Worship – It’s not just an adult thing

Several weeks ago a young girl of our church sang “This is My Father’s World” during our morning worship service. I was touched not only by her talent but also by the way she presented herself to the Lord. Last Sunday I was visiting another church and was blessed by a duet of “I Love You, Lord” by another young girl and an adult. This was another instance where I saw a youth sharing herself with the Lord, not just with the congregation.

Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14 NIV) I believe that the ability and the knowledge of how to worship God are inbred in each one of us; they are part of our very being that God created. And as adults, it is not our place to teach children “how” to worship; instead, we need to provide the opportunities for children to participate in worship. Then we need to sit back, watch them, and learn from them - learn to worship God as one of His children.

As I get older, I find I bring more and more of my “baggage” with me as I worship God. Many times I focus too much of the “hows” of worship rather than just on the act of worship. That has to do with the fact that as a church musician I have a responsibility for putting together and participating in the actual worship service. But that’s my excuse, what about yours? Because I don’t think I am alone in this problem….

For this week, let’s make a conscious effort to worship God as we did when we were children. To help, I have provided a list of some of the songs that I learned as a small child. If you know these, sing them to yourself throughout the week. Smile, clap you hands, stomp your feet, make the motions, do whatever it was you did when you sang these songs as a small child. Then lift up your hands to God and say, “Thank you, Lord, for making me one of your children. I love you and I lift myself up to you. All praise and honor go to you!”

Now you have worshipped as a child…..

Here are the words to some of my favorite children’s songs, just in case you forget them. Please share one of your own favorites via a comment to this blog.

Father Abraham http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/f033.html
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/h005.html
Jesus Loves the Little Children http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/j007.html
Jesus Loves Me http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/j008.html
Lord I Want to be a Christian http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/l098.html
Rise and Shine http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/r024.html
This Little Light of Mine http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/t030.html

Hallelu Hallelu
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Praise, Ye the Lord!
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Praise, Ye the Lord!

Praise, Ye the Lord! Hallelujah!
Praise, Ye the Lord! Hallelujah!
Praise, Ye the Lord! Hallelujah!
Praise, Ye the Lord! Hallelujah!

If You’re Happy and You Know It
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, then your life will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.
If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.
If you’re happy and you know it, then your life will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.

If you’re happy and you know it, shout, “AMEN!”
If you’re happy and you know it, shout, “AMEN!”
If you’re happy and you know it, then your life will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, shout, “AMEN!”

If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap, clap, stomp, stomp, AMEN!)
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap, clap, stomp, stomp, AMEN!)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your life will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap, clap, stomp, stomp, AMEN!)