I like zeal, but I also like contemplation. For me, I look forward to getting to Mass early to pray in the quietness with the candle burning next to the tabernacle. And, the unified focus on the Eucharist during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This is why I don’t really respond to a pep-rally style of worship.
I have attended other denominations, such as Apostolic Pentocostal. This church forbids women to cut their hair short or to wear trousers/pants. I went to a high school friend’s wedding. This denomination has a standard “speaking in tongues” period during every service, even a wedding. I’m not sure if the pastor told them to speak in tongues, or what the cue was, but at one point everyone (except me!) lifted their hands and started mumbling and muttering unintelligible words and sounds. My confusion was that I had thought speaking in tongues was a gift by the Holy Spirit so that people of all nations could hear the gospel in their own native tongue. I did ask my friend about the speaking in tongues part and she said it was each person’s own private language with God.
I also went one time to a Messianic Jewish Church. There was about 1 hour of singing music that had a Jewish sound, and some people got up to do liturgical dancing. After that hour was an hour long (it seemed) sermon. And, that was that.
Another service I attended was at another friend’s church. Her husband was a pastor at a Missionary Alliance church. It wasn’t that different from the Messianic Jewish Church, except for the dancing. Alot of singing, and then a sermon.
I think for me something is missing without the Eucharist. I wouldn’t mind attending a weekday prayer service with singing and bible study, but my life would be empty without knowledge, belief, and participation in the Eucharist.
