Worship changes lives!

CPAS Ministry Consultant for Ireland Paul Hoey give this new book the big thumbs-up.

‘A publication on behalf of the Liturgical Commission’? I confess to a prejudice that suggested something potentially worthy but dull. How wrong can you be?

The book is short – just 48 pages – with big print and lots of images that themselves convey something of the mystery and wonder of worship. I read it through in about 20 minutes. Does that mean it’s superficial? Not at all. There is lots here to challenge and provoke even the most seasoned worshipper to rethink what we do under the heading of worship and why we do it.

The book could be equally helpful to the new worshipper and to those who just turn up on a Sunday and go through the motions, as well as setting an agenda to any church group involved in a root and branch review of worship. In its short space it manages to address such issues as the words we use in worship, the nature of remembering, the expression of community, sacred space and symbol, dimensions of prayer, the richness of praise offered through music and much more. Each section could open up a valuable discussion.

There are helpful questions, such as, ‘What headline would you write about worship in your church that compels the reader to read on?’

The weakness is that only a few such questions are contained within the text of the book itself, limiting its potential as a study resource. More are promised on the accompanying website.

I like where the book ends. It reminds us that worship is not just about withdrawal to recharge our spiritual batteries; at its best it is something that sends us out revitalised to engage in God’s mission in the world.

Worship changes lives? It would have been good to hear some stories of how that change happened for different people in different settings. But this book inspires us
to believe that indeed it can be so - even in our own little patch of the kingdom of God – and even in my own life.

£4.99 - available from Church House Publishing. But if at all possible, please support your local Christian bookshop!

Looking for the FREE CHOCOLATE option? So sorry. The free chocolate has been claimed.