Worship Through the Eyes of an Unbeliever: Worship in a Turkish Park

Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty

Early in the morning

Our song shall rise to Thee

We stand and sing in the middle of a public park in Turkey. People flock to us even though they are unsure of what we are singing or what we are doing. Little do they know we are praising and worshipping the God of the Heavens and the earth.

Before we found ourselves walking over to the park for worship, I was hesitant about bringing my camera. Though I was hesitant, I brought it anyway because when I don’t, I always deeply regret it.

My squadmates worshipping and praising the Lord by being led in song. We love worshipping in the park!

Rushing out of the hostel snatching my backpack off the dusty floor, I am in quick pursuit for the park. Upon my arrival, I am standing and asking the Lord when or if He would like me to take pictures. Inviting God into my storytelling is a blessing and something He has recently convicted me of. Life’s passions are much sweeter when you invite the Holy Spirit to move.

After the first worship song, I was listening to the gentle voice of the Lord. He said to me “one song” and so I sang my little heart out once more. I wanted to keep worshipping, but I knew the Lord had something more in store. So, I stepped out in obedience, grabbed my camera, looked up, and saw our squad surrounded by locals.

Sweet lady taking videos of our worship time. 

The Holy Spirit is moving. He is working in the hearts of those around us through worship. My heart is crying out “Wake up and see. Come to the Father.” There are people pulling out their phones and some couldn’t take a video fast enough. My eyes well up with tears with excitement for what God is doing.

I wander around and come across this young lady wearing a hijab (head covering) and as I step behind her I glance at her phone. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing, she had the lyrics to the song we were singing pulled up. She was reading holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! What a testament to how God moves. Jesus touches our hearts in such a personal way because He knows our desires.

Pictured here is the girl who was researching the lyrics… Holy, holy, holy!

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  Romans 8:24-27

Our spiritual bodies groan to be with Christ. What were our bodies like before we had a relationship with Jesus? Before the Holy Spirit? When we look to those who surround us and they don’t know Jesus, their bodies are groaning for more. Our spiritual bodies are still groaning for MORE.

Sing praises to the Lord! Father, I pray that we honor and glorify you in all ways. 

So, those who are “searching” or “looking for more” are looking for Jesus Christ. There is more to life than the everyday simplicities. And when we are without words, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf! God’s will is paired with His love and within His love is the care of the Father who feels SO deeply for us. So much that He searches our hearts!

So, the hearts and the spirits of those who came around us during our worship in the park were touched by Jesus. Praise to the One who is the Lord God Almighty. God is always moving, and He will never stop pursuing His children.

After worship, we sat in the park and went through an activation. Man, I love this squad!

I want to encourage you to read the full passage Romans 8:18-30 and partner with me in prayer as we step into a new country, Georgia, this month. Come alongside me and pray for the people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus and their spiritual bodies are longing for more. God is reaching out His hand and I pray that His children take it and run. Father, you are our refuge and our hope. Thank you for the way you move! We love you.

with all my love,

PJ