The Bet Yeshurun Form of Worship

    A typical BYA gathering includes (1) singing praise and worship; (2) testifying of Yah's blessings, grace, and good works in our midst; (3) reading the Hebrew and Apostolic scriptures; (4) teaching the Word of Yah through an interactive study format; (5) praying in a congregational setting; (6) anointing Yah's people; and (7) fellowshipping around a dinner table. Let's look into in the Word for these activities. The psalms are excellent lessons for Yahshuah's disciples about worshipping Elohim. A consistent teaching message is given in the article's opening quote. Consider this, too. I will declare Your name to my brethren ("BYA"). In the midst of the congregation ("BYA") I will praise You. You ("BYA") who fear YHVH, praise Him. All you the seed of Jacob ("BYA") glorify Him. Fear Him, all you ("BYA") the seed of Israel. He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted ("BYA"). Neither has He hid His face from him ("BYA"). But when he ("BYA") cried to Him, He heard. My praise shall be of You in the great congregation ("BYA"). I will pay my vows before them ("BYA"), who fear Him. The meek ("BYA") shall eat and be satisfied. They ("BYA") shall praise YHVH, who seeks Him. Your heart ("BYA") shall live for ever. All the ends of the world ("BYA") shall remember and turn to YHVH. All the kindred of the nations ("BYA") shall worship before You. (Psalm 22:22-27)

Accordingly, BYA services open with a shofar call (Num. 10:3) and a prayer blessing. During services we speak YHVH's sacred name. We call upon Yahshuah, as the name above all names, our savior and king. We testify of Yah's blessings in answered prayers and of Yah's miraculous involvement in our lives. We sing. We read scripture, discuss it, and learn to do what it says. "Shema O' Israel!"

Singing praise and worship is a BYA trademark. Our practice is patterned after ancient Israelite worship. Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. Miriam said to them, "Sing to YHVH for He triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider He threw into the sea." (Exod. 15:20-21) King David called certain Israelites to serve as singers of inspired song accompanied by lyres, harps and cymbals (1 Chr. 25:1) Israelite singers were among those who returned from Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:41).

Yahshuah sang with His disciples at their "last supper". And when they had sung a hymn, they went to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30) Paul encouraged 1st century believers at Ephesus to sing, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to Adonai; giving thanks always for all things to Elohim and the Father in the name of our Adonai Yahshuah haMessiach." (Eph. 5:19-20) Indeed, singing is very important in BYA's Hebraic worship service.

BYA devotes time at services for offering personal testimonies to encourage, uplift and increase the faith of our church ("ecclesia"). Wherefore, comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as you also do. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Our "Torah Kids" service involves the youth of BYA reading Torah. Do you hear what these say? And Yahshuah said to them, "Yes! Have you never read, Out of the mouth of babes and suckling's you have perfected praise?" (Matthew 21:16) Our in-depth scripture teaching helps modern-day Israelites (BYA) to understand Yah's Word as it applies to our individual and collective lives today. As Yahshuah's disciples we learn about His truths as revealed in Bible stories and parables. BYA commits to teaching all those who seek to grow in knowledge and obedience to His Word.

BYA also gives thanks, testimonies, petitions, intercessions and confessions in a Congregational setting. Yah's mighty prayer warriors avail much as Yahshuah's righteous saints. I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings and for all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. This is good and acceptable in the sight of Elohim, our Messiah (1Timothy 2:1-3)

A priestly blessing and anointing of Yah's people conclude BYA services. YHVH spoke to Moses, "Speak to Aaron and to his sons saying, 'In this way you shall bless the children of Israel, saying, YHVH bless you and keep you. YHVH make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. YHVH lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.' They shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. (Num. 6:22-27)

A fellowship meal is part of every BYA worship service. The Gospels are filled with stories of Yahshuah reclining at table with family, friends, even adversaries. BYA likewise welcomes all to dine. Hallelu Yah! And shalom from your brother, Elder Curt.

Thoughts for Meditation

"We are ministers, not messiahs." Ken Untener

"A smile is the light in your window that tells others there is a caring, sharing person inside." Denis Waitley

"Have faith. Breakdowns can create breakthroughs. Things fall apart, so that things can fall together." Dan Zadra

"Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny." C. S. Lewis

"Standing your ground is progress when you're battling a hurricane." David Weinbaum

"We define ourselves by the best that is in us, not the worst that has been done to us." Edward Lewis