Expecting Something Big

"Let us come into [God's] presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" (Ps. 95:2)
"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him!" (Hab. 2:20)

It is obvious in the Scriptures that sometimes worship is loud and joyful and sometimes worship is quiet and awe-filled. In fact, both need to be part of our worship in order for it to be balanced. If we are always singing and talking and making noise, then there is no room to listen to God. If we are always quiet, then there is no joyful praise happening.

In our fast-paced world where we are usually surrounded by noise, people tend to be uncomfortable with quiet. Yet, if we are ever going to learn to listen for God's direction for our lives, we need to be quiet in order to do so. "Be silent, all people, before the Lord; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling." (Zech. 2:13) The implication is that something big is about to happen, and we need to be quiet so that we won't miss it.

When we gather together for worship, we do expect that something big is going to happen. God is going to be present in our midst. God is going to speak to us through the Word and the Sacraments. Jesus is going to give to us the gift of himself in the bread and the wine. God is going to remind us that we are loved and forgiven and called into service. What a privilege to gather together in the presence of God!

And so, just before the worship service is to begin, it is a time for quiet. It is a time to open ourselves to the presence and power of God's Spirit and to get ready to listen for God's voice. It is a time when the musical prelude sets the mood for the service, and often introduces some of the themes for the day. It is a time to "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Ps. 46:10), for soon we will sing together in praise.

However, once again, it is a matter of balance. A church in which everybody walks in silently without speaking to anybody is not particularly welcoming and exhibits very little joy in coming together for worship. On the other hand, if everybody comes in and noisily carries on with their conversations, then it becomes impossible to hear yourself think, let alone listen for what God's Word to us might be.

At the very least, it needs to be time for quiet when the prelude begins. This gives us the opportunity to bring ourselves into God's presence, to leave our busy lives behind for a few moments, and to allow God's Spirit to work in our hearts. When we do this, then we are more likely to be ready to make a joyful noise to the Lord as we gather together for worship.

Yes, we need time to greet our friends at worship. Yes, we need time to be quiet in the presence of God. Can we do both?

In Christ,
Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore