Worship in Spirit and Stream: Reinterpreting Psalm 100 for Digital Liturgy in Nigeria

Abstrak

This study explores the theme “Worship in Spirit and Stream: A Digital Reinterpretation of Psalm 100:1–5 in Nigerian Liturgy.” Psalm 100, a classic hymn of thanksgiving, summons worshippers to “make a joyful noise” (hārîʿû, הָרִיעוּ), “serve the LORD” (ʿibdû, עִבְדוּ), and “enter His gates with thanksgiving” (tôdāh, תּוֹדָה). Traditionally rooted in temple-centered worship, these imperatives are reexamined within Nigeria’s emerging digital liturgical culture shaped by livestreamed services, virtual choirs, and social media-based worship. The paper argues that digital platforms now function as expanded “gates” (šaʿarîm, שְׁעָרִים), enabling access to communal praise beyond physical boundaries. Using exegetical analysis and digital theology, the research demonstrates how the psalm’s call to universal joy and covenantal gratitude aligns with contemporary Nigerian expressions of online worship. It highlights both opportunities—wider inclusion, democratization of liturgy—and challenges such as digital distraction, commodification, and unequal access. Ultimately, the study contends that Psalm 100:1–5 provides a biblical-theological framework for envisioning digital worship as authentic ʿavodah (עֲבוֹדָה, worship/service), fostering a spirituality that is both ancient and innovative. Thus, Nigerian churches are called to embrace digital liturgy not as a departure from tradition but as a Spirit-led continuation of the psalmist’s vision.