What has Romania taught me? I guess I am still asking myself the same question. We spent two weeks in a small Gypse town called Viile Tecii located about 30 kilometers from Bistrita. (I hope you enjoy the random photographs throughout this blog). There were many of us in one location, which made having something to do difficult at times. 
What I discovered, though, was that God was calling me to begin to practice the very thing He has been gently calling me into all year: prophetic worship. I ended up leading worship on several occasions for different outreaches, services, or gathering of Racers. During the days, I often found myself being drawn to intersession and worship in a way I have not felt in a long time.
What I discovered, though, was that God was calling me to begin to practice the very thing He has been gently calling me into all year: prophetic worship. I ended up leading worship on several occasions for different outreaches, services, or gathering of Racers. During the days, I often found myself being drawn to intersession and worship in a way I have not felt in a long time. Let me take a moment to explain further the idea of prophetic worship, at least as far as my understanding can carry me at this moment in time. Let us first make it clear that I am referring to worship only in the sense of musical worship in this case. I know, as well as hopefully you do, that worship is a lifestyle (Romans 12:1) and that we are to offer all of our selves and all of our being in response to the greatness of God. However, I will be addressing worship only in the musical context at this time.
Prophecy is a word often confused and misunderstood by the church today. Unfortunately cesationists have rejected this extremely beneficial gift (1 Corinthians 14) to the building of the church. I think for fear of lack of control and because of the inexplainable mystery that prophecy is, many people avoid it, and in my opinion, miss a great deal of what the Holy Spirit wants to do in the church.
The following regarding prophecy is incomplete and will probably get some revisions or additions at some point in time, but as far as I can tell, there are a few things prophecy is and is not:
Prophecy is not:
1) necessarily predicting the future. This CAN happen, but is very rare.
2) used to place attention either on the prophet or the person receiving the word.
3) used to condemn or judge another. God’s job is to judge and condemn, we are used to speak truth. Correction can come in this form but it is always done in love and always for the betterment of the person receiving the word.
Prophecy is:
1) a word received from God for a specific person or persons that is in line with Scripture that leads to the encouragement or exhortation (encouraging one into doing the good the ought to be doing because of Christ) of that person
2) focused on God. He must be the center, purpose and goal of any word.
3) Used for building up the church
I am certain this list is incomplete, so bear with me.
In any case, I believe God has been calling me into prophetic worship since Haiti. What the Lord taught me regarding the power of His presence (refer to that blog if you would like) began a drawing in my heart to sing a new song that welcomes the presence of God and speaks to the hearts of His people. It is the song that has not yet been written but is found inside the heart of the worshiper. When we begin to sing what is on our hearts, God can begin to sing through us the song He sings over us.
This past month I spent a lot of time attempting to step outside of myself, outside of my fear and insecurity to worship God by singing the songs He has placed on my heart. I am still learning this process and am excited about what God will continue to teach me. This month I would sit on a hill or bench or wherever and simply pray for the people of the area and praise God in song. This was to speak life over the village and invite the healing presence of God to come and change the hearts and lives of the people there.
I was really putting into practice something I have been praying about concerning the “next step” for me after the Race. A friend of mine told me about a ministry called “Fire and Fragrance” which does prophetic worship missions. I used to be extremely confused at the two calls the Lord has placed on my life for mission and for worship, and here I see that they work beautifully together. The idea is to enter an area and simply praise God and intercede for them in order for God to come and make the necessary changes in the community. It is a surrender to Him and an open desperation for His presence to make a difference in the lives of the people.
I would not join this any time soon, but it turns my heart on fire and sparks a passion in me that I have missed for a while. I am excited because I know this what I was made for. To worship God and see Him change the world.
