For those who have never attended a Pentecostal worship service, the first experience can be surprising, to say the least. Jumping, running, shouting, crying, tongues, and lots of praying are just some of what you may see any Sunday at a Pentecostal church. This may be off-putting to some or even cause some to think these people are unbiblical. But please understand that everything we do is for a reason. And everything can be traced back to deep roots within the Bible.
The purpose of this article is to simply share the reasons why we praise in the manner we do. I also hope to address some common objections to our form of praise. The simplest answer to why we praise is because we are deeply and overwhelmingly grateful for all God has done not just for us but every person to ever live. However, it is also so much more as you will soon see.
We are Instructed to Give Praise
The number one reason for Pentecostal Worship is because the Bible instructs God’s people to praise him. We are told to clap our hand, shout, play instruments, and ultimately bring a joyful noise to the Lord. Here are a few verses that show we are to praise God
Psalm 117:1 (KJV)
117 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
Psalm 47:1 (KJV)
47 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
Jeremiah 20:13 (KJV)
13 Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
Psalm 150:4 (KJV)
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Psalm 100 (KJV)
1Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
They Look Crazy
Pentecostal worshipers may look cray to the outsider, but so did those on the day of Pentecost (Act 2:12-21). David looked crazy to his wife for the way he danced and praised the Lord in 2 Samuel 6:16. She even rebukes David’s behavior in 2 Samuel 6:20. David replies and explains that he was praising the Lord for all that he has done (2 Samuel 6:21-22).
This example is used often and many discount it. But I still believe it stands true. When you attend a sporting event or large concert it is normal to see people express excitement. It is rare for someone to call them crazy for experiencing their enjoyment. So if you can celebrate an athlete throwing a ball, or jump for joy when some musician steps on stage, why can’t you express that same joy or more when celebrating the greatness of God?
Nothing a mere man will ever do can compare to what God has done for each of us. God created the very planet you call home. He has expressed love for creation throughout the history of the world. Ultimately sending Jesus to die for OUR sins! We deserved to die but God said no! He has gifted us with the keys to the kingdom! I am getting excited just typing this out! So what you see as crazy is just pure excitement that comes from knowing the game has been won and we are standing in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.
Marching and Running
Marching and/or running the isles is a common practice in Pentecostal worship. Leading many people to ask the question “Why are they doing that?”. First, it is important to understand that everyone’s facing issues and struggles. Things that we may not be aware of. Often things that cannot be seen from their outward appearance.
It is possible as they run or march they feel like they have been cast into the fiery furnace. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were. Feeling as though this is the end. With no escape in sight. When the Spirit breaks out God steps in and is standing at their side. Just as He showed up and stood with Shadrach Meshach and Abednego(Daniel 3:21-27).
Causing them to not just stand but march or even run in triumph. Showing the enemy the flames won’t hurt them. It is hard if not impossible to keep your seat when you realize God is right there with you. Helping you overcome whatever situation you have been thrown in.
The same can be said for the believer who already survived the fire. When they think about all the Lord has done for them they can’t help but take another victory lap. We don’t find it strange when a racecar driver takes a lap after winning some race. So why should we consider it strange for a person to take a victory lap after winning a battle in life?
Hands Lifted To Heaven
Hands lifted at church are unlike what you see in secular concerts. Those who lift hands at a secular concert are in a way praising the band. They are showing approval and expressing excitement for the music they are hearing.
While those in a Pentecostal worship service are also doing the same, in a way. They are actually looking past the band and singers. Instead of looking toward heaven. Lifting their hands in submission to God. Giving Him all the glory and honor and praise.
Do not get the wrong idea about raised hands in praise and prayer. Lifting hands is not just a random Pentecostal worship tradition. It is biblical! Mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.
Psalm 28:2
2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.
1 Timothy 2:8
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Because We Didn’t Deserve It!
An evil spirit lies in the hearts of many Christians today. Causing them to believe they deserved to be saved. That they don’t deserve every blessing that God has given them. A thought like that could not be farther from what the Bible teaches.
We were all anything but worthy of the sacrificial offering that forever paid for our sins. Our lives should have led us to an eternity spent in hell. By grace alone, we were saved from the pits of sin and placed on the path to ethereal life through Jesus Christ! It had nothing to do with anything we have done.
Paul explained this fact in many verses throughout his letters.
Ephesians 2:8.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
Romans 3:10
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;
Once you have this revelation you no longer have the option to not praise God for all He’s done for you. You must have to have it for yourself. No one can tell you about it enough to truly open your eyes. But once you truly begin to see all God has done for you and know that you truly did not deserve any of it, praising is no longer an option it just happens.
So when the spirit breaks out you can’t just say a half-hearted “thank you, Lord”. Because the Joy of the Lord lives inside you and bubbles to the surface whenever you look back. Causing you to stand up! To lift your hands to the heavens! Sending verbal thanks to God for all He has done!
A Testimony To The Non-believer
The beautiful thing about all we do for God is that one action meant to do one thing is often used in more than one way. While our worship is not for show or meant to be seen by those around us. It can also be hard to miss, but that what’s so amazing. Because it speaks as a testimony to those around us. When they see the joy and excitement that a worshiper has, it causes them to want to experience that same joy. Which comes from God.
Romans 15:13 (KJV)
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
It is not just the act of praise that is a testimony either. When we sing to the Lord as the scripture teaches we should do. We are giving a verbal testimony to the greatness of our God. The words tell of the glory and majesty of the Lord Almighty. They paint a picture of all the great things He has done for his people. While inspiring hope in the fact that He isn’t finished yet!
1 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)
9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
Speaking in Tounges
Speaking in tounges is a major part of Pentecostal worship and is supported throughout the New Testament. Yet it still seems to confuse, and even upset, many people in the Church. It seems more than almost anything else. What’s sad is that through carefully crafted sermons, some preachers have been able to navigate their entire career without ever speaking on the subject. Which has caused many believers to never truly understand tounges or the importance it has on the Church.
The subject of tounges truly deserves a dedicated article. But for the purpose of this article, you need to know a few things. Most importantly tounges is not something of the devil. An accusation such as that is just like the one made against Jesus in Matthew 12. Speaking in tounges is an act that furthers the Kingdom and is exactly the opposite of the devil’s plans. The devil’s goal is to destroy the church not build it up.
Matthew 12:24-26 (KJV)
24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Speaking in tounges is an outward sign that someone has been filled with the Holy Ghost. It allows us to communicate with God on a plane that we are not even able to understand. Paul speaks of this in Romains 8. When he explains that at times the Holy Ghost will pray for our needs through groanings that can only be understood by God.
Romans 8:26-27 (KJV)
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Much more can be said on this subject and it will be soon in another article. For now please take some time to read more about tounges in the scripture and about the Holy Ghost living in God’s people. You will quickly realize your need to receive this great Gift from our Heavenly Father.
Experience Pentecostal Worship for Yourself
We hope you now have a better understanding as to why we praise in the way we do. That it’s not strange or crazy but Biblically founded. And meant to express the feeling we have inside for the greatness of God. Please don’t just stop at understanding though. You need to experience what Pentecostal worship is like in person.
If you do not know of a Pentecostal church in your area please feel free to reach out to us by email. We would be more than happy to connect you with a church in your area.
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I love Worshiping and Praising MY Lord. I get excited when I praise Him and I pray to Him in between singing. My Pastor wants me to Sing when they sing and pray when they pray. Don’t pray when they are singing. I’m like well ok I will have to have church before I go to church. Every day I always praise Him and pray to him a lot. I get so excited because He is so worthy.
I honor my Pastor.
I want to do right. But I don’t want to quench the Spirit and down deep it hurts my feelings. I will be praying about this issue but your reply would be read if You have counsel.
Thank you
I love God and am profoundly thankful to Him. I am daily in awe of His creation and how He cares for us, the works He performs among the people. I meditate, pray to the point of intercession, sing and praise Him as loudly as I can, but is it loud enough? Is this a contest of demonstration, why should I feel bad if I don’t express as much as the people around me? I am 60, do I need to raise my hands and walk , run, jump like a teenager to be seen as loving God? I am seen as less of a Christian if I don’t maintain a loudness equivalent to my neighbors.
I would NEVER go to a sporting event and cheer or to a concert and utter a single word in celebration of human performance.
Why can’t I be still and know God? sure I will sing, sure I will worship with all my strength but you are not to judge my abilities. David dancing before the ark in his youth is a wonderful story but demanding the people dance to prove devotion is cruel.
I appreciate your comment, but I believe you may have missed my meaning in this article. It is not meant to shame people into outwardly praising or condemn those who are no longer able to praise like they may of in their youth. That being said I can’t say that I don’t hope those who read this article and have never actively worshiped God will step out towards Him in faith. Following the examples of praise that we see within the scripture.
I wrote this article to help those who often judge members of church that run, jump, and shout for the Lord. I wanted to show that such acts of worship are biblical and should be embraced not condemned. I wanted to meet the objections head on and answer the various criticisms of our actions. The sad truth is in our world today many look at getting excited about God as crazy even though they will get excited about all the temporal things this world has to offer. This is a view that should be corrected both in and out of the church. Because their is nothing the should cause us to express more joy then personally knowing the one who created us and all that we see. As well as know that He loves us so much that he made a way for us to be forgiven of every trespass we have committed against Him and allow us to spend eternity in Heaven with Him.
I am sorry if I offended you in anyway and I hope that you can see that was not my intention. Looking back over the article I can see that I should have mentioned the key to praise. That it’s not about what you do in worship but the heart that it comes from. I am sure people are shouting, jumping, and running in churches all over who are doing so to be seen as holy even though their heart is far from God. What is important that you love God and praise Him with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Our goal as Christians should be to give God the best we can from a sincere heart. Because that is what our God is worthy of. That’s going to mean different things for different people depending on their physical abilities. I have seen elderly saints of God use a walker to slowly make their was to the alter just to lift hands to God. Giving God they best they can and worshiping Him with the same level of passion as the young person running through the alter.
What we should never do though is refuse to give God our all in worship because we think it is silly or because we worry about what others will think about us. Nor should we limit ourselves in what we can offer God. Age will eventually reach us all and we wont be able to run and dance before the Lord as we did in our youth but that doesn’t mean we cant do anything. Those who want to honor God with the best they can always find a way.
Personally I have seen those in wheelchairs roll themselves across the front of the church in worship and even shuffle their wheels to do a little jig. I have seen the blind asked to be led to the front in worship. Those who can hardly walk pull themselves up on the pew to go that extra step in praising God. The way they worship God may look different then everyone else but their heart is the same. Never have I looked at someone in those circumstances and judged them for not doing more. Instead it has caused me to praise God all the more because even facing all they do they are still putting forth the effort to do something for God.
I truly and sorry for any confusion and I do hope this response helps to clear up any misunderstandings. I want to be clear that I would never demand someone to prove their devotion to God by any act. The fruit someone produces in their life will be the proof of their faith. But that’s not my business as I also recognize that it isn’t my place to judge or even call another to worship. That is between each individual and God. I simply want people to fully understand the reasons behind the praise they often condemn because I believe truly don’t understand the sincere heart behind Pentecostal worships.
I hope this meets you well and I hope to hear again from you soon,
Justin
I agree so whole heartedly. We used to have what we called the ANOINTING. We forgot about everything, the Holy Spirit would fall and the gifts would pour out in great waves of glory. Oh Praise Him. Praise Him. Worship Him. Praise Him in request. Praise Him in answers. Praise Him in miracles. We are not exhorting. we are worshiping. We can all sing in the Spirit and dance in the Spirit and run and jump in the Spirit. We worship with our mouth, with our bodies, with our hands. We are Happy, we Rejoice, we Laugh, we Cry… we Love the Lord and we ae exuberantly worshiping. Not a silent prayer but we shout the praised of our God… on and on into the wee hours. We are revived and refreshed. These are the times of refreshing. We have been bowed down all week. No we are standing tall and lieing prostrate …whatever the Spirit gives freedom to do to glorify our Lord who gives us the victory. We shout with the voice of victory and pray on our faces. The Spirit gives is freedom to worship without thought of restraint. Oh Lord set your people to worship with body and soul and spirit. Yes to Jesus and Glory to God.
Holy
Pray for me