One area in which there is a significant difference between churches is the amount of physical expression used in worship. Singing is one form of physical expression that virtually all churches practice, but apart from that how do we physically express our worship to God? There is quite a range of practice on this matter, from those who stand reverently, hands at their sides, and sing softly to those who clap and raise their hands, all the way to those who jump and dance in worship. Is there any clear biblical guidance as to what kind of physical expression in worship is appropriate?
We should worship God with all that we are, including intellect, emotions, will, and our bodies. While we may each be inclined in different directions, we need to take a fresh look at the physical expressions of worship mentioned in the Bible. Not that every specific action mentioned in the Bible is a required part of worship (otherwise we would all need to dance before the Lord), but we need to see the range of possible means to express devotion to God in a physical way. To say that we should not express our worship in any physical way would contradict the many examples of worship in Scripture as well as the fundamental concept of worshiping God with all that we are. God made us as corporeal beings, not disembodied spirits, and our bodies should be a part of our worship.
I don’t want to get into a discussion of the specific types of physical expression at this time. Rather, I want to point you to an excellent series of articles by worship leader Bob Kauflin in Worship Matters about how we can grow in physical expressiveness in worship. (The link points to a category of posts, so to read them in the order you will need to start from the bottom of the page.)
He is writing especially to worship leaders, and he makes four main points about how to help people grow in physical expression in worship:
- Teach on the appropriateness of physical expression in worshipping God.
- Teach that physical expression should flow from a heart that desires to bring God glory, and that outward expressions are no sign one way or the other that someone is offering God acceptable worship.
- Address the different reasons people might be reserved in their expression and teach on preferring others.
- Preach and sing the Word, works, and worth of God, centered on the Gospel, to raise the affections of people for God.
The series is balanced and Scripturally based. If you are interested in this topic, I suggest that you check it out.
2 Responses to “Physical Expression in Worship”
Yesterday during worship at my church, I was doing praise and worship with two more worship leaders.
During one of the songs I noticed that my voice was changing and I was sounding different, It started to get very deep almost like a growl or authoritative sound.
The song is ””Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered”
The anointing fell down upon me so much that the Lord had me walking across the floor while singing in this mighty strong voice. I kept my eyes closed in order to not be distracted and to make sure I was in God and not in myself at all… someone took the microphone from me, maybe in order for me to move about freely so the Lord could have his way.
Then I started to say ‘Let God, let God, let God, Let God, let God, let God, Let God, let God, let God, Let God, let God, let God,” in that same new tone of voice.
After that song, they started to sing another song that I have never heard before but I am still under this heavy anointing with my eyes still closed.
Someone put the microphone back in my hands and said ’sing sister’…
But instead of singing, I started to move in the spirit, only my body moved but mostly my hands, head waist bending and so on (not much was done with my feet as I can recall)…it seems almost like a sign dance while the congregation is still singing,…I am not doing this of my own free will but by the leading of the spirit. My hands and facial facial expressions are strong.
It is like the Lord was interpreting the song in a sign language…this had never happened to me in church, neither have I ever seen this happen in a service before so I am not sure what it was. I have seen groups or individuals do interpretive dances, but not like this, not during a normal worship session…Do you think this was a prophetic declaration or dance or interpretation to the song that was being sung.?
Do you think someone there may have understood or misunderstood what was happening? What is the purpose of these prophetic dances if not one is helped or edified?
I feel fine, that’s all I know and I give the honor and glory to God.
I know this is a bit long but need some clarity so I am searching the internet for answers and ran into your site which seem to be one of the closest to my experience and I was like, ‘What?..so I am glad I found your site. Thanks to God for the internet.
I received some encouraging words regarding this experience, but is there anything you can add?
Do you think this was a prophetic declaration or dance or interpretation to the song that was being sung.?
Sis Audrey
I am not sure what you experienced, but it is important that we interpret all of our experiences on the basis of Scripture. The NT teaching is that when the Spirit moves He does not take over so that we do have control. In 1 Cor. 14:31-32 Paul says that prophets should speak one at a time, which they can do because “the spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”
I do not know of any example in Scripture of God speaking through a “prophetic dance,” and I don’t know how that could be interpreted. You ask the right question about how others could be edified.
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