It has been over a year since I left active parish ministry and I have been a pilgrim on a journey to find a “joyful” worship experience. Well, not just any joyful experience, but one where the theology is not way off to the right or the left. A joyful worship experience where I will have my abundance and joy at being a Christian confirmed and not be continually reminded that I am a sinner or that there is suffering in the world. I remind myself that I am a sinner the other six days of the week and suffering is everywhere I turn. I am seeking a joyful worship time when the word “Celebrate” is recognized and taken seriously.
And, speaking of seriously. It seems to me that somewhere in the grand scheme of gathering on Sunday to give thanks and praise the Lord, we thought it had to be done without joy. We worship somberly, without cracking a smile, down on our knees, heads bent, whispering, not singing, mumbling responses. I keep thinking of that Psalm that says something like “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Joyful. Noise. Or that Psalm that speaks to me when it says “Praise his Name in the dance; let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.” Or, what about “Praise him with the blast of the ram’s horn.” This just doesn’t sound like a worship experience that resembles a funeral or a “dirge sing.” Even when they sing “Joyful, joyful we adore thee….” it slows down and well, falls flat. No energy, no spirit.
Way back in the early 1980’s I remember a parish priest telling the congregation that they should be coming up for Eucharist with a smile on their face. That they should be singing with joy, enthusiasm, and happiness. He reminded us that we should be happy being a Christian and that our Sunday celebration should be just that, a celebration full of joy. It worked for a while, but before long we were back to our old, gloomy selves. And, the smaller the congregation, the worse it is. So, so sad when we should be spirited and invigorated.
And, when the officiating clergy has a low-key, dour presentation it makes it difficult for those worshiping to be up and lively. Further, when the communion prayers are offered by a priest delivering it in a monotone it is fatal. Organists too can lead a congregation down a path of less than joyful singing. Too often they try to keep pace with the congregation rather than leading the congregational singing. Consequently, the hymns get slower and sl-ow-er and s-l-o-w-e-r until one barely recognizes the tune. It is amazing how un-amazing “Amazing Grace” can be, depending on how it is played and sung.
Enough said. My journey continues for “Joyful.” In my heart, I know it is out there somewhere, even if I have to do it myself – a Sunday morning full of joy. We should all remember that there is a time to be joyful, a time to remember suffering and sin, and a time for service to others, but not necessarily together at the same time.