51 – Framed: Shifting Our Perspective in Worship

A weekly blog of Creative Ideas for Leading Worship

Framed – Shifting Our Perspective in Worship

Click for audio narration of this post

Theme

Using a large empty picture frame as both a metaphor and physical object to explore how our perspectives shape what we see – of the world, the church, ourselves, and one another. The frame becomes a tool to both focus attention and question what lies outside its borders.

Core Message

A frame can help us concentrate on what matters – but it can also limit our view. How do the "frames" we bring to worship – our beliefs, expectations, traditions – help or hinder our ability to see God, each other, and the world clearly?

 

Worship Ideas & Congregational Participation

1. Visual Introduction
Place a large, empty wooden picture frame prominently at the front of the church. Early in the service, draw attention to it. Invite the congregation to reflect on what frames their view – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

2. Framing the Sanctuary
Invite people to come forward to look through the frame. They can look toward:

• The altar
• The congregation
• The windows or ceiling
• A symbol such as the cross or font

Ask them to share what they noticed when looking through the frame:

• What details stood out?
• What was left out?
• Did the frame help or limit their focus?

3. Framing Each Other
Invite people to form pairs and "frame" one another – either using the large frame, smaller hand-held ones, or just with their hands. Encourage them to affirm something they see in the other: “I see someone who is...” or “In God’s eyes, you are...”

4. A Walk to the Door
During the service (perhaps just before or after the sermon), invite the congregation to follow a leader carrying the frame to the front door of the church.

There, one by one or in small groups, let people hold up the frame and look at:

• The street or neighbourhood
• People passing by
• The sky, trees, or landscape

Invite reflection with questions like:

• What do you notice about the world outside our church when you look through this frame?
• Who or what is part of our wider community that we don’t usually focus on?
• What might God be inviting us to see more clearly?

Leave the frame near the entrance after the service for people to use informally as they leave.

5. Scripture Tie-ins

• 1 Corinthians 13:12 – "Now we see in a mirror, dimly..."
• Luke 24:31 – The disciples’ eyes were opened on the road to Emmaus.
• Matthew 7:3-5 – Removing the plank in our own eye – how our assumptions frame our judgment.

6. Prayer Exercise
Invite people to pray silently while looking through the frame at a particular image or space – either inside or outside the church.

• What do you want to lift up to God in this view?
• What new insight or prayer arises from looking with this focused attention?

 

Closing Thought

We all live with "frames" that shape our vision. Some help us focus on what matters. Others may need to be widened – or even dismantled – so that we can more fully see God's presence in our communities, our worship, and each other.

Encourage your congregation to consider this week:

• What have I been framing out of my view?
• What beauty or need might God want me to notice anew?

Ngā mihi
Philip