Piano Guidance
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Is it OK to clap in church?

It shows approval, agreement and appreciation for a person or effort. Applause in this way is an encouragement from the spectator or recipient of the favor. Psalm 47 may be the only place that authorizes the clapping of hands in a worship service, but that is sufficient.

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Staff Writer

The Courier-Tribune

Christian corporate worship takes many forms, some of which make some people uncomfortable. God desires we worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Saints in the Old Testament days were accustomed to holding up their hands when they prayed. That seems more correct symbolism than the present day practice of some to fold their hands. When we pray, we are asking God to put something into our hands. Folded, closed hands do not picture a readiness to receive anything. Actually what we do with our hands when we pray is not important. Lifted hands were also used to praise the Lord. Psalm 134:2 instructs, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.” You may not choose to do that, but you should not criticize those who do. A “shout” in a congregation when something good occurred was a spontaneous expression of grateful praise. That happened when the lost Ark of the Covenant was returned in I Samuel 4:5. So also when the foundation was laid for the Temple to be rebuilt, according to Ezra 3:11, “… and all the people SHOUTED with a great shout when they praised the Lord.” Numerous times in the Psalms, God’s people are exhorted to enthusiastically and loudly shout praises to God (see Psalm 5:11; 32:11; 35:27; 132:9; et al). I remember Saints of God “getting happy” and literally shouting the victory in Revival services. You may not be led to do that, but don’t forbid others. Nowadays, many seem so staid and formal and there is little participation in the pews. Saying “AMEN” at the appropriate time is certainly Scriptural. “And all the people shall answer and say AMEN” was the directive of the Lord no less than 12 times to the people in a service of worship recoded in Deuteronomy 27. The New Testament practice was to say “Amen” at the close of a prayer (I Corinthians 14:16). If we agree with what the person leading in prayer has asked, we should say Amen; and if we agree with truths proclaimed, we should say Amen. That will encourage the preacher, testify to others around us and certainly please God. “Clapping” of the hands together has long been practiced at numerous events since time immemorial. It shows approval, agreement and appreciation for a person or effort. Applause in this way is an encouragement from the spectator or recipient of the favor. Psalm 47 may be the only place that authorizes the clapping of hands in a worship service, but that is sufficient.

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It reads, “O CLAP your hands all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible (awesome); He is a great king over all the earth” (Psalm 47:1-2). Let’s face it, saying AMEN in church is not as common as it used to be. Most folks simply do not express themselves in that way anymore. But they are used to CLAPPING their hands in approval and ought not be discouraged in church. It is true that some go to extremes and “act out” in the flesh and become a hindrance in the service by taking away from somber, holy moments. It is also true that some quench the Holy Spirit by their lack of expressions and their frowning on others who are sincere and sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We are so prone to extremes — too much commotion, too little participation. Personalities differ and good Christians express their love and faith in various ways of worship. It seems to me there ought to be room for all God’s children to worship as God leads them. It certainly is wrong to dictate another’s response to God’s grace. Obviously, we do not want to offend the weaker brethren. Each church has its own personality and manner of worship, and rather than cause problems, sometimes it is wiser to find another church more accommodating to the way one wishes to worship. While there is not a lot of details given to describe the early church’s gatherings for worship, certain practices are revealed. There was the public reading of scripture, the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, times of prayer and praise and fellowship, even eating a meal together, the observance of the Lord’s Supper and Baptisms, the presentation of financial gifts and opportunities for participation by each member — all to be done “decently and in order” (I Corinthians 14:40). Let us follow the teachings of the LOVE CHAPTER, I Corinthians 13, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Live and let live, Worship and let Worship.

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On an occasion when “the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all His mighty works,” Pharisees criticized our Lord for not rebuking them. His reply was, “I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the STONES WOULD IMMEDIATELY CRY OUT” (Luke 19:37-40). So “clap” your hands, “shout” Amen and Hallelujah if your heart overflows, “lift up your hands” in prayer and praise if your heart is right with God and you must give Him glory. Ignore the frowns of the critics and obey the Spirit. At the same time, don’t judge the more subdued worshipper as unspiritual. Give glory to the God who saved you, and “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God” (I Corinthians 10:32).

That’s the way I see it.

* Edwin Moore is a retired pastor and itinerant preacher who lives near Robbins.Contact: [email protected] and follow on Facebook.

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