has lead me to turn my  writings into  "Praise and Worship"  songs. I trust that you will share the spiritual encounter of these  songs of ours, that are listed on my website,  by sharing them  with your church music director.}