Have you ever attended a men’s worship celebration? Maybe it was your church’s men’s retreat, a Promise Keepers event or a group of local churches getting together to celebrate their faith in worship. I have been in a few of those moments over the years and I must say that the atmosphere was electric. To see men uninhibited in their worship is wonderful. I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:8 “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”

This verse speaks to us of:

- Coming together in a corporate context
- Freedom of expression in prayer & worship
- Having one focus and one purpose
- Coming to God with clean hands and pure hearts

This is what corporate worship is all about – seeking God together.

Yet, as a Pastor and Worship Leader, I have noticed that apart from the “gender specific” moments of worship, it is the often the men in church on Sunday morning who seem to hold back in their expressions of corporate worship. It is even difficult at times to get men involved in worship ministry when we ought to be setting an example of Christian leadership for others. Why do we find it difficult to express our praise and worship to God in the presence of others?

- Maybe it’s because it is not perceived as being masculine to become abandon in worship.

- Could it be that we need to appear in control of our emotions at all times?

- Are we concerned about what others might think if we become broken and weep? What about expressions of worship in your home?

- Do your children here you pray or freely whistle a worship chorus?

- Do you do devotion times with your children or does that responsibility fall to your wife?

Listen men… if we are indeed spiritual leaders in our homes and church, it must be freely expressed in our praise and worship. His is a part of leadership.

Paul told Timothy that he wanted “men everywhere” to lift holy hands. That includes you! Just think – while you are standing in worship next Sunday in your church, there are “men everywhere” standing “Shoulder To Shoulder” with you in the expression of their faith. You are not alone.

Begin again today to throw yourself into praising and worshipping the Lord you so deeply love? You may just encourage those around you to worship Him too and your Pastor will be thrilled at the growth in your life!

TIPS FORBECOMING ABANDONED IN WORSHIP:
1. Focus on God
2. Forget about the distractions
3. Find your comfort level of expression
– then push yourself a little further

We will inspire others to participate with us when we stand “Shoulder To Shoulder” as men in worship and God will be glorified through our lives!