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Praying the Story in Worship
I once wrote a book called Praying the Story, yet I speak of it so little here. I recalled this material in a worship service just the other day. As the pray-er stood to pray, the Spirit took us somewhere. He remembered segments of the biblical story in ways that convinced me he had been there. These stories lived in his heart and mind, becoming his very own memory. He prayed them in first person, referencing "us" instead of them. Amazing-- the Spirit transported me there too. It went something like this,
"Lord God, you saw us there at the waters edge. You saw the awful armies of Pharaoh breathing down our necks. The only way through was an impossible way. But you reminded us that nothing is impossible with God. You made a way through the sea. And you know us Lord, that we still find ourselves in that spot today, between dying and death. We can't make the house payment. Pharaoh is gaining on us. We can't beat the cancer. The waters cry doom. (insert any variety of suffering circumstances here). But you are a God of the impossible. We say it with Sarah. We shout it with Jeremiah. 'Nothing is impossible with you.'We were there that awful night, watching your son on the ground as he cried out, 'Abba! Nothing is impossible with you.' Pharaoh of the Pharisees chased him. The waters of death mounted. And Jesus, we remember what you said. "Not my will but your will be done!" [[you see where this is headed]].
What do I learn from this way of praying? 1. To pray like this that story must become my own memory. 2. From the inside of this Story, we can see the living God-- far better than through a series of abstract qualities. 3. This way of praying isn't escapist, but rather it locates us squarely in the midst of our circumstances, identifies us deeply with those who have gone before and grants us the gift of standing in a place I call "Covenant Leverage."
I'll have to develop that idea in a future post, so for now-- what do you think about this? Make sense?
Labels: practicing the story, prayer
posted by John David Walt | at 7/09/2009 09:13:00 PM | 4 comments
Monday, March 23, 2009
Common Text Journey: "Every Word that Comes from the Mouth of God" We are doing some special features with our Spring Reader. I'm not sure who out there is following the features on the OnLine Reader. If so, disregard these posts. If not, find about ten minutes and check it out.
Labels: common text project, practicing the story
posted by John David Walt | at 3/23/2009 03:01:00 AM | 0 comments
Monday, March 16, 2009
Common Text Journey: The Fasting that is Feasting We are doing some special features with our Spring Reader. I'm not sure who out there is following the features on the OnLine Reader. If so, disregard these posts. If not, find about ten minutes and check it out.
Labels: common text project, practicing the story
posted by John David Walt | at 3/16/2009 03:01:00 AM | 0 comments
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
My Beloved. Traveling Music for the 40 days
This is a little, simple song I wrote a couple of years ago on my front porch. As the spring opened up I found myself immersed in the Song of Songs. The real song at the heart of the Song of Songs comes down to 5 Hebrew words. They translate like this: My beloved mine. I his. The last time I heard these lyrics sung was in the 80's standard, "His Banner over Me." It occurred to me that we weren't really singing the simplicity of these lyrics very much any more. And we completely burned out that 80's tune. This is the song at the heart of the Song of all Songs and we weren't really singing anymore.
One spring morning on the front porch swing I sang out these words as prayer and this simple melody flowed out. (The great Willie Nelson was right when he said, "The air is filled with melodies. We need only reach up and pull one out.") As I sang the 5 words, my mind ran to Psalm 40 and I began singing each of those first several lines as verses to this new-old song. At the end I added a doxology, "Praise the Father. Praise the Son. Praise the Spirit, three in One. Praise the Father. Praise the Son. My beloved mine I his.
As I journeyed through those 40 days of Lent to the Cross, I imagined Jesus singing this song to his Father on that lonely road. "My beloved mine; I his." This song captured the "joy set before him." As my life slowly and progressively becomes "crucified with Christ," and I can more honestly and humbly whisper, "and I no longer live but Christ lives in me," this is my song. Someone out there in YouTube world put this song to a series of texts. Listen and Watch and Pray.
A few years back on a visit to Austin, Texas, to see Chris Tomlin, I shared this song. He liked it immediately and the song began its long road to a record. Chris worked with some of the verses and invented a powerful bridge. He invested a lot in the song, pulling together a choir and making a great recording. The song was slated to be on the Hello Love album right up to the last minute when it was pulled in favor of another one. It wound up finding a spot on the iTunes version as a "bonus" track, free for those who purchase the entire iTunes record.
Perhaps that's fitting. The Song of all Songs must be free and yet a bit hidden. Off the beaten path, it must be searched out and found. I know it took me years and years to find it. The singer most always discovers this song like a treasure buried in a field. The lyrics stand the test of time while the melody moves with the age. "My beloved mine; I his." This song rings out the very heartbeat of the cosmos; the anthem of creation, and the essence of redemption.
Perhaps that's fitting. The Song of all Songs must be free and yet a bit hidden. Off the beaten path, it must be searched out and found. I know it took me years and years to find it. The singer most always discovers this song like a treasure buried in a field. The lyrics stand the test of time while the melody moves with the age. "My beloved mine; I his." This song rings out the very heartbeat of the cosmos; the anthem of creation, and the essence of redemption.
I offer it here as a song for the 40 days ahead; traveling music as we head to the Cross and onward to Easter.
Labels: Lent, practicing the story, song writing
posted by John David Walt | at 2/25/2009 03:01:00 AM | 7 comments
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Common Text Project: Join us in the journey of the 40 days.
Please consider joining us in the journey of reading Scripture together over the next 100 days. Our spring reading project begins tomorrow. You may read online here. I'll be blogging these texts from time to time, particularly as it relates to how the ancient calendar of the Church helps to narrate us into the Story of Jesus.
Here's a short clip to introduce the journey.
Labels: common text project, practicing the story
posted by John David Walt | at 2/24/2009 10:50:00 PM | 5 comments
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Worship and the Practice of Seeing
Epiphany is about seeing. Jesus echoes Isaiah when, in the midst of his parable teachings, he says:
15For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.' 16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Think about it. In order to "see" and not just look, one must have "eyes to see." The best worship design and leadership trains our sight (often without our knowing it), shows us where to look, and what to look for, but only the Spirit can make us see.
So what's the secret to "seeing?" I think it begins with the humble disposition to recognize I have not seen it all yet. Somehow, the pride of my familiarity must be broken. I must learn to read anew. Just when we think we have extracted all the "relevant" applications out of the text, we must remember that reading Scripture is less about getting something out of it, and more about getting ourselves into it. I am looking for worship design and leadership that opens doors into vast chambers of revelation, orienting me with the kind of World God is making, where mountains bow down and oceans roar and the trees of the field clap their hands in joy. This kind of worship begins with an epiphany, wherein we behold the manifestation of Jesus Christ. There's so much to say here-- but people don't read long blog posts. ;-) Let me give a favorite pastor and a profound poet the last words on this entry.
There is hardly a detail in the gospel story that was not at the time (and still) overlooked because unlikely, dismissed because commonplace, and rejected because illegal. But under the surface of conventionality and behind the scenes of probability, each was effectively inaugurating the kingdom: illegitimate (as was supposed) conception, barnyard birth, Nazareth silence, Galilean secularity, Sabbath healings, Gethsemane prayers, criminal death, baptismal water, eucharistic bread and wine. Subversion. Eugene H. Peterson, The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1989) p.33.
Earth's crammed with heaven and every common bush aflame with God,
but only he who sees takes off his shoes.
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.
To design and lead this kind of worship, we must recover the humility to see and the faith to take off our own shoes. . . .
Labels: epiphany, practicing the story, story, worship
posted by John David Walt | at 1/08/2009 10:20:00 AM | 1 comments
Monday, July 21, 2008
Switching the Scriptural paradigm in Worship
Extract: to remove or take out, esp. by effort or force.
Immerse: to dip or submerge in a liquid.
EXTRACTION
Consider Veggie Tales. Sometimes the episodes are titled with captions like Who is my neighbor? Or King George and the Ducky. Other episodes pick up story lines such as Josh and the Big Wall and the Toy that Saved Christmas. Either way, the aim seems to be the development of a theme from which a relevant principle is extracted and urged for application in the child’s life. (Perhaps the child will write this principle in the inside cover of their Bible negating their need to read the story any more.) While the writers strive for faithfulness to the biblical text, a lot gets lost in the translation. For instance, the story of Shadrach, Mesach and Abednigo becomes Rack, Shack and Benny. They work in a chocolate factory mercilessly operated by Mr. Nezzar (presumably playing the part of Nebudchanezzar). Instead of the three being required to worship a large idol, it’s a gargantuan chocolate bunny. Each episode ends with the narrators, Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato visiting Qwerty, the computer, who tells all the children what the story really means for them. Qwerty sings,
On the whole, the goal is to bring the bible truth ala story into the imaginative world of a child.
Consider Veggie Tales. Sometimes the episodes are titled with captions like Who is my neighbor? Or King George and the Ducky. Other episodes pick up story lines such as Josh and the Big Wall and the Toy that Saved Christmas. Either way, the aim seems to be the development of a theme from which a relevant principle is extracted and urged for application in the child’s life. (Perhaps the child will write this principle in the inside cover of their Bible negating their need to read the story any more.) While the writers strive for faithfulness to the biblical text, a lot gets lost in the translation. For instance, the story of Shadrach, Mesach and Abednigo becomes Rack, Shack and Benny. They work in a chocolate factory mercilessly operated by Mr. Nezzar (presumably playing the part of Nebudchanezzar). Instead of the three being required to worship a large idol, it’s a gargantuan chocolate bunny. Each episode ends with the narrators, Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato visiting Qwerty, the computer, who tells all the children what the story really means for them. Qwerty sings,
“Let’s see how what we have learned applies to our lives today. God has a lot to say in his book. . . . ."
On the whole, the goal is to bring the bible truth ala story into the imaginative world of a child.
IMMERSION:
But why not bring the child into the imaginative world of the bible? Herein lies the agenda of the Hanna Barbera series. Each episode begins on location at an archaeological dig site in modern day Israel. The narrator then rehearses this story:
From here, each episode finds the three junior archaeologists journeying alongside the characters of a particular Bible story. Transported into the world of the bible story, the kids observe the story unfold while inquiring and interacting with its characters. The animated, ancient story comes alive with the glory of God. As the story is sown like seed into the memory of children, their little minds and hearts go to work, germinating imaginative possibilities , both ordinary and supernatural, of the creative love and power of God. (The Hanna Barbara series has its weaknesses, though according to some commentators, though it is beyond the relevance of this use of the series.)
But why not bring the child into the imaginative world of the bible? Herein lies the agenda of the Hanna Barbera series. Each episode begins on location at an archaeological dig site in modern day Israel. The narrator then rehearses this story:
While surveying the site of some ancient ruins two young archaeologists, Derek and Margo, and their nomad friend Mokey find themselves trapped and falling in a whirling pool of sinking sand. When the dust settles they stare up in awe at a vast chamber filled with giant relics and artifacts from another civilization; and there at the far end of the cavern a door with a strange inscription: All who enter these portals pass through time.
From here, each episode finds the three junior archaeologists journeying alongside the characters of a particular Bible story. Transported into the world of the bible story, the kids observe the story unfold while inquiring and interacting with its characters. The animated, ancient story comes alive with the glory of God. As the story is sown like seed into the memory of children, their little minds and hearts go to work, germinating imaginative possibilities , both ordinary and supernatural, of the creative love and power of God. (The Hanna Barbara series has its weaknesses, though according to some commentators, though it is beyond the relevance of this use of the series.)
QUESTION: So how is it that worship design has traded in story immersion for theme extraction? And how do we get back?
Labels: practicing the story, story, worship
posted by John David Walt | at 7/21/2008 06:07:00 AM | 4 comments
Monday, May 12, 2008
Pentecost is upon us!
Pentecost is upon us again-- a season to pray and ponder and more deeply welcome the mysterious third person of the Trinity: The Holy Spirit. Below is the ancient hymn, Come Creator Spirit. Last year I read through Raniero Cantalamessa's book of meditations on the hymn by the same title. I'm thinking of doing that again. For now-- I encourage you to spend some time this week with the prayer.
Are any of you reading and praying in particular ways through the days after Pentecost? If so, I'd welcome hearing about what you are reading and learning.
Come, Creator Spirit,
visit the minds of those who are yours;
fill with heavenly grace
the hearts that you have made.
You who are named the Paraclete,
gift of God most high,
living fountain, fire, love
and anointing for the soul.
You are sevenfold in your gifts,
you are finger of God's right hand,
you, the Father's solemn promise
putting words upon our lips.
Kindle a light in our senses,
pour love into our hearts,
infirmities of this body of ours
overcoming with strength secure.
The enemy drive from us away,
peace then give without delay;
with you as guide to lead the way
we avoid all cause of harm.
Grant we may know the Father through you,
and come to know the Son as well,
and may we always cling in faith
to you, the Spirit of them both.
Amen.
Labels: Come Holy Spirit, passion year, practicing the story
posted by John David Walt | at 5/12/2008 09:54:00 AM | 1 comments
Sunday, December 02, 2007
A Prayer as Advent Opens An Advent Prayer for Attention and Anticipation
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, giver of the Holy Spirit, we bless, honor, adore and bow low before you. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead your people like a flock. You who are enthroned on the cherubim, shine forth. (Psalm 80:1) From ages past noone has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. (Isaiah 64:4)
Come Holy Spirit and inaugurate Advent in our midst. Come and open up the book of a new year of our Lord. Lift our hearts to long for your coming and loose our longing to imagine your Kingdom.
We confess—Advent, the season of holy anticipation, has become for us a sign of anxiety. Like Martha, we busy ourselves with so many things, preparing for a celebration of our own design. We confess—our attention has become distraction. Our hearts, minds and souls are divided as we literally surf the channels of our consumeristic culture. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8) Begin anew this Advent to shape us. Make us like Mary to sit at the feet of our Lord Jesus and discover the only necessary thing: your Presence. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Shape these days of Advent into a season of undivided attention; of holy anticipation.
As we sing of peace on Earth and good will to all people, open our ears to hear the mournful songs of a war-torn world; the unquenchable cries of ordinary families like our own whose losses are beyond our ability to comprehend. As we prepare to wrap the countless gifts our children will open on Christmas morning, open our hearts to the countless children for whom Christmas morning will be yet another day to survive. Lead us to respond to you in remembering them who will otherwise receive nothing, who are orphaned, whose parents are dead, distant or imprisoned. Open our eyes to see those neighbors nearest to us who are lonely, afraid, sick and suffering. We confess, our lifestyles have become enclaves of escape from the pain and suffering that surrounds us. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8) Let this year be different, Lord. Shape our attention in these days of Advent into a lifestyle of love for neighbor and the needy.
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead your people like a flock. You who are enthroned on the cherubim, shine forth. (Psalm 80:1) O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence. (Isaiah 64:1) As we remember and celebrate the birth of the baby in Bethlehem, let us not forget that the King is returning. We confess we have made ourselves at home in a World that is not our home. We know a time is coming when the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; when the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. We know the Son of Man will come on the clouds with great power and glory and he will send out his angels to gather his elect from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. (Matthew 13:24-27) Stir in our hearts a holy anticipation for the World to come, and an undying urgency for the world that is passing away. By your Spirit make us watchful and wakeful. For you, O LORD, are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)
Come Holy Spirit and inaugurate Advent in our midst. Come and open up the book of a new year of our Lord. Hear us as we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven. . . . .
Labels: passion year, practicing the story
posted by John David Walt | at 12/02/2007 09:35:00 PM | 3 comments
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Living Reminders I've been reading and re-reading Henri Nouwen's lectures outlining-- no casting vision-- for a pastoral theology compiled in the short book, The Living Reminder. Nouwen truly saw and lived into the vision. Here's a sample of what is simultaneously challenging and encouraging me:
One way to express this is to say that in order to be a living reminder of the Lord, we must walk in his presence as Abraham did. To walk in the presence of the Lord means to move forward in life in such a way that all our desires, thoughts, and actions are constantly guided by him. When we walk in the Lord's presence, everything we see, hear, touch, or taste reminds us of him. This is what is meant by a prayerful life. It is not a life in which we say many prayers, but a life in which nothing, absolutely nothing, is done, said, or understood independently of him who is the origin and purpose of our existence. This is powerfully expressed by the nineteenth-century Russian Orthodox staretz, Theophan the Recluse:
Into every duty a God-fearing heart must be put, a heart constantly permeated by the thought of God; and this will be the door through which the soul will enter into active life. . . . The essence is to be established in the remembrance of God, and to walk in his presence. (p.28)
This is congruent with the edge of my developing ideas of discipleship. For me it comes down to three primary realities: a narrative theology, trinitarian spirituality and missional trajectory.
Labels: practicing the story
posted by John David Walt | at 10/25/2005 09:05:00 PM | 2 comments
Today...