A call to worship is a vital element in Christian liturgical practices, serving as an invitation for the congregation to come together in the presence of God. It sets the tone for the service, directing hearts and minds towards reverence, adoration, and readiness to engage with the divine. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I find it essential to draw from Scripture and the rich tradition of the Church to craft calls to worship that are both inspiring and theologically sound.
One of the most well-known and frequently used calls to worship comes from the Psalms. Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV) says, "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." This passage encapsulates the essence of worship—joyful singing, thanksgiving, and praise. It invites the congregation to focus on God as the Rock of our salvation, setting a tone of gratitude and celebration.
Another powerful example is found in Psalm 100:1-5 (NIV), which reads: "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
This Psalm is a comprehensive call to worship, emphasizing joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and praise. It reminds the congregation of God's goodness, enduring love, and faithfulness, encouraging a heartfelt response of worship.
Isaiah 6:1-3 (NIV) offers a more majestic and awe-inspiring call to worship: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.'"
This vision of God's holiness and glory as witnessed by Isaiah can serve as a profound call to worship. It draws the congregation's attention to the transcendence and majesty of God, fostering a sense of awe and reverence.
The New Testament also provides rich material for calls to worship. In Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), Jesus extends an invitation that can serve as a call to worship: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
This passage invites the congregation to find rest and solace in Jesus, emphasizing His gentleness and humility. It sets a tone of comfort and peace, encouraging worshippers to come as they are and find refuge in Christ.
Revelation 4:8-11 (NIV) provides another glimpse into heavenly worship: "Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,' who was, and is, and is to come. Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.'"
This passage from Revelation offers a vision of the continuous worship that takes place in heaven. It can serve as a call to worship that invites the congregation to join in the eternal praise of God, acknowledging His worthiness and creative power.
Beyond Scripture, Christian tradition offers various liturgical texts that can be used as calls to worship. The Book of Common Prayer, for example, contains numerous prayers and invocations that have been used by Christians for centuries. One such example is the opening acclamation for Morning Prayer: "O Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise."
This simple yet profound call to worship invites the congregation to begin their praise with a request for God's help in opening their lips, emphasizing the dependence on God even in the act of worship.
In crafting a call to worship, it is essential to consider the context and the specific needs of the congregation. A call to worship for a service of lament might draw from passages like Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV): "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"
This passage reflects a deep longing for God's presence, resonating with those who are experiencing sorrow or seeking comfort.
On the other hand, a call to worship for a service of celebration might draw from Psalm 150:1-6 (NIV): "Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."
This exuberant call to worship invites the congregation to praise God with everything they have, using music and dance to express their joy.
In addition to Scripture and traditional liturgical texts, contemporary Christian music often includes lyrics that can serve as effective calls to worship. Songs like "Here I Am to Worship" by Tim Hughes or "Open the Eyes of My Heart" by Paul Baloche contain refrains that invite the congregation to focus on God's presence and prepare their hearts for worship.
Ultimately, a call to worship should be more than just a formality; it should be a heartfelt invitation that draws the congregation into a deeper awareness of God's presence and a readiness to engage in worship. Whether drawn from Scripture, tradition, or contemporary sources, the call to worship should resonate with the specific context of the service and the needs of the congregation, setting the stage for a meaningful and transformative worship experience.
In conclusion, the call to worship is an integral part of Christian liturgical practice, serving as an invitation for the congregation to come together in the presence of God. By drawing from Scripture, traditional liturgical texts, and contemporary Christian music, pastors and worship leaders can craft calls to worship that are both inspiring and theologically sound. Whether the tone is one of celebration, lament, awe, or comfort, the call to worship should always aim to direct hearts and minds towards reverence, adoration, and readiness to engage with the divine.
