Praise And Worship Model

Below is a praise service celebrated by the Zion Christian Reformed Church of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, in a worship conference dealing with the liturgical year from Advent through Pentecost. This particular service celebrated the theme of Epiphany. Since it is a creative form of worship, the praise-and-worship style will vary from community to community.

The Basic Pattern

Praise and Adoration in Songs. The service began with a piano prelude of praise songs. On the platform there were a group of fifteen singers, two trumpeters, a drummer, two guitars, and a synthesizer, plus the regular organ and piano. Three dancers were also part of the singing group. The joy expressed by the praise group was contagious as they led the time of praise.

Welcome and Call to Worship. The praise songs were followed by an extemporaneous welcome that ended with a call to worship: "Come, let us join hearts, hands, and voices and praise of God."

Entrance Hymn. The praise songs were immediately followed with "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" with organ, piano, and trumpets.

Acts of Praise and Adoration. The acts of praise and adoration were a medley of praise songs with piano synthesizer, guitar, and drums, including "Sing unto the Lord a New Song," "I Will Exalt," and "Jesus Put This Song into Our Hearts." Praise songs were followed by the reading of Psalm 33:1–4 and a praise group medley of adoration including "I Will Bless the Lord," "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart," "I Love You, Lord," and "Father, I Adore You." A member of the praise group then read Psalm 33:18–22. This section closed with the hymn of conviction "Jesus Shall Reign."

The Sharing of Joy, Blessings, and Answers to Prayer. Members of the congregation were invited to stand up and share. This was concluded by a prayer led by a member of the praise group. The prayer was followed by the congregational singing of "Bless the Lord, O My Soul."

The Sharing of Needs and Concerns. Members of the congregation were invited to stand and state their needs for prayer. Again, this was concluded by a prayer of intercession led by a person from the praise group. The prayer ended with congregational singing of "Peace I Give to You."

Growth in Grace/Responsive Reading. A collection of Scripture presenting the Epiphany theme was proclaimed responsively by various members of the praise team (a readers' theater).

Hymn of Response. The hymn of response was "Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come." Verses were sung by soloists, and all joined in on the refrain (including dancers, accompanied with piano, guitars, synthesizer, trumpets, and drums.)

Scripture Reading. The Scripture reading for this particular Sunday was Luke 4:14–21, a passage that points to Jesus' calling to preach and proclaim the good news of the kingdom to a suffering humanity.

Message. The title of the sermon was "His Mandate and Ours."

God's People Respond

Benediction/Closing Hymn. The closing hymn was "Alleluia, He Is Coming." Dancers led the audience in simple, expressive motions. This song transitioned the congregation into a few moments of silent meditation, which was ended by the pianist quietly beginning a postlude of praise songs.