15 ideas for worship without a band<\/strong><\/h2>\n\u00a0Almost all of these ideas could be done both individually and with a group.\u00a0 In most cases the only items you will need are a Bible and perhaps a paper and pen, although some suggest using a computer or smartphone.\u00a0 These are intentionally diverse in style – start with one that you feel comfortable with, but you might also want to challenge yourself to do one out of your comfort zone!<\/span><\/div>\n1. Psalm Remix
\n<\/strong>Choose a Psalm, read it through.\u00a0 Then rewrite it in your own language.\u00a0 You can put in situations from your own life, use your own phrases, and relate it to modern day faith.\u00a0 Read your own version back to God as part of worship.<\/p>\n2. Worship Walk<\/strong><\/div>\nGo for a walk, and have your eyes and ears open.\u00a0 Ask God to show you – things to praise him for, things to ask him to change, and things that challenge the way you live now.\u00a0 Talk to God as you walk.<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/engageworship.org\/userfiles\/image\/Worship%20without%20a%20band.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n3. Hymn Stories<\/strong><\/div>\nDo an internet search for Hymn Stories, or for the story behind a hymn you particularly like.\u00a0 Often the background to these songs of faith opens up new levels of meaning.\u00a0 When you find one that inspires you, reflect on it and sing it afresh.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n4. Receiving God\u2019s Love<\/strong><\/div>\nPut on some quiet instrumental music, turn down the lights and dedicate some time to simply resting in God\u2019s love for you.\u00a0 If you struggle to focus, reflect on some Bible verses, such as can be found here<\/a>.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n5. Lord\u2019s Prayer Rhythm<\/strong><\/div>\nSet an alarm to remind you to pray the Lord\u2019s prayer three times per day – perhaps 7am, 12pm and 10pm.\u00a0 Challenge yourself to stop whatever you are doing and spend 1 minute praying through the prayer slowly, letting God speak to you as you do so. (This idea is from\u00a024-7 prayer. See their site for other great prayer ideas.)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n6. Celtic Prayer<\/strong><\/div>\nGo to\u00a0http:\/\/www.northumbriacommunity.org\/offices\/<\/a>\u00a0and choose the Morning, Midday or Evening Prayer depending on the hour.\u00a0 Take your time praying through the prayers and readings.\u00a0 This kind of activity grows in meaning when you repeat it over time.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n7. Secret Act of Kindness<\/strong><\/div>\nPray and ask God to show you an act of kindness you could do secretly for someone.\u00a0 Carry out the act without them knowing it was you, and give the glory to God as you serve them without drawing attention to yourself. \u00a0(This Lent we are encouraging our church to make use of the fantastic\u00a040 Acts resources<\/a>.)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n8. Slowing Down<\/strong><\/div>\nIn his book \u2018The Life You Always Wanted\u2019, John Ortberg suggests choosing the longest queue in the supermarket, or taking a slower route on a walk or drive, to break the habit of hurry.\u00a0 What could you do in this way?\u00a0 Use the extra time to pray and listen to God.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n9. Dance Like Nobody\u2019s Watching<\/strong><\/div>\nThis is almost certainly an individual one: close your curtains, put on some upbeat music and move or dance to the glory of God!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n10. Newspaper Prayer<\/strong><\/div>\nPick up a national or local newspaper.\u00a0 Go through and either circle or tear out stories that touch you as you read them.\u00a0 Listen to God for his heart for the situations.\u00a0 Then write or draw prayers over the stories using felt-tip pens.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n11. Bible-Based Worship<\/strong><\/div>\nRead a passage in the Bible and consider – what worship response does this suggest?\u00a0 Should you confess sin, praise God, offer thanks, express sadness and sorrow, question and doubt in God\u2019s presence, intercede for a situation…?\u00a0 Do what you think fits the text.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n12. Hand Prayers<\/strong><\/div>\nhttp:\/\/engageworship.org\/ideas\/Hand_Prayers<\/a>\u00a0suggests some ways of praying based on different hand positions.\u00a0 Use these or create your own – eg: hands lifted in praise, clasped in confession, push into your palm with a finger to reflect on the cross… etc.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n13. Taize Worship<\/strong><\/div>\nTaize is a community in France which uses simple repeated chants in various languages.\u00a0 You can download Podcasts of their services from the iTunes store, or use this page on their website –\u00a0http:\/\/www.taize.fr\/en_article681.html<\/a>\u00a0 Sit in God\u2019s presence and let him lead you into worship through these songs and prayers.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n14. Food and Worship<\/strong><\/div>\nHave a simple but substantial meal based around bread and wine (or grape juice).\u00a0 Use it as an opportunity to reflect or talk about the Last Supper, the cross of Christ, other symbolic references to bread and wine, and what these mean for us today.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n15. Arty Reflection<\/strong><\/div>\nEither use art materials or rip pictures out of magazines to express to God how you feel right now.\u00a0 Make a picture or collage and offer it to him.\u00a0 Alternatively, paint or collage your prayers for other people, or your reflections on a Bible passage.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThanks to Sam Hargreaves at EngageWorship <\/a>for this post.<\/div>\n
1. Psalm Remix
\n<\/strong>Choose a Psalm, read it through.\u00a0 Then rewrite it in your own language.\u00a0 You can put in situations from your own life, use your own phrases, and relate it to modern day faith.\u00a0 Read your own version back to God as part of worship.<\/p>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n