Today I was for the first time in attendence at the Theatre for International Christians. I'm surely a believer, but many women around me were praying loudly by themselves, eyes closed ,with thier hands raised high, doing some intense meditation by themselves (praising GOD loudly), even if the pastor was speaking from the stage or during singing praise. I thought it was a disturbance, bcoz I was purposely there to listen and reflect to the pastor preaching. Are these people having more faith than the others in the room?
I was feeling like awkward because I''m a Christian who doesn't go over the top in public showing the intensity of my faith. I have more concentration to worship in private.
Is such public worship and extravagance necessary ?
Do I lack faith, for not behaving like them?
2007-03-11 07:04:32 · 17 answers · asked by She-whom-shall-not-be-named 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ok, I am not a christian. I am looking at this from the outside, hopefully objectively. It sounds to me like those women were trying to draw attention to themselves. To me that kind of behavior is rude. Didn't Jesus tell the pharisees to go into a closet and pray?
2007-03-11 07:09:17 · answer #1 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are many who believe that interrupting the pastor while he or she is speaking is actually the work of the devil. After all if you believe that the pastor is speaking as a messenger of God and you are interrupting and keeping others from hearing than it can't be a good thing. On the other hand there are times during music,hymns and worship that the spirit moves and you want to raise your hands to the Lord. Just make sure that you are never doing these things for show. My suggestion is to sit near the front if you can. That way you will be able to hear the sermon and it's lesson. If this continues and it makes you uncomfortable than find a church that suits your personality and faith better. Never let anyone tell you that there is a right or wrong way to worship. As long as it's respectful to God and those around you. God made us each differently and that is why we have formed different denominations. God loves you for who You are !
2007-03-18 15:17:11 · answer #2 · answered by kairos 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many people who pray like that are from a more "charismatic" type congregation. That is just a style of worship where they go to church. Many churches do not do that stuff. The Holy spirit is given when you accept Jesus as your savior and you may or may not have the "gift of tongues" like these ladies. I can't say they have more faith Just that they worship differently. If this is not your style, look for another place to go where there is more order. That scene can be disturbing to some and is not a requirement for salvation. You do not lack faith because you don't worship like them. Just look for another church where you can be comfortable but be sure they preach the truth. God Bless
2007-03-11 14:28:33 · answer #3 · answered by Yo C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You absolutely do not lack faith. Everyone practices their faith and worships in different ways - some openly, others privately.
A personal relationship with God is just that - personal. We do have the need to worship with other believers, but raising our hands, or praying out loud during the sermon, is not the definition of worship. If others feel led to do that, then that is OK, but it in no way means you are any less of a Christian, or have any less of a relationship with God.
I am much like you in that sense. Although I do certainly experience God during times of public worship, my most intimate moments with Him come with I am privately worshipping Him.
Bottom Line - Different people will worship in different ways, and that doesn't make their ways more or less important, or make them more or less of a Christian. What is the most important is the PERSONAL relationship with Christ, and that true relationship comes during the intimate, personal times spent with him.
http://christinasloan.blogspot.com
2007-03-19 12:44:02 · answer #4 · answered by Christina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No not at all,just because you don't lift your hands in praise in public doesn't mean you have a lack of faith, most likely the women felt led to do that, and if you didn't have that feeling it was perfectly ok. I tend to be a timid and shy person so when everyone in church is lifitng their hands up and shouting Amen i tend to feel left out a little like i am doing something wrong. If i don't feel moved to do that, but i do it anyway without any meaning it is not really true worship. So you may be a little more timid than they are but by no means are you a half way christian, it is just something you may not feel led to do at that moment, but when you do feel led lift your hands high and praise God, but don't do it just because everyone else is doing it, if you feel led to do it got for it!! That behavior that they were showing is their way of worshiping and praising God, but their way may not be you way so worship God in your way! God bless
2007-03-11 14:22:56 · answer #5 · answered by ca 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I beleive that both have their place. You should do something because of understanding. Shout and screaming even when the Man of God is sharing the Word and not listening is a shame. However enthusiatic amen's and others do encourage the speaker.
A book I would reccommend is THE GREAT CONNECTION by Pastor Bonnie Dueschle a part of Cemebration Ministries International (formerly Hear the Word Ministries). It will help.
2007-03-19 08:29:02 · answer #6 · answered by insane2mad 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To answer that question you should look to the perfect role model. Jesus. When he prayed he went off alone to do it. He chastised the Pharasies for being hypocrites because they acted much in the same way as those you mentioned above. You show the intensity of your faith through your actions. If your actions please God, then you are exercising your Faith to the highest degree.
To sum up, 'if it aint' broken don't fix it.'
You are on the right road friend. Extravagance is only used by charlatans wanting to impress everybody else Except God.
God Bless.
2007-03-19 07:57:32 · answer #7 · answered by Starjumper the R&S Cow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is important to let everyone worship God in their own way. If your way is private and still sincere great!!! And if theirs is open and out loud in public, great!! It's all for the glory of God. If the speaker didn't mind, then it was probably acceptable, if not then that is between the louder people and God.
2007-03-11 14:24:38 · answer #8 · answered by putonthearmorofgod611 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
oh hun noo u are not lackin any faith.. people who pray loudly is just their way of praying, everyone has different way of prayin. i cant pray where there are soo many people in a room but when im by myself i will pray and talk to my God for hours and i wouldnt notice the time... if u hv faith in God, pray, worship and trust in him then thats all God wants from u.. he doesnt want u to go to any extreme if u dont feel comfortable.
just talk to him deep down in ur heart thats all God wants.. is his love and trust from his daughter/son. GOD will love u either way ...
2007-03-19 08:29:04 · answer #9 · answered by christina 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
definition of Christian- follower of Christ. It doesn't say how you follow just that you follow. You are 100% Christian. Everyone worships differently. Don't let it bother you. At my church we don't clap or shout or sing really loud. We are quieter, but are hearts burn loud with the spirit. We have a very organized orderly church. Maybe you should check it out just for the heck of it. Here's it's website. www.lds.org I hope this helps :)
2007-03-18 22:21:23 · answer #10 · answered by flirl1027 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋