Worship with Gladness: Understanding Worship from the Heart

by Joyce Ann Zimmerman

Overview

In this invitingly written, deeply joyful book, Joyce Ann Zimmerman makes Scripture her foundation as she explores the meaning and purpose of authentic Christian worship today. Intended for Christian communities across the denominational spectrum, Worship with Gladness will appeal to a wide audience of pastors, worship leaders, college students, and lay readers.

Zimmerman discusses such subjects as the common elements of worship that transcend denominational boundaries, what Scripture tells us about participating in worship, and how authentic worship expresses itself in daily living. Each section concludes with thoughtful prompts that will encourage readers to reflect on and apply what Zimmerman discusses. Throughout the book she encourages readers not only to better understand worship but to better understand — and rejoice in — the One we worship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802869845
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	11/16/2014
Series:	The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies (CICW)
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	181
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Joyce Ann Zimmerman is a Catholic theologian and the director of the Institute for Liturgical Ministry, Dayton, Ohio. Her previous books include Silence: Everyday Living and Praying; she is also the founding editor of Liturgical Ministry.

Table of Contents

Foreword John D. Witvliet xiii

Introduction 1

1 Worship: Withering or Greening? 11

The Issue: What, Really, Is Worship? 11

A Clarification: Worship and/or Liturgy? 19

The Data: What Do We Say About Worship? 31

Worship Needs: Are There Elements We Sometimes Forget? 36

Prayer 37

Profession 40

Confession 42

Intercessions 44

Blessings 45

Mission 47

Silence 47

So What, Really, Is Worship? 50

2 God's Word: A Primer on Worship? 53

The Ancient Code: Worship Draws Us Into God's Holiness, God's Very Life 58

The Psalm-Songs: Ancient Prayers Teach Us about Worship 65

Ascendency Psalms: Elements of Worship 65

Psalms of Lament: A Structure of Worship 70

Thanksgiving Psalms: For What Do We Give Thanks? 73

John 4:24: From Human Encounter to Jesus as Messiah-Savior 76

Heavenly Worship: Multitudes Forever Sing God's Praises 79

3 Who We Are Before God: "Do You Not Know…?" 83

Our Common Baptismal Identity 84

The Saving Mystery of Christ 90

A New and Shared Vision of Worship 96

Paschal Mystery in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy 101

Liturgy in the Rhythm of the Whole Christian Life 102

The Celebration of the Whole Body 103

Full, Conscious, and Active Participation 104

"Active" Participation 106

"Conscious" Participation 108

"Full" Participation 109

4 Being Together Before God: Is Worship Making a Difference in How We Live? 115

Worship Bursting out the Doors 117

The First Challenge: Increased Understanding and Living of the Saving Mystery of Christ 118

The Second Challenge: Celebrating Worship Well 122

The Third Challenge: Engaging Worship Education 123

The Fourth Challenge: Worship Bursting Its Doors 125

Worship in Action 129

Worship and Doing Justice 133

First, a (Long) Note on Justice 133

New Selves Living Justly 138

Worship and Mission 139

Some Key Vocabulary 140

Kingdom/Reign of God 140

Eschatology 141

Salvation 142

Mission 143

Evangelization 144

Worship and Life and Mission 144

Conclusion 149

Describing Christian Worship 150

The Challenges That a Fuller Understanding of the Nature of Worship Bring 153

Index of Subjects 156

Index of Biblical References 159

Editorial Reviews

Theology Today
"Zimmerman is a Roman catholic with a deep understanding of Protestant worship, and an academic scholar with a clear love for congregations and practitioners. Her pastoral and ecumenical sensibilities are among the book's great strengths."

John F. Baldovin, S.J.
— Boston College
"Anyone who is searching for a way to understand the worship that really goes on in our churches — and how our worship can be improved — would do well to consult this book. Filled with Joyce Ann Zimmerman's characteristic insight, commitment, and passion, this volume is meant not only to be read but to be used by Christian communities who want to gain a deeper engagement with God, each other, and their worship."

Jill Crainshaw
— Wake Forest School of Divinity
"Invites readers to reflect on worship's deepest meanings, meanings that go beyond matters of worship style and cut across denominational lines. . . . Zimmerman challenges us to consider again how worship stirs up and renews our baptismal identities as people who long for encounters with our Creator and who seek to live Spirit-filled, gospel-shaped lives."

William Dyrness
— Fuller Theological Seminary
"For those looking for an accessible and ecumenically sensitive discussion of worship, this is the book they have been looking for. Zimmerman provides a wonderfully clear picture of what all Christians share in worship and how they can think together about their worship. The book's special value is its lay focus and its ability to make complex issues understandable, even engaging. . . . Perfect for a church study group."

C. Michael Hawn
— Perkins School of Theology
"Exuding biblical truth, theological insight, and historical understanding, Joyce Ann Zimmerman guides us through the rich mystery of the gathered body of Christ. This book is the product of a seasoned writer and worshiper who knows how to be accessible without being simplistic."

Martha Moore-Keish
— Columbia Theological Seminary
"Transdenominational, practical, and irenic. . . . Zimmerman offers a clear portrait of the complexity of worship in the current North American context and opens a path to reenvision worship that is rooted in baptism, inspired by Scripture, and full of gladness. Useful for worship leaders, worship committees, and students of all kinds."

James Abbington
— Candler School of Theology
"Unapologetically Catholic and unabashedly ecumenical. . . . Through biblically based, historically informed, and theologically rooted insights and wisdom, Zimmerman clearly defines worship and its constitutive elements. . . . A must-read for clergy, laity, worship leaders, church musicians, and any serious student of worship!"

Lamplighter
"A sincere attempt to draw us into a more intimate relationship with God through our worship rituals, and liturgical worship in particular. It addresses strategies to renew and embrace the regeneration found at the baptismal font and carry that with us through worship and out into our world to share with and encourage others. . . . I would recommend this book."

The Presbyterian Outlook
"Written from faith, to faith. . . . I can imagine it being useful to constituencies ranging from a congregation's high school class to adult groups, church officers, seminarians, and, certainly, those engaged in pastoral ministry. Zimmerman writes 'from the heart,' from a generous point of view, but with conviction."

Sharing the Practice
"[Worship with Gladness] has the potential to engender important conversations within congregations. It could easily sow seeds of renewal. . . . All in all, it's a book I would heartily recommend."

CBA Retailer + Resources
"Zimmerman offers suggestions to help readers assess the personal challenges that keep them from worshipping, such as distractions, priorities, and busyness. Scripture is scattered throughout and reflective questions are included. . . . This book will prompt readers to apply worship as part of their lifestyle."

From the Publisher