If you were pulled from a burning car in a wreck you would be forever grateful to the one who pulled you out. You would tell others about your hero. The one who reached in and saved you when you thought all hope was lost. How since being pulled out of the fire in just the nick of time you have a new outlook on life. You’d not just want to tell others your story of being saved and how it changed… your life, but you’d want to lavish your love, respect and admiration on the hero who saved your life.

I walked into my new church 3 years ago and they were in the midst of “Praise & Worship”.  Loud music, hands in the air, people at the altar.  This was new, and a bit odd to me, as I grew up in country churches where we stood and sang out of the “Praise & Worship” hymnal the allotted 3 songs as if it were just part of the program. At times I would see some of the older folks raise their hands, I often saw my mother do that, and knew it was an intimate moment between them and God. Yet I still likely didn’t understand it to the fullest at that point in my journey.  A couple of people in this new church stood out to me as they were praising with their hands held high, their heads lifted to heaven, tears sometimes falling and unaware of their surroundings. It’s as if they were standing in front of God himself. Watching them intrigued me… I later found out they had been pulled out of the wreck their lives had become. Once they were bound by alcoholism and today they were living free! Once carrying labels of Bi-Polar, Depressed, and taking a list of anti-psychotics, anti-depressants and sleep meds – today they are free from all labels and all medicine and leading a happy, healthy life. All by the Grace and redemptive power of God! Yeah, now it all made sense…. they were worshiping their hero, the one who pulled them from the fire in just the nick of time, saying “Thank You for Saving my life!!”

     I now look forward to Praise & Worship.  It’s not just music, it’s a time to thank God for what he’s seen us through the past week.  To Praise him when we feel like giving up, knowing Victory is on it’s way.  It’s where the words to the song get lost in the presence you feel.  It’s where we, as a united body, invite the Holy Spirit into the service.  It’s why every visitor who walks through the door says “I felt something here today….”  Without having the holy spirit present, it’s just a motivational speech.  His presence is what breaks chains and sets people free.  I found the true meaning of Praise & Worship when I lost the religion and found the relationship.  Have you Praised him today?

     “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;”
1 Peter 2:9

     “I will praise the LORD God with a song and a thankful heart.”
Psalm 69:30