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For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)

I am a writer. Writing is my call; the vehicle for my dream. I am also a liturgical dancer. I have ministered through dance as part of an ensemble for more than 10 years. When called upon to minister through dance, we take that call seriously.

My ensemble is filled with praying women; we don’t rehearse, gather, or consider any invitations without much prayer and sober consideration. One of my favorite experiences was being invited to literally “take over worship” at a local church, dancing the Processional, the Hymn of Praise, and Recessional for a Christmas service. I so loved the full integration of dance into worship. We’re ministering as part of a Good Friday service in a week, and I am praying and seeking God’s face in order to be ready.

Dancing my prayers and working hard in worship is another side to being a dreamer. What we don’t talk about enough, what’s important for you to know, is that sometimes dreaming means you should be ready for war. (<==== Click to tweet)

According to one article published about liturgical dance on the web, “Behind the choreography is the belief that the dance must be a heartfelt expression of faith and prayer. It is a physical expression of worship. Young people especially need to see a connection between body, movement and spirit. The aim is not to dazzle audiences but to deepen their religious experience, to make dance a prayer.” When we minister through dance, our goal is to lead participants into deeper worship, inspiring them to experience something they might not have experienced purely as observers or passive congregants. We are worship leaders. You are as well, when you are living out your God-Sized dreams.

We go to war, in all areas of our lives, but it has been my experience, and that of my fellow dreamers, that in pursuing your dreams, there are battles to be fought. I anxiously anticipate warfare – learning the art of spiritual warfare is a critical skill to acquire. I find that with liturgical dance, I minister as much for myself as I do for those in worship with me – and knowing how to fight (in the spirit) expands my capacity as a dancer.

Last year, I attended a liturgical dance workshop facilitated by one of the most gifted dancers and worshippers I know, author and artist Susan Gaddy Pope. I’ve written about the experience of worshipping with, dancing with Susan here. That weekend, we prayed, learned and danced spiritual warfare. It was a remarkable experience. I left both empty and filled, as I was when I wrote this after dancing…

Life is scary. Pray, breathe, and dance anyway. Things will not always go the way you planned them. Pray, breathe, and dance anyway. Dreams that you know God planted within you can sometimes scare you with their scope, the work it will take to bring them to fruition, how far the outcomes seem from where you currently are. Do your part. Pray, breathe, and dance (dream) anyway. Dancing is my reminder that Emmanuel comes.

I use dance to battle in the spirit. Dance is my prayer language. Sometimes I need to dance in order to further my writing. What are your weapons of warfare? Dancing is my reminder that we are never alone, that the dreams He planted within us He will complete. (<=== Click to Tweet) I am reminded that He, not me, is in control. Repeat after me…Pray, breathe, and dance anyway. It’s time for war.

Shared by: Chelle Wilson