Praise & Worship?

From previous and current observation, it seems these two words are becoming demeaned of its meaning. I mean, its meaning is diverted, distorted or damaged. I may be wrong, but as I observe the new generation; it seems the phrase “Praise and Worship,” denotes the act of singing new and upbeat songs or lively songs, especially sung with bands, electric guitars and drums. I have no against on such acts, except of course that is obviously not for the glory of God. But the perception of Christians toward “Praise and Worship,” seems to have changed. And currently, churches seem to accept this definition of “Praise and Worship”, where as, Hymns are separated from these songs.

Looking at the definition of praise and worship, I find these definitions:

Praise is an impassioned exaltation of God (ie. a Supreme Being, or Creation), typically as an expression of gratitude for one's life or being.

Worship is showing devotion to (a deity); To honor and adore, especially as a deity;

Truthfully the new songs are being sung may give praise and worship to our God, but don’t the hymns or old songs do the same? It may be hard to understand at times the words that have been used, but we must not degrade the hymns or old songs of their worth and meaning. Songs that were written, authored and composed also because of astonishing experiences.

One of the stories I’ve heard was the story of Horatio G. Spafford, who after experiencing an extremely difficult situation (losing his 4 daughters in a single event), was still able to write the lyrics of the hymn “It is well with my soul” (read the book 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck.).

Quite astonishing stories indeed, on how the hymns were written. Of course I’m not saying that the new songs are simply written for nothing, nor all hymns were written with amazing stories. But, it is this point I want to point out how we view the old and new songs. How do we really view songs in terms of praise and worship? We may separate old and new songs according to the beats or styles or mood of the songs, but can we really separate and perceive which songs are for praise and worship? It is quite alarming when people say “We’ll put praise and worship songs in our program.” Or, “We’ll have pure praise and worship songs on this period.” It makes me think, “Does this mean when we sing hymns or when the old folks from the past sung these hymns they have not praised and worshipped God?” May it be that we don’t forget what praise and worship really means. Sooner or later what I have said here may be unnoticed by most people, but perhaps Loakanians will be reminded what Praise and Worship is all about. Praise as an act of expressing thanks to whatever God has done in our lives. Worship as proclaiming Who God is in our lives.

Colossians 3
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.