Worship & Praise Expressions

Davidic Expressions!

The term 'Davidic Expressions' comes from the Old Testament example of King David. The worship experience that David instituted was a picture of worship, as it would be experienced under the coming new covenant. This was to be an experience based on faith and intimacy with God. 

Worship for King David was not confined to blood sacrifices of the tabernacle but in the volunteer heart expression of the individual given in the presence of God directly. 

Expressions such as the following were the hallmark of his vision for worship and capture our worship tradition as well:

1. Lifting and clapping of hands

2. Dancing

3. Bowing and prostrating

4. Singing of written psalms, hymns, spiritual songs

5. Singing of spontaneously composed songs

6. Singing of prophetic songs and proclamations

7. Shouting and expressions of 'joyful noise'

8. Worship and praise involving instruments

9. Banners and flags

10. Silence and quiet meditation

Prophetic Nature of our worship!

Three scripture passages are central to our understanding of worship and the 'Davidic' pattern.

1. Psalm 22:3 "Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praise of Israel." (NASB)

In this passage King David describes a critical link between the presence of God and the praise of Israel. The 'praise' or lauding of God appears to provide a place for God to be 'seated among' His people. This is a significant truth for us today that has opened the door into God's throne of grace and fueled increased desire for intimacy with God.

2. Act 15:14-18 "Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name. "With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, 'AFTER THESE THINGS I will return, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND I WILL RESTORE IT, SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD, AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,' SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS KNOWN FROM LONG AGO. (NASB)

In this passage the Apostles are discussing the phenomenon of the Gentiles experiencing salvation and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In their conclusion, they sight a prophecy in Amos to substantiate the prophetic link between the church and King David's pattern of relationship with God, which we believe includes his vision for intimate worship.

Below is the previously quoted scripture quoted directly from the Old Testament:

3.  Amos 9:11-12 "In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old; that they may possess the remnant of Ed0m and all the nations who are called by My name," declares the LORD who does this. (NASB)

Worship is at the heart of both our private and public devotional life as a community of believers because when offered with pure hearts it brings us in to the presence of God, which we can not live without.