In Nehemiah chapters 8 and 9 we can see what could be looked at as a model for worship. Perhaps it is better said that this portion of scripture gives good ideas for aspects which could be incorporated into a “church service.” But then again, even the idea of a “church service” as we perceive them to be with their traditional ordering of parts has little scriptural bases. The Holy Spirit is not confined to a box. So rather, it will simply be said that from these two chapters we glean ideas and see examples of ways by which men can worship, seek, obey, and glorify God.
In Nehemiah 8:4-6 we see that Ezra is before the people standing on a pulpit ((מגדּלה מגדּל (tower or an elevated platform)). First, “Ezra Blessed the Lord the great God: and all the people answered, Amen, Amen” We see then that the people worshiped the Lord by lifting up their hands and bowing their heads with their faces to the ground.
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” -Nehemiah 8:8
In Nehemiah 8:7-8 we see that the law was read carefully, and that there were many there to “cause” the people to understand it. It appears that they were as teachers or preachers, and explained the meaning to the people.
In Nehemiah 8:12 we see that they rejoiced and celebrated “because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.”
In Nehemiah 8:13-18 we see that the people obeyed what they were taught by keeping the feast of booths at that time as it is taught in the law.
In Nehemiah 9:2 we see that the people confessed their sins.
In Nehemiah 9:6-38 we see that they praised, and blessed God. Specifically, they praised God by giving testimony of the wondrous things He had done. Also, they praised God by describing him by his attributes, such as faithful (vs. 8, 17, 32), righteous (vs. 8), gracious (vs. 17, 31), merciful (vs. 17, 19, 27, 28, 31, 32), kind (vs. 17), good (vs. 20, 25, 35), just (vs. 29, 30, 33), mighty (vs. 32).
In Summary;
1. The leader is on an elevated area so he can be seen by the people.
2. The people respond with “Amen” when the leader says something true with which the people feel the need to verbally express their agreement.
3. The Lord is worshipped by men lifting up their hands and bowing their heads with their faces to the ground. (Also see Psalm 28:2, 1 Timothy 2:8)
3. The scripture is read.
4. The meaning of the scripture is made clear, presumably by teaching and preaching.
5. The people rejoice that they heard and understand the scripture.
6. The people obey the scripture, not merely in word, but in deed (by their actions).
7. The people confess their sins. (Also see 1 John 1:9)
8. They praise God by giving testimony of what he has done for them. (Also see 1 Peter 3:15)
9. They praise God by describing his attributes (such as faithful, just, merciful, etcetera).
All of these nine points are appropriate as the Holy Spirit leads. But some of these are especially neglected and should be more often exampled by believers as they gather together to worship the Lord God Almighty.
“Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” - Revelation 15:3b-4