J. I. Packer, in the introduction to David Wells’ book God the
Evangelist, declared that believers “need to discover all over again
that worship is natural to the Christian.” Now, the word worship is certainly a
deep and multi-faceted idea that stretches far beyond the music played at a
church service. But it is exactly this, the music one hears and participates in
on Sunday, which is most often meant by those using the word. And though I’d
like to think that I am a worshipper, I must admit that the singing and music
that occurs when we gather as Christians is not something that comes natural to
me.
That is why a book like Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper is
so valuable to me. It takes me into a realm that I am a little uneasy in, and
makes me feel comfortable and even conversant in its concepts. I found Cosper’s
book to be both poetical and practical. At one moment the pages would flow in a
symphony of words conveying the wonder of worship. The next page would discuss
helpful applications in a straightforward and simple manner. For someone like
me, this presented worship in a way that was accessible and inspirational.
In my reading and analyzing of the book, I noticed three
distinct sections: chapters 1-4 presents worship in a Biblical-historical
framework; chapter 5 dealt with Cosper’s perspective on corporate worship; and
chapters 6-10 focus on matters of application.
History
The first two sentences of chapter one delineates the
approach the author will take in the first four chapters as he firmly anchors
worship in history: “The gospel is a story about worship. It begins with
promise and serenity, spins wildly and terribly off course, and is rescued in
the most unexpected and surprising way possible” (25). With this course
directing start, Cosper tells the story of worship in the Biblical narrative.
In chapter one Cosper presents the intra-Trinitarian worship
of the Godhead as they ascribe worth to each other. He introduces us to humans
in Eden who experience harmonious and blissful worship in the Garden before the
Fall where sin makes worship a newly unnatural activity. Chapter two looks at
worship in a context where separation from God has taken place and demonstrates
that we humans are worshippers and our worship can mistakenly be directed towards
idols or properly directed to God. Chapter three paints a picture of worship in
Israel through the time of the patriarchs, the Exodus, and the development of
the cultic rituals of the Jews. Cosper looks at how we relate to God in a
fallen world. Chapter four proclaims the reordering of worship in the
redemption wrought by Christ. He becomes our worship leader and priest and
reconciles us to God.
This section of the book was very enjoyable to read as
worship was eloquently weaved through the ages of redemptive history. These
chapters were some of the most poetical, and I found them informative and
inspiring.
Cosper’s Perspective
In chapter 5, a very helpful chapter for me, the author
presents his perspective on worship in the here and now. He introduces a
memorable construct he employs for understanding worship and church life. This
framework can “answer a lot of the questions, confusion, and challenges” (75)
that are part of church worship. For Cosper, Worship One, Two, Three is a
paradigm that teaches the following: worship has one object and author, two
contexts, and three audiences. The author and object of worship is God. The
contexts are Worship Scattered (for the believer everything is worship) and
Worship Gathered (worship occurs when the Church gathers). The three audiences
are God, the Church, and the World. I found this chapter profoundly profitable.
I will return to some of these ideas regularly.
Application
Chapters six through ten delve into practical applications
of the material the author has presented thus far. Chapter six looks at how
worship is spiritual formation and how we work in and at worship. Worship is
also war towards the world and the lies that we face every day. Chapter seven
explains in practical terms how we arrived at our current state of worship in
North American Christianity. Chapter eight entails insight into parts of the
worship service and how they come together. The ninth chapter considers singing
and music whereas chapter ten presents the pastoral aspects of leading worship.
These chapters were very informative and interesting. They would be of
particular importance to those directly involved in worship ministries.
Appendices
The practicality of this book is enhanced by several appendices
which include information on service orders, worship resources, and technical
aspects.
I found this to be a book that was informative and
inspiring, poetical and practical. I plan on lending it to friends who serve in
worship ministries and recommend it to anyone who aspires to understand and
appreciate worship in the church and in our lives.
