Bob Kauflin's Post :: Open the Eyes of My (Face), Lord

The post I am coping below was posted by Bob Kauflin who is the Director or Worship Development at Soverign Grace Ministries. He is a renown author, song writer and worship leader. He is training the next generation of worship leaders through his books and his blog. I always enjoy reading his blog and his book Worship Matters is a must read for all worship leaders and pastors. (or even people interested in the topic)

For years now I have had COUNTLESS conversations over the topic of worship leaders closing their eyes as they lead. I spoke with a number of people in congregations who "dont get" this or are completely distracted by it. They think "if they are suppose to be leading us why are they not "connecting" with us and helping us/leading us." To which I would agree. The role of the leader is to engage the congregation and invite them into the Praise of the Living GOD. Like Kauflin in the below post states, there is times for closing your eyes. Its not a do or do not issue.

ANYWAY:: I would love for you to read this article and discuss through commenting! ENJOY


Open the Eyes of My (Face), Lord by Bob Kauflin

Paul Baloche’s song, “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” has been sung by millions of Christians throughout the world. It’s a song based on Ephesians 1, asking God to open our spiritual eyes that we might know him better.

But I wonder if those of us who lead congregational worship shouldn’t be asking God to open our physical eyes, too.

Why do leaders close their eyes so often? Not just for a few moments, but for 5, 10, even 15 minutes. I’ve seen leaders and vocalists keep their eyes shut from the first note we sing to the final “Amen” of the closing prayer.

There are definitely some good reasons to close our eyes. We want to shut out distractions. We want to focus completely on the words we’re singing. Our hearts are deeply moved by God’s mercy and we respond in humble adoration.

But are those the reasons we usually have in mind when we close our eyes? Are we even thinking about what we’re doing? Or why we’re doing it?

Maybe you’re like me. Maybe you find yourself closing your eyes when you lead for one or more of these not-so-good reasons.

• we want to look spiritual
• we think the Holy Spirit likes closed eyes more than opened eyes
• we don’t want to look at the faces of people who seem apathetic, concerned, confused, or angry about what we’re doing
• we’re battling fear of man and the easiest thing to do is just pretend that no one else is around
• we don’t want to see who walks out of the room
• we’re discouraged by the dwindling number of people showing up on Sundays
• we’re imagining that this is our own personal encounter with God
• we don’t remember the words to the next verse
• we can’t think of anything better to do

Not to mention that worship leaders who shut their eyes sometimes look more like they’re in pain than in God’s presence.

Corporate worship has a horizontal aspect that glorifies God. We’re to teach and admonish one another while we sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Col. 3:16). We’re to “strive to excel in building up the church” (1 Cor. 14:12). At the same time we’re singing with gratitude in our hearts to God and very aware that he’s present with us. Both directions — horizontal and vertical — are important to consider if we want to benefit fully from our time together.

That’s why I’ve come to think that more often than not, it’s better for me to keep my eyes open when I’m leading people in singing God’s praise. It’s not that I don’t ever close my eyes. I do. It’s just that in recent years I’m becoming more aware of the good reasons to keep them my eyes open:

• I can see how people are responding (or not responding) and adjust what I’m doing accordingly
• It’s easier for me to communicate to people how the truths we’re singing are affecting me when I look at them
• My heart is encouraged when I see people who seem to be genuinely engaging with God
• I can share the joy in Christ I’m experiencing by looking at the other musicians
• I can communicate directions more clearly to the team
• I’m more aware of what’s happening around me
• I can see what I’m playing on the piano
• I can read the lyrics to the song

Don’t hear what I’m not saying. There are plenty of legitimate reasons to close our eyes when we’re singing songs of praise to God. I just don’t think Scripture says that has to be our default.

To put things in perspective, having our spiritual eyes opened is far more important than having our physical eyes opened.

But maybe it would help us and those we lead if we did a little more of the second.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

A Story Worth Reading

Read THIS moving story of a family who adopted a son that they knew would not live to be a year old. At the end of the story they share a very challenging blog post that this couple posted when their new son was about three months...here is a section of it:

Matt doesn't respond positively to all the love and care we shower on him, and despite the fact that I knew in my head he wouldn't, I still want him to smile back at me. Instead of smiling, he either stares at me blankly or screams in response to my best efforts to communicate with him. The discouragment I feel at his failure to thrive only evidences the selfishness of my endeavors. Before Matt, I was tempted to believe I loved my children with at least an inkling of selflessness. I now know that I expect at least some return for my investment. At the very least, I would like a two-month smile and a 3-month squeal of delight in response for the long nights and endless feedings. I am humbled further to think of the earthly reward I am tempted to expect from my older children. Each day with Matt, it looks more and more like all of our reward is being deposited in heaven (or not, because God loves a cheerful giver, and sometimes, I am just not). Frankly, I am not all that happy about the choice of accounts. While I may have previously thought I wanted to deposit all of my treasure in heaven, I now know I am more or a 50/50 or even 75/25 kind of girl; I would like some treasure in heaven and most of it here.

Dont miss this story it is worth the read.

Sharing the Love

This post is dedicated to linking you to some things I have wanted to for a while. Each of them, at one point, were going to be separate post that never came to fruition. This is not exhaustive but a good start.

Jelly Telly

If you are a mom of a pre-schooler or young elementary student you NEED to know about this website. It was started by Phil Visher the original founder of Veggie Tales. It is a web-based media site that plays all kinds of commercial free shows. All are full of good theology and fun bible memory for the kids...and its hysterical. Its fun to watch with Titus. He LOVES it.
In order for them to not go in debt it does cost but its only $3 a month. They have a free trial month....give it a try! CLICK HERE

GIRL TALK

I am not obsessed I promise, although I know I quote them all the time, but next up is The GIRL TALK BLOG. It is full of encouragement and challenges. For the last two or three years it has been a constant source of help for me as I stay home with my boys.
I am linking this particular series for all my Single Readers. This has been an awesome series dedicated to single women. PLEASE don't miss this. It is soooo good and don't think just because you are not single you wont benefit. Its soo good. Here are the links to each individual post:

Pursue Undivided Devotion
Become a Theologian
Help the Men
Choose Friends Carefully
Nurture Children

Prepare For An Important Career

Study To Show Yourself a SAHM

Devoted to Good Works

Josh Harris

I know many of you ride this name off because of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye," but I must say if that is the case, please reconsider. If you are having trouble reconsidering please READ THIS. I have really enjoyed his blogs and sermons. They are insightful and full of Truth. He has a humble pastor's heart and it is so refreshing. Last year I listened to him speak on homeschooling , public or private schooling and how it was dividing the church because people were so opinionated about their decision being the "right one." I thought it was a great picture of the pastor he has become. Watch it HERE.

SUDAN

So much is going on in Sudan right now and many of you have expressed some worry and wonder about the orphans and the orphanage. I am going to save this for a separate post but wanted to let you know we are thankful for all of you who are praying. So far things are not directly effecting EPC and the orphanages. Please continue to pray...I will have Vernon write an update and I will post it. Thanks!

A Blog Worth Reading

Below I copied and pasted a clip from a blog that ministered to me this week. I linked it for you to check out as well. What blog has ministered to you lately?

From the Girl Talk Blog:
"Of the more than 8000 days I spent in this home, there were a few dramatic ones: the day I announced to CJ that “surprise, you’re going to be a father again!” or the day Kristin fainted and we had to call the ambulance, or when Mike serenaded Janelle outside her window at 6am, or when Nicole returned from the hospital after life-saving surgery.

But most of my days looked pretty much the same.

I got out of bed each morning so that I could do everything I did the day before.
I washed the dishes so they could be dirtied again.
I ironed the clothes so they could be worn and wrinkled again
I wiped noses so they could run again.
I picked up toys so they could be played with again.
I mopped the floor so mud could be tracked on it again.
I cooked meals so that I could go to the grocery store again.
I made beds so they could be slept in again.

Some days I wondered: if I do all I do, only to have it undone, am I really doing anything?

Today, as I pack up my home in June of 2008, I can see the answer more clearly than I did in February 1986. Each of my daughters is married to a wonderful, godly man, Chad will be a sophomore in high school this fall, and we’ll welcome our seventh grandchild at the end of August.

I realize that all of the mundane, repetitive days were actually full of significant, enduring work. A home was being built. A family was being knit together. Four souls were being shaped for eternity.

This home has spawned three more homes where the same tedious yet momentous work goes on day in and day out. And God willing, many more homes will one day be built, day by day, so “that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:9)."

Honored and Privileged

These were the two words I kept thinking during the Desiring God Conference this year. I was so honored to be able to sit under the teaching of such incredible Saints, whose lives have stood the test of time. Each of them spoke on the theme, Stand: a call for the endurance of the saints. Each of the spoke from different angles and passages but all with the same plea: Endure until the end....make the Name and Renown of the Lord known until your very last breath. It was Dr. Jerry Bridges, Dr. John MacArthur, Randy Alcorn, Dr. Helen Roseveare and Dr. John Piper.
Two of the speakers are personal Heroes of mine, Dr. Helen Roseveare and Dr. John Piper.
Although I have sat under Dr. Piper's teaching for years, through Passion, DesiringGod.org, DG Conferences, many a cassette tape and now many a CD or Mp3 download, I had never had the privilege of sitting under the teaching of Dr. Roseveare, and honestly, outside of quotes in biographies of her life, I had never heard a word from her. But oh the joy and privilege it was to here her speak, possible for the last time in such a setting.
Here are some photos and downloads. All the messages are free to download! (the audio or video!)Dr. John Piper teaching on "Growing Old to the Glory of God"
Dr. Roseveare taught on Psalm 27. One Thing I know, One Thing I do and One Thing I ask.

Here is a link to where you can listen to all the messages...don't miss out on such great wisdom and encouragement!

Along with the amazing teaching, we got to spend great time with some of our favorite people. Vernon's sister Phyllis, Danny and Mallory Dyer, Zack and Jen Atchley and Mary Ellen Atchley. It is always a highlight of our year to meet up in MN for this event! We love you guys!
The gang minus me.The gang minus Phyllis.

RAMADAN

Today is the day that around the world Muslims of all races start a 30 day fast to commemorate the receiving of the Qur'an. They are to fast from sun up until sundown. In addition, "Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an.
Muslims tend to perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (‘Juz', which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited, so that by the end of the month the entire Qur'an has been completed" stated this very informative article from Wikipedia.

Millions of Muslims will be participating in Ramadan. This is a great time to begin relationships with Muslims around you, asking them about their faith and why they fast. Many wonderful resources are available to us as Christians, to help us pray specifically during the next 30 days and to educate us on Islam. (the photo is from Vernon's last visit to Uganda)

I found some awesome resources on Justin Taylor's Blog Theologica. I am linking the ones I found to be family and user friendly!

May the Lord increase your love for the Muslim people!

30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

PDF File for 30 Days of Prayer

The Kids Edition of 30 Days of Prayer

mommies please read

yall this article is awesome i love it! Please read and dream with me about all that God will do with our Children. I love to think about the friendships they have now someday taking them together all over the world. I often think about Titus with his Cousin Ladan leading the ministry in Sudan when we are too old to continue. This may never happen but it is fun to dream of what God has in store! I think about Titus's friends and dream about where God will take them. I love looking into the eyes of the little ones at our church and in my heart beg God to take them to the nations. May the Lords name be made known here in America and all over the Globe!

Home Grown World Christians by Noel Piper

Have a great Day!

oh and check out vernon's blog...leave a comment so he will not get rid of it!