Hilare

Hilare [hee-lah-rae] worshipping God in dance

As I ascended the last few of the now inexistent steps to reach the third level of old Bartley Christian Church, my heart trembled with excitement. There was no reason, really, for me to feel anything out of the ordinary. But God was leading and it was a feeling I was familiar with.

Entering the music room, I joined the small group of people who had gathered for a short session of worship before their meeting. After leading them for one song, I sat down on my seat and three words on the whiteboard which I had previously overlooked now caught my eye.

Dance for God.

It was that simple.
God had spoken.
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Over the Top, Day 2 evening

Worship was in full swing. All around me there were people kneeling and crying and praying and praising God. I got up from my knees and moved as silently as I could to the back of the hall where I found the space I needed.

It was awkward for the first few moments, for the lights were bright and the front half of the room was crowded. Closing my eyes, I allowed the worship music to wash over me and kept my heart focused on God.
Slowly, I allowed my body to take control; natural instinct kicked in. First a few steps, then a couple of swirls with my arms. Before I knew it, I was dancing.

Somewhere between the moments it began and ended, she came to join me. No older than 5, perhaps, staring with curiosity in those innocent eyes. And then, like a child in the presence of a loving Father, she shook away her inhibitions and threw her arms up in the air to join me in my dance. For those few precious minutes, we were in heaven.

So this is what it means to dance for God.
I've embarked on a journey to discover the thrills and joy of hilare worship.

Father, this is for You.