Harp and Bowl

A Notable Harp and Bowl History

The first Matthias Ministries Website existed until 2015 and contained much

in the way of teaching on worship and the Harp and Bowl Paradigm.

Email from Church and Ministry leaders from various nations began to arrive seeking instruction and resources on this beautiful worship paradigm.

These request came from multiple Continents, and proved prophetic words

spoken over this ministry as becoming a help to ministries across the world to be true.

We pray that this website continues as a growing resource to others given a heart to explore the intimacies of Harp and Bowl worship .

Before we consider what Harp and Bowl Worship is….. let’s dispel a few common misunderstandings

and consider a few things which Harp and Bowl is NOT:

1. It is not the mere presence of background music during time of prayer.

2. It is not merely a combination “worship service” / “prayer service” (even though it embodies aspects of both)

3. It is not a song-prayer-song-prayer “see-saw” paradigm…or other formula.

"Harp and Bowl", is Holy Spirit inspired and therefor prophetic in nature, derives its name from the true worship which takes place before the Throne in Heaven as described in Revelation 5:8.

Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders

fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp,

and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 5:8

Here we see 4 Living Creatures (Heavenly Beings) and Elders (mankind) coming before the Lamb with both Harp (worship) and Bowl (prayer). Note their “Falling” before the Lamb signifies humility and “lack of ability in self”.

4. Harp and Bowl is a worship paradigm patterned after a recorded Heavenly account and not a mere design or construct of man. It is not a pre-planned, rehearsed or contrived event or activity, but is a “discovery encounter” with God which He allows according to His time, His will and His perfect wisdom.

5. In spite of the fact that the Harp and Bowl experience is indeed “characterized” by both powerful and enduring prayer, it is not a formula, strategy, or a presumptuous means to increase the power or duration of prayer.

Basic Truths and Principles that

Characterize True Harp and Bowl

1. Harp and Bowl is an expression of spirit and truth based worship which is spontaneous, free-form, unrehearsed, which flows out of a resonant interaction between both the Harp (worship) and the Bowl (prayer).

2. Although there may be exceptions, the Harp “feeds directionally” off of the Bowl (the prayer, testimony, Scripture shared, etc. of those assembled). In other words, generally the Harp “resonates” to the Spirit led prayer and testimony of the communal gathering. In so doing the Harp serves to under-gird, confirm and bring the power of agreement in one accord through the liberty of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, there are also times when the Spirit may cause the reverse to occur as the prophetic expression of the Harp brings resonance and direction to the payer and intercession (Bowl) of the assembly. Most important is a disposition to hear and willingness to be moved in spontaneity in allowing the Spirit of God freedom to define the course and direction of the Harp, the Bowl, and in the resultant interaction between the two. This is a basic principle in true antiphonal worship. Antiphony involves hearing and agreement. In pursuing such we should not quench the free movement of the Holy Spirit as we yield to spontaneity.

3. The Harp and Bowl experience is a SHARED experience, even as seen through the multiple elders of Revelation 5. It is not merely one leading or “compelling” the other…it is an “ebb and flow” its dynamic power comes out of a yielded-ness of heart. Genuine sharing is evidenced by a lack of personal motive or personal agenda whether it is within, or outside of, the construct of an agreed theme or “prayer target”.

Seeking the Heart of God with a Goal of Discovery

Beautiful and edifying are two good words to describe the interactive seeking and finding within Harp and Bowl. Because the Spirit of God so often moves above the understanding and intellect of men, the paradigm of Harp and Bowl is often marked by a sense of "discovery". Such can seem unfamiliar or uncomfortable to those who may have only been exposed to communal prayer meetings where a presumed Godly agenda is strictly followed. Harp and Bowl causes worshipers to wait upon the Lord and allow Him time to bring illumination that brings those assembled into agreement. This is an exercise of faith which enables the Holy Spirit to move in increasing power through a group of worshipers in a way that lifts up the Lord and not man. A controlling spirit or impatient heart will begin to render Harp and Bowl invalid.

The preceding statements reveal a need for the wisdom of proper Word based discernment within the Harp and Bowl paradigm.

Shortened prayers are important. Like everyone else, music ministers need time to discern and respond in obedient sensitivity to what is prayed. Prayers that unfold in segments (ie: that incorporate "selah moments") allow space for the Spirit of God to respond through the ministry of the Harp. Shorter prayer also helps to level the playing field of interaction among all gathered. It does so, in part, by encouraging humility as well as discouraging excessive control through the strongest. There will always be a place for His Spirit to move through the mature who enjoy a deeper walk with God, yet He desires to speak move though the weakest vessels as well and not only the seasoned elders in our midst. We have witnessed the humble heart that is willing to transparently break an "alabaster box" speak louder than the mature leader.

Avoiding Long Prayers

11. Once again we would emphasize that prayers which are exceedingly long tend to diminish the ability of all involved to participate in the fullest power of agreement. They tend to intimidate others who may feel less eloquent or not able to be as demonstrative or expressive. Therefore we hold to the following guide:

The one blessed with a great burden for enduring prayer should avoid feeling compelled to vent every aspect of their heart in one extensive prayer. Prayer of great length causes others to disengage and become spectators. This discourages and stifles the spontaneous flow of the Holy Spirit throughout the assembly.

The one who feels to pray in lengthy fashion (in excess of 2 minutes or so) will serve the work of the Holy Spirit by praying across several non-consecutive segments (ie: five 2 minute segments instead of one 10 minute prayer). Doing such accomplishes several critical and important objectives:
- Shorter “segments” allow for an increase of meaningful and purposeful interaction between Harp and Bowl. Increased resonance between the Harp and Bowl helps to facilitate the birth of the prophetic in greater fullness.
- Others become more likely to participate and connect in agreement. This allows the Holy Spirit to bring forth His wisdom through a “multitude of counsel” and increases the likelihood of spontaneous interaction. Spontaneity is the thread in which the prophetic fabric is woven.

14. While the Harp can consist of one sensitive minstrel, ideally the Harp should consist of more than one prophetically anointed musical worshiper. This helps to facilitate antiphonal spontaneity in the prophetic realm.

A Wisdom of Structure within Liberty

15. The Matthias Ministries paradigm successfully utilizes the following “unifying authority structure” within its Davidic inspired paradigm:

Worship Leader –> Prayer Leader –> Prophetic Ministers (antiphonal worshipers) -> General Assembly (all others who operate under a “Section Leader” or similar unifying authority).
A good leader exemplifies leadership through extending and encouraging the liberty of others. We hope to see each prefer one another in love within the established structure, and to share in the liberty which allows it. Liberty and spontaneity in the Holy Spirit are the objectives that allow us to communally know His presence in the fullest way.

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The preceding 15 points merely represent a “starting point”.

They are a general attempt to begin to clarify the purpose, form and function of Harp and Bowl worship.

We are all uniquely created beings. It is understood that ministers will move and be used of the Lord in varying fashion. Therefore, these notes are not submitted in an attempt to be a definitive and specific “how to” manual or guide.

May God richly bless all who love, seek and serve Him according to His desire, and may He continue to reveal His desire to you by His Spirit and through His Word.

For a practical example of Harp and Bowl read "An Evening of Hosting the Holy Spirit"

Questions? Comments? Click hereto Contact Matthias Ministries