"Un-Hurried Worship" (Worship at Encounter)

Psalm 46:8  “Be still and know that I am God.” 

“Unhurried Worship” is a term we use to describe the musical worship time at our mid-week Encounter gathering.  Encounter is an extension of our Healing Prayer Ministries at Reynolda Church.  When we gather for Encounter we know that we are gathering to experience the Presence of the Spirit of Jesus.  This expectant attitude leads to powerful times of worship and deep relational blessings from the Holy Spirit. 

When planning for Encounter services we always leave space and time for the Holy Spirit to minister in the midst of musical worship.  We will let go of the song arrangement and leave space for spontaneous Spirit inspired lyrics and melodies to emerge.  We have been blessed many times by the Spirit leading us through an entire evening of Spirit inspired spontaneous songs.  As we worship in an “un-hurried” manner we leave room for scripture reading, prophetic singing, and calls for healing prayer all in the midst of giving glory to God through song.  It’s a true blessing to let God control the liturgy of a service.

That being said, we do plan.  If it weren’t for planning we would not have the comfort level it takes to let go and let the Spirit take control.  We plan for six songs each evening.  Three that are more praise focused to help those gathered sing of the blessings God pours out on his people.  Then we have a short teaching time that guides us toward a passionate time of prayer ministry in the midst of worship.  During this ministry time we lead songs that are more worship centric, focused on the attributes of God.  As we move through these songs we will often linger in instrumental improvisation that supports the work of the Spirit and does not distract.  At all times we try to be very aware of what God is doing in this gathering and we will open our hearts and liturgy to let Him speak, heal, and minister to His Church. 

I feel it is vital to experience God in an un-hurried worship environment.  Worship in about giving worth to our Creator, Savior, and Restorer.  We are blessed to spend meaningful time with Him.  Let’s not rush it, be it in our personal or congregational times of worship.  Why don’t we “be still and know that he is God?”