Why do we have a “Song of Reflection”?
When I began attending Missio, the ritual of a liturgy was foreign to me. I did not grow up with a formal observance of things such as Communion or Confession and at first it felt odd, and yet in a strange way familiar. I enjoyed the way that each portion of the service could have a deeper theological meaning behind it. That singing of songs was more than just something we did because we had to, but each movement had a space and meaning, helping us to respond to the Gospel. Helping us to remember who He is, who we are in Him, and how we can go back out into the world changed each week.
The reflective song is an important part of the liturgy as it allows us space to both continue to grapple with what we just heard and gives us an opportunity to prepare for Communion. As God has called HIs people back in Exodus to remember where they came, so we have a moment to reflect and remember the incredible gift of the Gospel.
In Exodus, God tells Israel over and over to remember what they have been rescued from (Exodus 13:3). Specifically, to not forget His great acts and blessings. During Passover, Israel recounts over and over the miracle of His rescuing them from slavery. The story is so important that it is told over and over and still reflected upon centuries later.
In our own lives, it can be hard to remember what we ate for dinner yesterday. Our fragile minds struggle to remember important events and simple tasks alike. Work, life, family, technology, the culture around us - you name it. We are busy people and our brains are filled with so many thoughts from one minute to the next. The gift of a reflection allows us a moment to slow down and consider - what has Jesus done for me and how can I take what I’ve learned and apply it to my life? This song of reflection typically includes an intentional slow, mellow song that invites a contemplative mood in between the sermon and Communion. With the small amount of quiet in our lives, this moment of reflection and song after the sermon allows us to reflect, consider what He has done, and worship.
In my own life, after the Reflective Silence, many times I sit for a moment and gather myself before walking up to receive Communion. During this time, I often listen to the song instead of singing, and I alternate between choosing to sit and stand when I’m back at my seat. This gives me a space to continue to consider and meditate on what I heard in the sermon. I may choose to sing and worship, or I may choose to sit and ponder further. During the reflection and song, I try to take space to reflect on what I heard in the sermon, but also remember and reflect back the Gospel to my own heart.
During Communion, we have the opportunity to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for each one of us. In these moments prior to Communion, we don’t need to, nor should we be “cleaning ourselves up” before we take communion. But we can reflect, be thankful, and ponder the wonder and beauty of His grace. The reflective song gives us a beautiful way to thank God for his gift of Jesus through worship. I’m thankful that the Responsive Arts team puts such thought and intentionality behind what song is chosen for the reflection as well as the lyrics we sing. Both the words we sing and those we contemplate in meditation can shape our hearts toward repentance and reconciliation.