There have been two significant times when I’ve been moved by watching others worship.

One happened last month.  But I’ll share with you first a story from 2004 during my School of Worship in Denver.

I was in a Sunday service at a mega church sanctuary which sat around 4000 people.  I think the offering was happening because everyone was seated.  The worship band started playing “I could only imagine.”  I secretly rolled my eyes, because I had heard this song so many times.  And then… God humbled me.

I was seated near the back in the theater style seats, where all good church critics sit, my body language reeking of 20 year old arrogance.  I see some motion in front of me and I watch as an older gentleman struggles to stand and raises his hands in worship as the song was sung.

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for your Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

It was such a pure and authentic moment of worship.  To my barely 2 decade old self at the time I realized  this man would most likely see Jesus before I would,  and in that moment he was connecting with His creator excitedly awaiting the hope of glory where there is no more pain or suffering.

==

The second happened recently.  Ann Ford, the captain of YWAM Ships in Kona visted us in Honolulu to thank us for a recent offering we took up for her.

During worship we sang the song Oceans.  This song had a completely different meaning for her than the rest of us.  At the start of the new year Ann was on a ship during a storm where her boat was flipped twice and she lost a crew member to sea.

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

As we sang this song she stood in the back row singing, the only one with her hands raised.  I couldn’t help but tear up at her sacrifice of worship.

No matter how you feel, no matter your circumstance, keep worshipping He’s worthy.

Have you ever been moved by watching someone else worship?  Let us know in the comments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Originally posted April 2015, reedited it and and shared again. (7/3/16)