Singing the praise of God during lockdown

By Mary Brazell, 5 August 2021

 

PJ Almendras from the Diocese of Broken Bay, who has led worship on national and international stages, was invited to lead the second session of Worship Wednesday, as part of the Diocese’s HOME Ground program.

The Sydney-based musician has told members of the faithful in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains to continue to worship God during these difficult times of lockdown.

PJ, who is also dealing with the Sydney-wide lockdown, hoped that Worship Wednesday provided a chance to connect with God.

“Sometimes it can be really discouraging because we don’t get to go to youth group, or go to church groups or go to the church even as we’ve normally been able to do,” PJ said.

“The cool thing about worship and music and praise is that I think of it as a gift that God’s given us because we can always use it to usher in His presence.

“Someone once told me ‘God inhabits the praises of his people,’ and the Bible also says, ‘where two or more are gathered, there He is in their midst’, so although we might be gathered together virtually, I think if we come together and invite God to join us in our midst, I think He’ll definitely be with us.”

During Worship Wednesday, PJ sang a group of songs, some of which may not have been familiar to the audience.

“These songs have really helped me draw closer to God,” he said, “…and I hope that whether they be familiar or new to you, I hope that no matter what, it gives you a fresh perspective of who God is to you, and help you draw closer to Him because He is close to you.”

Referencing the story of the Road to Emmaus, PJ recommended that the audience try and find space for Jesus at home.

“A lot of us are at home, and we’re in our comfort zones, and sometimes we forget that Jesus is always wanting to be with us, or is already with us. We’re used to Him being at church, or at youth group, or at prayer groups or at praise and worship sessions, but we need to be reminded to make room for Jesus, even when I’m at home because he’s always wanting to reveal Himself to me,” he said.

Tonight, HOME Ground hosts our second ‘BE MET Night’, where you get the opportunity to meet the faces of the brand new Mission Enhancement Team (MET) during an evening of prayer, fun, conversation and tips on how to survive lockdown.

Join the ‘BE MET’ night from 7.30pm on Zoom. Email met@parracatholic.org for the link to the session. To view the full schedule of HOME Ground events, visit parracatholic.org/homeground.

Watch yesterday’s Worship Wednesday session with PJ Almendras here on The Well.

Enjoyed the songs that PJ led us in during Worship Wednesday? Look them up on YouTube or on your music platform of choice:

  • Mighty to Save by Hillsong Worship.
  • Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship.
  • Make Room by Community Music.
  • Worthy of it All by Bethany Wohrle.
  • Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher.
  • How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin.
  • How Great Thou Art by Carrie Underwood.
  • Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship.

 

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