Why do we sing with our whole heart?
In the Bible we read: Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. (Psalm 98:4)
Why do we lift our hands?
In the Bible we read: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. (Psalm 134:2)
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. (1 Timothy 2:8)
Raising our hands demonstrates our complete surrender to the Lord in worship and prayer.
Why do we clap? Why do we give shouts of joy?
In the Bible we read: Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
(Psalm 47:1) Clapping is universally accepted as an expression of joy. When we come into God’s presence singing with all our heart, we experience true joy. For the same reason we give shouts of joy.
Why do we dance before God?
In the Bible we read: Praise him with tambourine and dancing. (Psalm 150:4)
Let them praise his name with dancing. (Psalm 149:3)
David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might. (2 Samuel 6:14)
Why do we pray out loud together?
In the Bible we read: …they raised their voices together in prayer to God. (Acts 4:24)
Why do we speak and sing in tongues?
In the Bible we read: For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. (1 Corinthians 14:14-15)
To sing or speak in an unknown language is a gift that God has given to Christians. This ability to speak in tongues accompanies the baptism of the Holy Spirit. To sing with intelligence is simply singing in a language that I understand, such as my mother tongue. To sing by the spirit means to sing in tongues and to follow the flow of worship of those who are around us. Having many people singing or praying together by the spirit is entirely in order and it glorifies God.
Why do we permit the operation of the spiritual gifts?
In the Bible we read: …Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church…be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1 Corinthians 14:12, 39) and If anyone speaks in a tongue, two-or at the most three-should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. (1 Corinthians 14:27)
When God wants to talk to His children, He sometimes uses the spiritual gifts. In these times the whole church listens attentively to the person who has a message (prophesy) to give on behalf of God. If the message is given in tongues, it should then be interpreted, which is to say that someone should give the meaning of the message.
Why do we anoint the sick with oil?
In the Bible we read: Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)
