Some of you may be familiar with the tests that you fill out to find out your personality type. Did you know there is also a way to find out your worship style? A circle was used for you to describe your worship preferences.

The circle represents unity and interdependence. A vertical line is drawn through the circle with the top representing the head. (Other words might be intellectual, speculative, or cognitive.) At the bottom of the circle is the heart. (Other words might be heartfelt, soulful, or affective.)

A horizontal represents on the left mystery. (God is all “omnis”—omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent.) On the right side is incarnation. (God is a friend, a brother, sister, a real person who walked this earth.)

These lines created four quarters in the circle, representing Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Each of these elements represents a worship personality, if you will, or the type of worship that fits your individual spirituality.

EARTH: This is an intellectual “thinking” spirituality. God is understood rather concretely. This type of person is most comfortable with study groups, sermons, and theological renewal within the worshiping community. Their prayer style is word-based, either aloud or silent.

WATER: This is an intuitive spirituality. Their goal is personal renewal or conversion and they look for the spiritual in nature, in relationships, and at retreats and concerts. They prefer free worshp, music, artwork, or dance. They can be found in personal service to others and witnessing to one’s faith while serving. Their prayer style is with words but they are more likely to be extemporaneous.

AIR: This is a more contemplative and introspective spirituality and focused on the inner world. Many chose to live lives of simplicity and even
austerity. Their prayer style is meditation or contemplations. They like bells, chants, repeated prayers, candles, and incense. Prayer doesn’t need to be words to be prayer.

FIRE: This is an active visionary, single-minded, focused, and almost a crusading spirituality . They like stimulating books and journals or speakers. Prayer is expressed with action and the expectation that their actions will have an impact on the world in some way.

None of these styles is better or worse than the others. They are simply different, just as people are different. Many people will use more than one path at different times in their lives, or even at different times of the day. Time with God and time with God’s people are connected; both times communicate who we are from the same part of our inner self and our own sense of spirituality. And the two nourish one another. Time with God strengthens us to encounter all of God’s people who may or nay not know God. And time with God’s people reminds us of God’s love for us and for God’s people. This sends us back to God again in gratitude for God’s goodness.

Would you like to find out your personal style of spirituality which helps to explain which style of worship is more comfortable for you? If so, stop by the office and pick up a copy of the basic test to draw a portrait of your personal worship preferences.

Grace,

Mary

As for shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:15