When we define “exceptional” & “normal” by our own standards and terms, than it is impossible to consistently be exceptional. Even though we (including myself) do fall into the trap of always trying to make it great.

But when we define “exceptional” in the context of the opportunity to meet with God through Jesus Christ with other believers and in spite of our sin, it’s less about the content of the service and more about the heart. Then, perhaps it’s not such a far stretch to say that it’s normal to have exceptional gatherings.

The more general subject of posture during worship would make a great blog post….hmmmm….(looking thoughtfully into the distance…)

I have, personally, had many occasions not to stand. Whether exhausted from waitressing all day Saturday, 8 or 9 months pregnant, on crutches, or nursing a child. I love the idea of your friend Matt to say something along the lines of “in body or in spirit.” It is all to easy to get concerned about the standing & sitting. To let the awkwardness of group activity and the self-conciousness we feel about fitting in or not fitting in, take our minds off of worshiping in Spirit & truth.
And while we all can use an invitation to submit our spirits to the godly leadership of the team on the stage – to join together with our brothers & sisters around us as we worship together – I have always found it uncomfortable when instructed exactly “what” to do (whether stand/sit/clap).

That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. And that’s why I liked reading this post. It helps me know that the people on stage aren’t just commanding “sit.” “stand.” like a simon says game. But actually, you have an intentional purpose in what you’re saying.

I would like to take a little issue with this statement, though: “Inviting people to stand insures they know that standing is appropriate for that specific portion of the service.” But only because I’m not sure that you always know what IS appropriate worship posture for me, as a part of the congregation. But maybe that’s just my independance screaming out?

One thing that was brought to my attention not to long ago is to consider how those who are unable to stand due to some kind of physical impairment hear the invitation to stand in worship. I always try to be very intentional and mindful in the language I use in worship leadership and this made me rethink a lot of the usual ways I’ve used to direct people to standing in the past.

These days I usually use some variation of “Please rise, in body or in spirit”, accompanied by an uplifting hand gesture. It’s simple and more inclusive of those whose bodies won’t allow them to stand.

Peace!
-Matt

Thank you so much.

God bless you.

As far as the rest of the song, I don’t think the violin played during any of the verses and maybe for the last chorus, but other than that it was just that lead line. During the last chorus I’m not sure exactly what our violinist was improvising, but I’m pretty sure that it was very simple and followed the chord changes.