Understanding Corporate Worship & Prayer Leadership

Understanding Corporate Worship& Prayer Leadership BLD Newark Teaching Ministry

Objectives • Corporate Worship? What’s that? • Understand Christian prayer leadership BLD Newark

Agenda • Scripture Foundation • Praise & Worship • Nature & Purpose of Worship • Worship TEAM • Biblical Prayer Leaders • Jesus – The Model Prayer Leader • ACTS • The Heart & Character of the Prayer Leader – ITL BLD Newark

Agenda (cont’d) • Effective Prayer • Spiritual Preparation • Logistical Preparation • Workshop: Writing Prayer • Song Selection • Workshop: Leading Group Prayer BLD Newark

Scripture Foundation • John 4:23-24 • Worship in Spirit & truth • Matthew 4:10b • The Lord shall you worship • Psalm 150:6 • Let everything that has breath give praise • 1 Peter 2:9 • You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood • Hebrews 13:15 • Through Him let us continually offer God a • sacrifice of praise BLD Newark

Praise & Worship • Why? God is worthy for all His benefactions toward man • “I will thank you in the great assembly, I will praise you before the mighty throng” Ps 35:18 • “Come, let us sing to the Lord…for He is our God and we are His people, the flock He shepherds” Psalm 95:1-7 • “Before all I will praise my God” Ps 109:30 • Response to call to praise & worship: Personal prayer & prayer of the assembly • Church prays (liturgically) 7 times per day BLD Newark

Praise Blesses God for His… • Goodness & Justice (Ps 145:6f) • Salvation (Ps 71:15) • Assistance (1 Sm 2:1) • Love and Fidelity (Ps 89:2, 117:2) • Glory (Ex 15:21) • Might (Ps 29:4) BLD Newark

Praise Blesses God for His… • Wonderful Plan Is 25:1 • Judgments, Liberation Ps 146:7 • Wonders Ps 96:3 • Mighty Deeds Ps 105:1; 106:2 • Works Ps 92:5f • Miracles Lk 19:37 BLD Newark

Nature & Purpose of WorshipFrom BLD Norms & Policies (was CofC) • Worship is the celebration in our lives --- in our spirits, minds, hearts, and in our beliefs, words and acts --- of the Holiness and Sovereignty, and of the Loving-Kindness and Majesty of God. We worship as we outwardly express our repentance, reverence and awe, our love, joy and thanksgiving, through acts of praise and exultation, of music and song, and of prayer, silence and prophecy. • The highest and purest form of worship is the Eucharistic Celebration, instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and handed down through the centuries as the sacrament of worship. All forms of worship are derived from, and serve to affirm, the memorial and sacrificial character of the Eucharist. • In worship, we humbly offer our homage and allegiance to the father, in the name and by the blood of Jesus. We gratefully proclaim the abiding presence of the Spirit within us and in our midst. By faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we open ourselves to communion with the Father through union with the Lord Jesus Christ and to empowerment by the Holy Spirit through the gifts and fruit which He freely grants. BLD Newark

Nature & Purpose of Worship From BLD Norms & Policies (was CofC) • As we worship from our hearts, we then receive, through an inward flow of grace, the wholeness of our person, and the upbuilding of our Church. This grace of God enables us, individually and collectively, to live out our Community Values of Righteousness and Servanthood, and to bring to reality the mission entrusted by God to our Community and our Church. • It is from the Community’s body of Worship that other forms of Community prayer are empowered. The strength of Community intercession, which propels the vitality of Community action in its mission fields, is drawn from the sustained excellence of Corporate Worship. Likewise, the Community’s empowerment for Spiritual Warfare is drawn from the gifts and fruit of the Spirit received in Corporate Worship. BLD Newark

Worship Team (King David’s Appointees) • Worship leaders – 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 • Choir leader – 1 Chronicles 15:22, 27-28 • Instrumentalists – 1 Chronicles 25:6-7 • Congregation • Hebrews 2:1-2 • 1 Corinthians 14:15 • Ephesians 5:19 • Colossians 3:16 • Habakuk 2:20 (quiet time) • Corporate worship – Hebrews 10:25 BLD Newark

Worship- A Team Ministry(1)From BLD Norms & Policies (was CofC) • Corporate worship is the Community’s anointed act of ministering unto the Lord in solidarity and order, with one mind and one heart. The entire Community is gathered together as God’s special people to come into his presence and communion and receive the power of His Spirit. We dedicate the moments of corporate worship to fulfill the commandments of His Love and follow the directions of His Word as wellsprings and guidelights in our Community’s life and programs and in our day-to-day lives. • The entire Community shares in the united act of corporate worship as members and faculties of one whole body, moving together in harmony towards encounter and communion with God. We respond as one to the movements of the Spirit, as directed by the Worship Leaders, in giving praise and glory to the Lord. BLD Newark

Worship- A Team Ministry(2)From BLD Norms & Policies (was CofC) • The Praise Ministry, coordinated by the Music Leader and in accord with the Worship Leaders, ministers to the entire Community --- enabling all to fully participate in the expressions of praise through music and song. • All Community Disciples, particularly the District Stewards and bearers of ministerial and pastoral responsibility, share in the privilege of supporting, lifting and sustaining the acts and motions of praise and worship expressed or initiated by the Worship Leaders. BLD Newark

Worship- A Team Ministry(3)From BLD Norms & Policies (was CofC) • Assigned Community Intercessors actively support the Worship Leaders and Praise Ministry in the conduct of their respective roles and functions. They are distributed strategically in focal places, interceding for the outpouring of the Spirit upon the hearts and minds of the Community of worshippers. • Readers of the Word are prepared and guided by the Liturgy Ministry for their function before the worship service through advance study and reflection on the assigned scriptures, and through simulated rehearsal. They proclaim God’s Word with solemnity, clarity and purposefulness. BLD Newark

Fruits of WorshipReading from the Covenant of Communion • Worship binds the Community together as one people and collectively with God; it is the principal means of Communion among the members of the Community, and is the forum for communal fellowship with the Holy Spirit. In the context of BUKAS-LOOB SA DIYOS Community, it is the unique occasion at which the entire Community comes together as one. The primary fruit of worship therefore is unity of mind, heart and spirit, from which all anointing flows. In the same context, participation at the Worship Service is the most profound and concrete expression of membership in the Covenant Community as it affirms and solidifies the individual member’s allegiance to Christ as the center and head of the Community, as well as its commitment to other Community members. BLD Newark

Fruits of WorshipReading from the Covenant of Communion • The spiritual empowerment that flows (and exclusively originates) from the worship service moves into intercession and Spiritual Warfare, and prepares and sustains the entire Community and its members for the pursuit and fulfillment of the Community Mission. It is impossible to administer harmoniously the various activities and programs of the Community Institutes, Centers, without gathering for worship with regularity and commitment. The worship service is a forum for keeping in personal touch with members of the Community who work in separate ministries, or live in different places. It is also the logical venue for Marriage or Family Encounter classes to come in contact or communicate with each other. BLD Newark

Stretch Break • Workshop BLD Newark

Ministry of Prayer Leaders • Biblical origin: standing between God and men; as intercessors • Old Testament models • Moses Ex 15:1-18 • David Psalms (73 of 150) • Solomon 1 Kings 8:22-66 • New Testament • Jesus Jn 17:1-26 BLD Newark

JesusThe Model Prayer Leader • United with God • In being • Will • In Prayer • Obedient • Humble • Loving/Compassionate • Forgiving • Disciplined BLD Newark

Spiritual Preparation • Matthew 4:1-2; Romans 12:1-2 • Receive Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist often • Reconcile with others • Devote time for daily prayer/quiet time • Prayer partner • “Brew” God’s word for prayer • Living Word • Word study • Fast & give alms • Burden-bearing, intercession • Rest, exercise, observe good nutrition • Cover family, loved ones with intercessory prayer • Spiritual warfare • Practice with prayer team BLD Newark

The Heart & Character of the Worship/Prayer Leader • Instrumented Team Learning – from BLD Policies & Norms (formerly CofC) Statement of Excellence in Worship BLD Newark

Worship Dynamics - A C T S • Adoration – Exalt God’s character • Psalm 22:3 – God dwells in our praises • Psalm 149:5-9 – exult in God’s glory • Psalm 103:1 – bless the Lord my soul • Contrition – Appeal to God’s mercy • 1 John 1:9 – God is trustworthy and upright to forgive • James 5:16 – that you may be healed • Thanksgiving – Gratitude for God’s providence • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – in all circumstances • Psalm 50:14-15 – even in time of trouble • Supplication – Appeal to God’s compassion/providence • Ephesians 6:18 – for everything • 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – for everyone BLD Newark

Worship DynamicsExcellence in Worship Model • Prologue • Receiving the Word of God • Opening to the Spirit of God • Communing with the Heart of God • Empowering with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit • Epilogue BLD Newark

Dynamics of WorshipExcellence in Worship Model • Prologue • Opening Prayer / Intro of Theme & Promise • Focus on Jesus • Invocation of the Holy Spirit • Receiving the Word of God • Scripture Readings • Reflection • Opening to the Spirit of God • Contrition • Love Offering • Petitions BLD Newark

Dynamics of WorshipExcellence in Worship Model • Communing with the Heart of God • Praise/Exaltation • Exaltation • Exaltation • Empowering with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit • Quiet Time • Epilogue • Closing Prayer BLD Newark

Effective Prayer • In the Name of Jesus • John 14:13, 14 • In accord with His will • 1 John 5:14; Acts 4:23-26 • In faith • Matthew 21:21-22; James 1:6 • In the Spirit • Ephesians 2:18; Romans 8:14-17, 26-27 • With fasting • Isaiah 58:6-7; Jonah 3:5,10; Mark 9:29 • Intercession • Ezekiel 22:30; 1 Timothy 2:1-3 • Thanksgiving • Ephesians 3:20 BLD Newark

Format of a Worship Brief: • Theme for the Week • Bible Promise • Significant Verse • Suggested Song List BLD Newark

Writing the Reflection: • Read, Study, Discuss and Consult • Theme • Thought Balloon Writing Technique BLD Newark

Thought Balloon Writing: • to exhaust ideas • to link various thoughts • to discard unnecessary thoughts • to focus on the main message BLD Newark

Formulating your Prayers: • Opening Praise • Receiving the Word BLD Newark

Formulating your Prayers: • Opening to the Spirit: • I or We Phase • Offering • Cleansing • Intercession • You Phase BLD Newark

Formulating your Prayers: • Communing with the Heart of God • Empowering with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit BLD Newark

Tips for formulating prayers: • Understand thoroughly the Word, Theme and Promise • Prepare an outline based on the theme • Assign a significant verse for each movement • Prayers should be short and simple BLD Newark

Tips for formulating prayers: • Start prayer with a line or two from the song just sang or prayer said • For Generic songs, prayers leading to the song are focused on the theme • On Intercession, prayer intentions to be taken from the list submitted by Intercessory BLD Newark

Tips for formulating prayers: • During the You and Communing Phase: • address prayers to God • make it short and subdued • spoken from the heart • On the Prologue phase, close with prayers of thanksgiving, praise or resolution on the theme BLD Newark

Tips for formulating prayers: • The Closing prayer: • must address the congregation • exhort them to live out the Word of God in the Promise • short and exhortatory in nature BLD Newark

Tips for formulating prayers: • On long prayers such as Intercessory or Cleansing: • insert a song between prayers to have more interaction • When developing prayers, always check if you are still focused on the theme. BLD Newark

Principles of Song Selection: • Theme, direction and movement • Drawn from Scripture • Songs underscore or expound on prayers • Prayers and songs must have consistent, gradual movement BLD Newark

Principles of Song Selection: • Don’t use songs frequently sung. • Use reflective and testimonial song for listening • New songs are to be submitted 14 days prior to Prayer Meeting • Explain the meaning & relevance of new songs BLD Newark

Logistical Preparation • Luke 14:28-32 • Schedule time to prepare for prayer 30 days before • Assemble tools • Bible/liturgical readings for date of prayer meeting • Concordance/Topical guide • CCC • Praise books/tapes • Commentaries • Develop prayer outline • Participate in Team or ministry LWG • Theme, Order/Direction, Reflections, Promise • Prepare song list/lyrics/transparencies/slides • Write prayer BLD Newark

Using Liturgical Readings &Related Verses In Prayer - ACTS BLD Newark

Liturgical Readings & Related VersesAre Used In Prayers & Songs Selection BLD Newark

LWG - 3rd Sunday of Lent, March 23 • Word • Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19:8-11; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25 • Order • 1 Cor 1:23: Preach Christ-crucified • Reflection (next two charts) • Direction • Teach “Building Community” to the DLC • Realign community life to Christ crucified: preaching, teaching and witnessing • Promise • “…the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes…” (Ps. 19:8). • Theme for Prayer Meeting • The New Covenant in Christ calls for zeal to adhere to His Word and Precepts. BLD Newark

Reflection3rd Sunday of Lent In a few weeks from now, we will be painfully reminded again of the scourging of the LORD. This 3rd Sunday of Lent, however, gives us one of the most memorable images of Christ. Angered at the transformation of the Jerusalem temple from a house of prayer into a den of thieves, we see our Savior whipping instead of being whipped. Appalled at the shameful sight of the temple, we see our Redeemer consumed with zeal. The word “zeal” comes from the Greek word “zelos” meaning “heat.” The best visual image of zeal is a boiling pot, which intensifies the hotter it gets. By secular definition, zeal is the desire to defend a cause or to pursue an end. It is, by and large, grounded on human wisdom, strength and aspirations, motivated by social, economic or political considerations. Hence, secular zeal could have positive or negative implications, depending on its motive or purpose. BLD Newark

Reflection (cont’d)3rd Sunday of Lent In contrast, Christian zeal must always be grounded on love. In fact, it is none other than the flame of the fire of love. It is the hunger and thirst for the LORD that the Spirit puts in the heart of every practicing Christian. Its sole purpose is to honor and glorify God, even unto death, if necessary, but its glorious reward is God Himself. To do the things we want to do for God is well and good, but to do the things that God wants us to do with zeal is a greater achievement. Without zeal, it would be impossible, therefore, to make any substantial progress in our Community endeavors or to do any considerable service to our neighbor, whether temporal or spiritual. BLD Newark

Reflection (cont’d)3rd Sunday of Lent Exceptional examples of such Christian zeal come to us from the pages of Sacred Scriptures and the annals of the Church. From the prophets to the psalmists, from the apostles to the saints, we are presented with fine examples of zeal worthy of imitation. In modern times, we saw that zeal in the person of Mother Theresa, and we see that same flaming zeal in the Holy Father, who refuses to compromise the teachings of Christ in fidelity to the Word. Our missionaries and religious, Catholics and Protestants alike, most of whom have abandoned comfortable lives in exchange for unspeakable poverty and hardship for the sake of the Gospel, are true models of Christian zeal. BLD Newark

Reflection (cont’d)3rd Sunday of Lent In our own Community, we witness that zeal in the lives of those who serve and nurture the Community without grumbling or complaining, in particular, Fr. Paul Lehman, who tirelessly ministers to our spiritual needs. And we must never forget that those who pioneered the Bukas-Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community were impelled by zeal. But above this endless list towers Someone Who defied the limits of Christian zeal beyond human comprehension. My friends, there is no better example of zeal than Christ-Crucified. For on that Cross, the LORD Jesus took upon Himself every breach of the Covenant and every violation of God’s Word and precepts, demonstrating the power of zeal at its greatest strength. BLD Newark

Suggestions for Writing Prayer • Understand thoroughly the Word, Theme and Promise • Pray • Study & Read • Discuss with spouse and prayer team • Prepare an outline based on the theme • Assign a significant verse for each movement BLD Newark

Suggestions for Writing Prayer • Write and edit prayer • Prayers should be short and simple • Write prayer for the community, not personal prayers BLD Newark

Suggestions for Writing Prayer • Start prayer with a line or two from the song just sang or prayer said • For Generic songs, prayers leading to the song are focused on the theme • On supplication, prayer intentions to be taken from community’s Intercessory BLD Newark

Understanding Corporate Worship & Prayer Leadership