Here in the Islamic world, Mosques everywhere sound the call to prayer five times a day. Regularly throughout the day, society is reminded of their call to worship that rises above the honking of cars and the chaos of crowds.
I must admit that I’m challenged by the Muslim call to prayer. Each time I hear it I can’t help but remember that I need to pray continually throughout my day. Through their disciplined religiosity, the Muslims around me challenge me to be more prayerful.
Once I asked a friend of mine in the Philippines who was a follower of Isa (Jesus) but Muslim by culture to walk me through the Muslim form of prayer. We prayed to Jesus, no doubt, but first we washed ourselves ceremonially, rolled out some prayer mats and got down on our knees. We worshipped Jesus with our heart as well as our physical posture. I had never felt such reverence for God as I did that day.
As followers of Jesus, we can often be quick to dismiss everything about other religions, or even certain Jesus-following traditions. But if we are open to learn from them, I think we will not only build bridges of peace but may also grow in our own understanding of worship. I hope to always be on the lookout for how I can learn from other cultures and religions.
There are many authentic forms of prayer and worship around. As I observe new forms I almost feel as if it’s my duty to use them as tools to enhance my worship of Jesus. He alone is the object of my worship, but I alone have only limited perspective on how to most fully glorify a deserving and jealous God. Do you think God is jealous that we limit our forms of worship?
My prayer is that all forms from all nations will direct their worship toward Jesus. That every tongue will confess, and also that every knee will bow in reverence, declaring and demonstrating that Jesus is Lord of all forms of worship.
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i completely agree! i once went to a Catholic mass and even though i don't agree with all Catholic doctrine, the tradition and reverence that is so important was humbling and made me realize that everything concerning Christ deserves reverence. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI think that insight is really cool. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHey waiguoren! loved the post. I have to agree with you, living in the heart of the Muslim world has really challenged me and opened my eyes to many of the exact reflections you just made. Although it has also opened my eyes to many things that we often overlook about the grace of knowing our Savior. We pray out of relationship, out of wanting to commune with our Lord and Savior. I think a lot of this is lost when required to, or forced to pray at certain times by the religious police. Many muslims I have talked to here, not of Arabic backgrounds, have explained to me that although they can pray the muslim prayers and read the Quoran due to knowing the arabic alphabet, they cannot understand what is being said. I think this is so similar to the issues the Catholic church had pre-reformation when everything was done in Latin and the common man couldn't understand what was going on, only perform the prescribed actions and watch the ceremony. What an amazing blessing we have to be able to understand and reflect and allow God to move us into a deeper relationship with Him. May our Lord and Savior continue to strengthen and guide you as you make bold steps forward for Him where none may have gone before!
ReplyDeletePeter, thanks for your insight. Yeah, we can also learn from history and must always realize the grace factor, which welcomes us into authentic worship. It's certainly an unceasing tension to show reverence in one sense, but also to embrace the relationship we are invited into. Thanks for sharing your perspective and experience!
ReplyDeleteWaiguoren, (can't remember the origin of the name, but cool!)
ReplyDeleteI think your last two paragraphs are super powerful. Is God jealous when we limit our forms of worship? Oh man, isn't it so true that we stifle freedom of authentic expression. What truth of who we are and how we want to love our God is suppressed because it becomes 'odd' or uncomfortable to stand out in the crowd if our method isn't the typical.
I've been learning (but only a bit) the power of posture. The importance of submitting myself before God in a kneeling posture in prayer. I realize in those times, as you've said before, just how small I am, and how much God deserves my obedience.
Be a team that prays, be a team on its knees, and continue to pursue the heart of God and the hope that He has for all people, from every tribe, race, and nation.
You and your team are in my prayers!