Vain repetition.
Notice that the first half of the phrase is an essential part of it. So I don't mind hymns with choruses, which give you time to think about the words in the verses and bring you back to a thought which is then further expanded on. I don't mind "choruses" per se, so long as we don't spend time singing them over and over (yes, that's fine, got that, now can we move on please?)
Taize chants in prayers are fine, if a little over-rated in my view. Gives you time to assent to the prayers being offered.
But:
1. Choruses that say "I love you, Lord" in six different ways. Or "How wonderful you are" (I know this is a little harsh, we need to spend some time on it and the words are difficult to compose, but can we have some imagery, please?) And some barely say anything at all. Some are mercifully brief but that's not a reason to sing them ad nauseam.
2. Rattling through the same prayers every week and yes I do include the Lord's Prayer, I don't care who taught it, it was an example, not a ritual/memorial. (He did give us one of those.)
3. Long rambling prayers even if technically they're not repetitive. "What's wrong with the Battersea Dog's Home?" "Nothing, why?" "It's the only thing you didn't pray for."
4. And of course preachers who've made their point very clearly and illustrated it and set off round again when they don't need to, having actually proclaimed the Good News powerfully. (Again, some repetition is not only allowed but useful, maybe essential.) "Has the preacher finished yet?" "Yes, he just hasn't stopped."
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5 comments:
Then the question is, how much is worship about you and how it makes you feel or God and what we bring to God.
You're right of course. But it is also the preacher's job to help the congregation to worship.
Well yes, so do that then!
Notice: Part three of this series is being held over until Sunday, for reasons that will become apparent when it is published.
Oh yes and part three should be a scorcher. Bet you can't wait.
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