PRAYER: PREMISED ON WORSHIP
About this ebook
Segler, in his book Christian Worship, says:
"God must be worshipped for His Own glory, or it is idolatry, however relatively worthy its motivation."
(Segler 1967, 12, emphasis added).
Again, we emphasise the pivotal focus on God alone.
He alone is worthy of worship.
The English word “worship” is derived from the Old English word weorthscipe—“worth” and “ship”—“worthship”— meaning worship; one worthy of reverence and honour. It is honour shown to an object. (Worship – Wikipedia).
When we worship, we declare God’s worth. The 24 elders proclaimed:
“You are worthy, our LORD and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
(Revelation 4:11, emphasis added).
The angels sang:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!”
The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshipped.
(Revelation 5:12, 14, emphases added).
* * * * *
You have taken a 4-wheel drive trip into the outback. You couldn’t be more remote. The horizon is a blur in the far distance. There is no town for miles! You are out of range for any mobile phone coverage. There is no passing traffic. And the old jalopy has “packed it in”.
What do you do?
For too many people it is an occasion of “venting their spleen”, cursing loud and long, blaming anyone and everyone, etc.—and kicking the wheel!
The answer is very simple for the Christian. You worship!
And don’t argue that there is no pipe organ or choir or anything that is usually related to “worship”. Now it is time to truly worship—and it is all and only to do with God.
You might start with a devotional statement—a reminder of just Who God is:
“Dear Lord. Almighty creator, ruler and sustainer of the universe. You are from everlasting to everlasting. You know all things—including our predicament. You are everywhere—including out here in this remote place. You are right here with us (His immanence), so we have nothing to worry about. As our omniscient God, You not only know of our predicament, but You have known all about it from the creation of the world. That being the case, it is no surprise to You what has happened today. So we need not to be surprised. And we are assured that You have it all under control. Our lives are in Your merciful and loving hands. With Your omnipotence, there will be no difficulty in providing a solution—however seemingly difficult it might appear”.
This is true worship. True worship is an appreciation of God for His own sake. Without regard to the circumstances!! And without regard for the benefits that we might derive from Him—or even desperately hope to derive from Him.
There is no bargaining.
No demanding.
No handwringing.
No guidelines for your expectations.
No angry retorts, like “If God knew this from the creation of the world why didn’t He let us know?” “If He is a sovereign God, why did He allow this to happen … here!?”
True worship is an appreciation of God for His own sake. FULL STOP.
Now what is the sovereign God going to do?
Be assured that He only does all things well/perfectly. He is the judge of all the earth, and He will only do what is right. Can you trust Him for that? Can you expect more than that?
Is that OK? Can you trust God to be God—overwhelming in mercy and care for His children? Do you think that He will be able to handle this without your advice and help? If He can’t, then there is no hope for any of us.
So sit down and relax. It doesn’t depend on you.
Can we say with relaxed surrender:
"But I trust in you, LORD;
I say, 'You are my God.'
My times are in your hands …"
(Psalm 31:14-15, emphases added).
About the author
BACKGROUND, TRAINING
Rev Dr David A Swincer is an ordained Baptist Minister, having served almost 40 years in pastoral ministry, including 13 years as a seminary professor.
Raised on a sheep farm in South Australia, David developed a strong sense of the practicalities of life, and this experience has been invaluable in his pastoral and lecturing experience.
He originally trained as a secondary school teacher, specializing in mathematics and science. He acquired a B.A. degree and Secondary Teaching Diploma. He taught for 4 years full-time.
The unmistakable call to Pastoral Ministry led to training in the New South Wales Baptist Theological Seminary, where he did post-graduate study, gaining a B.D. and Dip. R.E. After 8 years of Pastoral Ministry, he moved to the Seminary Position, specializing in New Testament – especially Greek exegesis. Circumstances meant that he also lectured widely in other areas, undertaking some lecturing in OT exegesis, Modern Church History, overview of theology, and a special emphasis in pastoral subjects (including writing several papers on associated topics, notably a Pre-marriage Counselling Course; Marriage Enrichment; Conflict resolution).
He pursued strong personal interest in the nature and practice of worship.
A pastor at heart, Dr Swincer loved to see the practical side of careful exegesis and theological education.
During this time he undertook M.A. and Doctoral studies.
His whole ministry has been marked by a willingness to think laterally, and to challenge common presuppositions, in the search for the truth. His books strongly challenge traditional positions that seem to be held unthinkingly. That will be a challenge to the reader!
MINISTRY
Dr Swincer served in pastoral ministry for nine years before moving into seminary education for 13 years. During the latter part of that time he simultaneously pastored a church before returning to the full-time pastoral ministry – an extra 18 years. In addition, there have been several interim pastorates.
During the years of Seminary teaching especially, there was the opportunity to visit many churches, to address teaching weekends in a variety of circumstances, to speak at weekend family and Youth camps, and teaching conventions – all of which provided a rich appreciation of people in all types of circumstances, with counselling problems from theological misunderstandings or practical insensitivities.
Coupled with research and study, he had the opportunity to travel and to undertake several preaching/teaching/
