Worship Etiquette

Growing up, bowling was an activity I enjoyed as a special treat, and in university I took bowling as an elective.  Before our local bowling alley turned to electronic scoring, we used a pencil with paper that included "bowling etiquette."  The paper explained it was rude to stand on the wood approach waiting for your ball to return as this prevented bowlers on either side from bowling in turn.  It is also very bad form when one person is about to begin their approach and then quickly bowl next to them--which is sure to draw the ire of serious bowlers.  In "open" bowling it is understood many people are not aware of proper bowling etiquette, but in league play this is unacceptable and frowned upon.

In many activities we take seriously--whether sports competitions, hobbies or simply eating at the table--there is good etiquette we observe and encourage others to do as well.  Those who are new or less experienced can benefit greatly from being shown and told about good etiquette they are ignorant of.  This is true concerning church services.  I am at times almost impressed by the diversity of perspectives concerning worship through song by parishioners based on my observations over many years.  Even when I have been to conferences for senior pastors only, I have been amazed at times of a tardy approach to gathering and distracted behaviour by those who ought to know better.

When it comes to good worship etiquette, the most important thing is to be present--concerning punctuality as well as giving full attention to the LORD God as we sing praises to Him.  Since we take care to be early or on time for important meetings with higher-ups in the workplace, it seems inconsistent for us to be slack to arrive at the start of a public gathering before the almighty God.  The practice I find utterly confounding is to take photos or videos during a worship gathering to post to social media.  It is amazing to be in a place where God's people are united to praise Him with one voice in song, but if our focus is on God we will not be thinking about trying to capture the moment for ourselves.  And how can a video capture the wonder of drawing near to our LORD in worship?  Doesn't it work to undermine the unity of Spirit when some hold up their phones to take a video rather than raising empty hands in praise before our Saviour and King?

I am reminded of the lyrics to a verse in the hymn Rock of Ages:  "Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling; naked, come to Thee for dress, helpless, look to Thee for grace:  foul, I to the fountain fly, wash me, Savior, or I die."  Described here is a singular focus and desperation to enter into the LORD's presence that is foreign to those seeking to memorialise the moment.  It is good form for us to raise empty hands to the LORD in praise and draw near to Him in prayer in awareness of our need and His supply.  While we ought to be considerate of those around us, our primary focus ought to be the LORD God.  He is worthy of all our praise and worship, and may it be from pure hearts by His grace.