PEARSON BANDA The Power of Praise & Worship Page 1 The Power of Praise & Worship The Power of Praise & Worship THE POWER OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP PEARSON BANDA Project Management EAGLE WINGS INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES P.O.BOX 26418 GABORONE BOTSWANA +26775479934 EMAIL: eagle.wingsmin@gmail.com pearsonbanda@yahoo.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission from the author or publisher. Page 2 Text ©Pearson Banda 2013 The Power of Praise & Worship CONTENTS 3 4 The Tabernacle of David What was contained in the Tabernacle and the Ark? 6 8 5 David Brings The Ark Back Home 9 6 7 8 9 David Understood The Power Of Praise Jehoshaphat and The Army Of Worshippers The Psalmist Paul And Silas In Prison 12 14 16 19 10 11 12 13 Jesus Teaches On True Worship The Prophetic Dimension Thanks Giving Sacrifice Of Praise 20 21 23 24 14 The Restoration 24 15 16 17 18 19 Order Of Worship In The House Of God Expressions In Praise & Worship Hebrew Words For Worship The Use Of Banners Inn Worship Kids Praise 26 28 30 31 32 3 Page 4 5 Page Chapter 1 Introduction 2 Called To Praise and Worship The Power of Praise & Worship INTRODUCTION The lord has given us weapons to fight against our adversary Satan and his demons. One remarkable and exciting way that the LORD has ordained for us to defeat the enemy is through Praise and Worship. An understanding of praise and worship will set you into a deeper relationship with God and many battles fought on your behalf in the heavenlies. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; KJV The church is at war and you were enlisted when you received the lord. The sad thing in the church is that many are casualties without a clue at all what hit them. There are not even aware of the warfare we are involved in. the devil is good at camouflaging himself –but thanks be to God you don‟t have to know which corner or closet the devil is hiding- Praise and Worship the LORD and the rest the will be taken care of. Page 4 Zechariah 4:6, Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. KJV The Power of Praise & Worship CALLED TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP Acts 15:16-17, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. KJV Page WE WERE CREATED FOR HIS PLEASURE . Colossians 1:16, For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: KJV Revelation 4:11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure, they are and were created. KJV The reason or purpose for your existence is to worship and glorify our heavenly father. That‟s the purpose you and me were created for. Christians who have discovered and understood the dynamics of praise and worship have experienced liberty and victory in almost every area and situation in their lives. They are benefits to worship and we are going to look closely into some practical aspects that will help us become worshipers unto God. 5 The contention or misunderstanding in Jerusalem was settled in regards to the gentile church being called to praise and worship God almighty. The scripture gives an illustration that whilst we are involved in many other forms of services unto the LORD the major and primary calling is to worship Him. The Power of Praise & Worship THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID To understand worship, let‟s look at the life of David and what was going on in his life. What was going on in the Tabernacle of David? If God is rebuilding the Tabernacle through the gentile church, what was it like? Is the Lord rebuilding a real Tabernacle or spiritual one? David was an Old Testament king living in the New Testament realities. Everything David did showed a clear understanding of the coming king Jesus. David understood that God was setting up a new order of worship, the one not based on outward rudiments, but a heart that desires God. During David‟s reign, he set up singers and musicians to worship God 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. David understood the power of praise and worship. Page 6 DAVID DESIRED TO BRING THE ARK HOME The ark represented the manifest presence of God. The ark had been captured by the Philistines and David desired to get it back. In fact the ark caused more trouble amongst the Philistines to the extent they decided to send it back to Israel. However, not fully in its rightful place King David was concerned. The Power of Praise & Worship Page After temporally putting the ark in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, David later appointed Levites and correctly brought the ark to Israel. 2 Samuel 6:14-17, And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 7 David set up a team to get back the Ark. 2 Samuel 6:2-3, And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. Remember the ark represents the manifest presence of God. David‟s desire was to bring back into Israel- The manifest presence of God. However, David did not do it according to the pattern that the Lord intended. This resulted in the death of Uzzah, who tried to stop the cart from falling and the Lord struck him. 2 Samuel 6:9, And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me? The Power of Praise & Worship 16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. What was contained in the Tabernacle and the Ark? had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid roundabout with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 8 Then verily the first covenant Page Hebrews 9:1-12. The Power of Praise & Worship DAVID BRINGS THE ARK BACK HOME How King David Brought the Ark? 1. With shouting Psalms 5:11-12, But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalms 47:1, O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. 2. With the sound of trumpets Musical Instruments used for worship are numerous and continue to develop. I have included here musical instruments that have developed from biblical times. The „Lyre‟ has developed into various modern guitars and the „harp‟ is also the piano. Inclusion of various instruments enhances the worship experience, bringing depth into the music. Page 9 3. With leaping and dancing. Praise to our heavenly Father must involve the above mentioned expressions. David changed the formalities and rituals done in the Tabernacle of Moses into a liberated way of worship involving body gestures, music, and instruments. It was spontaneous and uninhibited. The Power of Praise & Worship The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Tabernacle of David in Shiloh instead of Moses‟s Tabernacle. This was the first shift into the new order of worship. The church has been called to depict both naturally and spiritual this way of worship. 1 Peter 2:5, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:9, 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 marvellous light: It is this Tabernacle that the Lord is rebuilding. You are that temple the LORD is building. The Tabernacle is no longer a house made of bricks and stone, but it is us that the LORD is building. We are the temple. The Tabernacle speaks of all that Christ has done for us. It was also a shadow or picture of the progression as we Praise and Worship our God culminating into His presence. We can attribute this also to the progression of the Body of Christ over the ages as the revelation of Praise & Worship unfolded, which will culminate in heaven, with Him forever in His presence in the Holy of Holies. Page preferences, and hindrances towards God. The outer court is a place of confession, salvation, crucifixion of the flesh and sanctification from the filthiness of the flesh. From then on, we move into the Holy Place where we are fed, nurtured in the word and filled with the Holy Spirit that enables us to worship in spirit and in truth. The Holy Spirit enables us as we worship into the Holy of Holies. The Altar of Incense is pure undiluted worship that is a sweet fragrance unto the LORD Most High. 10 In the Tabernacle, the outer court represents the flesh, which is desires, The Power of Praise & Worship Page 11 Over view of The Tabernacle. The Power of Praise & Worship DAVID UNDERSTOOD THE POWER OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP 2 Samuel 6:20-22, Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! 21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. 22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. Page 12 In the scripture, we learn some things about King David‟s behavior. 1. Michal expounded that King David had been glorious, meaning he acted, magnificently, wonderfully, outstanding, celebratory. She obviously was mocking his behavior and the WAY he danced. 2. David „uncovered‟ himself as „one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself. Can you imagine one of the British royals (the Queen or Prince Charles) dancing modern Choreographed Hip-hop. 3. David‟s reply was, „ I will yet be MORE vile meaning more despicable, abhorrent, contemptible, disgraceful or disreputable and be base (improper) for a king to behave as such (in the eyes of man or human unspiritual standards). The Power of Praise & Worship David had a revelation of the power of praise and worship. He knew that his dancing and vileness had „spiritual power‟ over wicked forces. His actions in worship had deep spiritual implications in the heavenlies. Strongholds were dethroned and spiritual forces disconcerted. Worship is the most instant direct way of connecting and experiencing God. Psalms 22:3, But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. KJV God shows up when we praise and worship Him. He comes by His Spirit and inhabits, that is to live, occupy and reside in our midst. That means when God is around He doesn‟t share territory with the devil. When the presence of the LORD comes, the devil flees and burdens removed. Page Psalms 91:1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 13 The manifest presence of the Lord is the anointing released through worship. Only individuals with a life style of worship can release His manifest presence- You can‟t fake it or manufacture it, it comes by abiding in His Presence. It has nothing to do with vocal or musical abilities, though that carries an awesome added advantage. The Power of Praise & Worship Page One of the most remarkable stories that illustrate the power of Praise and Worship concerns Jehoshaphat‟s victories against three armies that came against Israel at the same time. 2 Chronicles 20:20-25, And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. 24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, 14 JEHOSHAPHAT AND THE ARMY OF WORSHIPERS The Power of Praise & Worship behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. 25. And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much. KJV Instead of sending the army to defend and fight the insurgents, King Jehoshaphat assembled worshipers. As they sang praises, the LORD dealt a heavy blow against their enemies. The Lord fought for Israel through the power of praise and worship. The singers were ahead in front of the army. This was not a dream but a real situation taken care of by a group of singers and musicians. Page 15 One thing to understand is as they sang and played, the LORD sent His angels to confuse Israel‟s enemies. Praise and worship is spiritual warfare. God in His wisdom has decided to use our worship unto Him to be a tool against demonic strongholds. The Power of Praise & Worship THE PSALMIST Let us examine what happens when you praise the LORD. Page I. Sing a new song. (Isaiah 30:29), Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel 16 Psalms 149, Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD. KJV Page A new song is the song that the Spirit of the Lord births or gives a believer. It is the song of the moment. We are accustomed to sing „old‟ songs, however the song that releases breakthroughs, deliverance, and anointing is the „song of the Lord’. This is unrehearsed Holy Ghost inspired new song. The new song can be a prayer and answer; it can be a prophetic word or interpretation to a song sung in the spirit (tongues). II. Rejoice Praise and worship involves your emotions. The Lord encourages us to rejoice. Rejoicing advocates action, not a somber mood or fearful trepidation from God the Father. To rejoice is to celebrate, cheer, exult, delight, express joy, and be glad, In some Christian circles worship is more or less whispers and hashed tones, which we could define probably as meditations. III. Dance A lot has been said about dance, what is acceptable, and what is not. The most graphic illustration of dancing in the bible is when king David danced „with all his might‟ 2 Samuel 6:14-16, And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. KJV What kind of dancing would make one despised or ashamed? Definitely, it‟s not the acceptable type for a high 17 The Power of Praise & Worship V. VI. VII. Page IV. profile figure like KING David. It was an uninhibited dance coming from deep sense of joy and gladness. David did not care about people‟s opinions but was mindful of God‟s opinion, the One who had chosen him to be king over Israel. Sing with Instruments Instruments enhance and uplift our worship experience. There is an anointing that is released when instrument accompany singers, played by anointed musicians. Isaiah 30:31 For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. 32 And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it. You must understand that musical instruments are part of spiritual warfare. Salvation The Lord beautifies the meek with salvation. People experience the new birth; Christians protected and delivered from calamities that might befall them. The Word of God The two-edged sword is the word of God in our mouth. We speak the word and we sing the word. As a believer avoid at all cost religious songs that have no basis in the word of God. Execute Vengeance and Bind their Kings with Fetters of Iron When you praise, you are sending demonic principalities into their prisons. 18 The Power of Praise & Worship The Power of Praise & Worship PAUL AND SILAS IN PRISON Page 1) The other prisoners heard Paul and Silas praying and singing, it was not a muted midnight session. It was loud enough to be heard by all prisoners. 2) God responded by causing an earthquake that shook the very foundations of the prison and every door opened, chains broken and most of all prisoners loosed. 3) Higher praise shakes the foundations of bondages and sets the captives free. This is deliverance from every form of slavery, captivity, oppression, burden, suppression, and repression. 19 Acts 16:25-31, And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. KJV The Power of Praise & Worship JESUS TEACHES ON TRUE WORSHIP John 4:23-24, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. KJV Praise and Worship is not restricted to the four corners of a church building, a certain mountain, or specific location but in the heart of individuals who yearn for the manifest presence of God. True worship pours out of a heart that is grateful of who God is and what He has done in our lives. God warned Israel about, „lip service’, which obviously does not bring His Presence. Isaiah 29:13, Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Page Romans 8:8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 20 You can have the formality that we have been taught concerning Praise and Worship, however that, „knowledge‟ taught by men will not bring His manifest presence. It‟s a, „form‟ that denies the power. Worship in church is not to impress the congregation or the senior pastor, but to have everyone into His presence. The Power of Praise & Worship THE PROPHETIC DIMENSION Prophecy and worship are related. 1 Samuel 10:5-6, After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: 6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. Page 2 Kings 3:15, But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. KJV 1 Corinthians 14:15, What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. The prophetic dimension is released through praying and singing in the spirit (tongues). There is power in speaking in tongues as you connect into the spirit realm and are able to hear distinctively the voice of God. 21 The prophetic is released through anointed music. Elisha was not ready to give a word from the LORD and had to call a musician to play for him to be „in the spirit‟. The Power of Praise & Worship It is in that dimension that the song of the LORD is birthed; we call this „the prophetic flow’. The prophetic flow releases the gifts of the Holy Spirit amongst the worshippers. Isaiah depicts the power of the song of the LORD releases as it is sung with the accompaniment of musical instruments. Isaiah 30:29, Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel. 30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, tempest, and hailstones. Page 32 And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it. 33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it. KJV 22 31 For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. The Power of Praise & Worship Thanks Giving. Thanksgiving is the „first things first’ in our praise and worship experience. Psalms 95:2, Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. KJV Psalms 100:4, Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. We come before Him with thanks giving. Thank God for everything H e has done for you and will do for you. This is the attitude desirable before the LORD. Page 23 Habakkuk 3:17-19, Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. KJV The Power of Praise & Worship Sacrifice of Praise Psalms 33:1, Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. KJV God expects us to be spontaneous in our praise and worship. When I don‟t feel like singing I decide to do so, because it‟s the right thing to do. That becomes the „sacrifice‟ unto the LORD. Sacrifice is cost, expense, to your time, energy and all that you give to bring out that worship. HEBREWS 13:15-16, BY HIM THEREFORE LET US OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE TO GOD CONTINUALLY, THAT IS, THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS GIVING THANKS TO HIS NAME. sIsaiah 61:3, To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Page Acts 3:19-21, Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. KJV God is restoring all things that need be restored and that include genuine personal and corporate worship. 24 Restoration The Power of Praise & Worship The only thing withholding our LORD Jesus from coming is the restoration processes. 1 Peter 2:5, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. KJV. All these have been achieved by the church to a greater extent, and certainly we are coming to the full restitution of all things. David assigned singers and musicians to praise and worship the LORD twenty-four hours and seven days non-stop. David had a revelation of heaven and as our Lord Jesus Christ prayed „Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven‟. Page A new level of praise and worship is emerging in the body of Christ-To worship the Lord with an understanding of spiritual dimensions, dispelling principalities over territories, domains, provinces or countries and continents. It is warfare-worship that releases entire cities, countries, and continents. There are forces over some nations that never allowed the gospel and their authority and powers are being broken. 25 1 Chronicles 16:4-6, 4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: 5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; 6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. KJV The Power of Praise & Worship ORDER OF WORSHIP IN THE HOUSE OF GOD Page Specific Guidelines: 1st Preparation- Technical Skills. As a team or individual member, preparation in all areas that pertain to music and worship is essential. As a singer or musician your vocal and musical expertise must be unquestionable – training as far as possible as you can go is a must. Please note that each church has its limits depending on availability of singers and musicians in the congregation, with that in mind one should at least be able to sing and play an instrument comfortable before a congregation. 2nd Preparation- Spiritual Spiritual preparation is the most important aspect in Praise and Worship. Completing a bible school program can also be an added advantage for a serious worship team. You cannot take people where you‟ve never been. 3rd Rehearsals Before rehearsal or practice, it is advisable to share from the word and spend some time in worship and prayer. 4th Roster All team members should know in advance their roles for that particular meeting or church service. A roster can be setup for bigger teams. 26 Many books have been written, seminars held concerning corporate worship in houses of God. Here I have given some guidelines on worship teams or worship leader. Teams differ in size depending on the size of the church and preference of the senior pastor or church leaders. Worship teams are under the authority of the pastor or designated team leader. Most churches appoint a Music Director who runs all aspects of music and worship. He either reports to a designated elder, pastor or direct to the senior pastor. This position might be voluntary, part-time or fulltime depending on the need or preference of the church. The Power of Praise & Worship Page Have A Theme Worship leaders or Song leaders should have a specific direction or ‟worship theme‟ ready. The type of songs, number, and format as the Lord directed. Example of themes could be, „Jesus‟, „Heavenly Father‟, „Healing‟, „Salvation‟, „Joy‟, „God‟s Grace‟, Prayer or „Spiritual warfare‟. Therefore, the songs should speak about that theme. Please note that the essence is to worship (which is enough in itself) not be bogged down to themes. However, themes help in the flow and focus for the particular meeting. 6th Pre-Prayer Sessions Preparation for the particular service is essential as well, such as coming early and spending time in prayer. 7th Be led by the Holy Spirit Being led by the Holy Spirit is critical and essential for all involved. The music director, team leader or song leader should be given the responsibility for leading the team and hearing from the Lord to lead others as the worship progresses. 8th Being Sensitive To Others Please note it is a team effort and as a leader be aware the Lord can use any member for a specific direction such as a prophecy, word of knowledge or song of the Lord. 9th Congregation The leader should also be sensitive to the needs of the congregation and not „leave them behind’, but must involve them in all aspects. As a team or song/worship leader you are serving the congregation to experience the manifest presence of God through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. 10th Authority Most importantly, the senior pastor has the final authority in church. Musical instruments are there to enhance the worship not „take over’. One important issue to watch out as singers and musicians is not to worship „the worship’ but rather draw everyone to the throne of grace. Worship teams are there to „aid‟ the congregation into the manifest presence of God. 27 5th The Power of Praise & Worship Expressions In Praise and Worship They are many forms of expressing ourselves as we worship. We have discussed earlier singing, shouting leaping, and dancing. Bodily gestures enhance our worship experience. We were created for His Pleasure as the scriptures denotes in Revelation 4:11, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. KJV A. Lifting Hands Lifting hands is the easiest way to express our worship; it expresses our surrender to God almighty. 1 Timothy 2:8, I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. KJV Psalms 63:4, Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. KJV Psalms 134:2, Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. KJV B. Kneeling. Psalms 95:6-7, O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Page Psalms 150:4. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. KJV 28 C. Dancing around and Spinning with Excitement. The Power of Praise & Worship D. Clapping Psalms 47:1, O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. KJV E. Shouting Psalms 5:11, But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. KJV F. Celebrate Extravagantly Joy, jubilation and celebration G. Lying Prostate On The Floor You can worship by lying prostrate on the floor or whatever position you are comfortable in. I believe our bodies and reflexes were designed for worship. H. Breath means Praise. Page 29 Psalms 150:6 - Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. KJV All living creatures one way or the other Praise God. The Power of Praise & Worship Hebrew Words for Worship 1. Shabach (Ps 145:4) Shout praise. Expresses confidence in God‟s ability. 2. Barach (Ps 95:6) Kneel, bless the Lord. Expresses humility. to kneel or bow, to give reverence to God as an act of adoration, implies a continual conscious giving place to God, to be attuned to him and his presence. 3. Yadah (Ps 63:1) The extended hand. Expresses gratitude, thankfulness and surrender. 4. Towdah (Ps 50:23) The raised hand. Expresses adoration. 5. Taqa (Ps 47:1) Clap, applaud. Expresses joy and victory. 6. Hallal (Ps 148-150) Celebrate extravagantly. Root of the word “hallelujah” which means “praise (halla) to jah (God)”. Expresses joy, jubilation and celebration. to praise, to make a show or rave about, to glory in or boast upon, to be clamorously foolish about you adoration of God 7. Tehillah Ps 33:1 Singing scripture to instruct and encourage. a new song, a hymn of spontaneous praise glorifying God in song 8. Tephillah. (Ps 39:12) Prayer, often sung as intercession and petition. 9. Kara (2 Sam 6:14) Dance. “David danced before the Lord with all his might” Expresses joy and celebration. Page 30 10. Zamar ( Ps 4 and 6, 7:17) Make music by striking the fingers on strings or parts of a musical instrument. When we play instrumentally to facilitate a holy atmosphere, it‟s not just church cocktail music, it‟s zamar. The Power of Praise & Worship The Use of Banners Banners have a significant and profound impact when we use them. Psalms 60:4-5. Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. 5 That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me. KJV Isaiah 13:2. Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles. Page 31 More Examples of Banners The Power of Praise & Worship Kids Praise Psalms 8:2, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. KJV Most of the Body of Christ has no idea the power and authority children exert in the spirit realm as they worship the LORD. God has ordained strength to silence our enemy as children praise and worship. The other version says „out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou have perfected praise‟. We have a responsibility to train and impart the spirit of praise and worship upon every generation. Children are not tomorrow‟s church they are part of today‟s move of God. Jesus loves Children Luke 18:16-17, But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Verily I say unto you, Whoso-ever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. KJV Page Everything we do must emerge from hearts full of praise and worship. The Lord has raised an army from every tribe and nation doing great exploits for the almighty God- NOW IS THE TIME. 32 God wants us to approach Him like little children. Children just believe, they do not come with preconceived ideas before God. Childlike faith is what the Father is looking for in our hearts. Children are the best worshippers on planet earth. Page 33 The Power of Praise & Worship Pearson Banda is founder of Eagle Wings International Ministries, a worldwide apostolic and prophetic ministry first established in Botswana Africa and spreading out the nations.