Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Psalm 103:1 (NASB)
The Scriptures introduce us to a new language - the language we will use in heaven throughout all eternity. It is the language of worship. We see examples of what the Seraphim say when they stand around the throne of God (Isaiah 6:2,3). We get a peak at the praise language of heaven as the 24 elders fall down and sing a new song to the Lamb (Rev 5:8-10).
The Scriptures also instruct us on how to learn this new language of praise. Our private and corporate worship times give us opportunities to practice our new language.
One method the Bible employs to teach us to speak "worship" is mirrored in the language learning technique called "total physical response." An aspect of this process requires the learner to actually do with the body what the mouth is saying. So if the words I am practicing are "open the door," then I actually get up and open the door. I use my body to reinforce the words, and to learn the concepts behind the words.
In Scriptures we are told to lift our hands; bow; stand; kneel; dance; clap, etc. In all these things our bodies are assuming postures that reinforce what our words are saying and help us learn the language of worship.
Carol, I encountered an excellent book via Prayer Training at our church. It is Pray in Faith, by T.W. Hunt and Claude King. http://www.lifeway.com/Product/growing-disciples-series-pray-in-faith-P005035525. Claude was part of the writing staff for Experiencing God. In Pray in Faith, one of my favorite sections is on praise. There is a long and marvelous list of suggested vocabulary that really helps me praise God. If you like, I can bring the book to work and let you see it.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of "praise language" being a wholistic thing involving all of us, body soul and spirit.
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