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Face Down (Worship Series)
Most believers understand that worship is not a compartmentalized aspect of the Christian experience but rather it is the motivation-the driving force-behind all that we do and are. We exist to worship God. For years we have been basking in God's love and worshiping Him with uplifted hands and hearts. Now we need to go deeper and see that God is also an awesome, mysterious being that should engender our silent, even dumbstruck-reverence for His holiness, His "otherness". Until we are undone by the knowledge of who God is in all His glory, we will only touch the edges of true worship. Matt Redman says, "When we face up to the glory of God, we find oursleves face down in worship." This book shows the biblical record of those who found themselves prostrate before God.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2004
39 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Matt Redman
138 books35 followersMatt Redman is married to Beth and they have five children. His journey as a worship leader and songwriter has taken him to countries such as South Africa, Japan, India, Australia and the Czech Republic. Along the way he has sung in venues such as Madison Square Garden, Wembley stadium, and the Royal Albert Hall - as well as recording in iconic studios such as Abbey Road in London and Capitol Records in LA. Matt’s best known songs include The Heart of Worship, Blessed Be Your Name, Our God - and the double-Grammy winning 10,000 Reasons. More recent co-writes include Do It Again and Build my Life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 12, 2012
Not only is Matt Redman a very talented Christian singer, but he's a pretty good author as well.
Here is a beautiful excerpt from Matt’s book, “Facedown”, from the
chapter titled, “The Whole Christ”.
“The more we immerse ourselves in this mystery, the more we realize
there are many different dimensions to worshipping God as Father, Son
and Holy Spirit…..Yes, we praise Jesus the Son with everything within
us-but we also join with Jesus in worship as He glorifies His Father.
As the Holy Spirit reveals the Lordship of Jesus to the depths of our
heart, He also takes us into the Sons relationship with the
Father….Worship is to Jesus, yes-absolutely. We glorify the Son and
magnify His name. But worship is also in Jesus and through Jesus and
with Jesus. When Jesus walked the earth and willingly suffered the
cross, His heart was to bring glory to the Father and His mission was
to bring us to Him. Now seated in the heavens at his Father’s right
hand, the heart and the activity of Jesus have not changed. He still
glorifies the Father and brings us with Him and in Him as He does so”.
Here is a beautiful excerpt from Matt’s book, “Facedown”, from the
chapter titled, “The Whole Christ”.
“The more we immerse ourselves in this mystery, the more we realize
there are many different dimensions to worshipping God as Father, Son
and Holy Spirit…..Yes, we praise Jesus the Son with everything within
us-but we also join with Jesus in worship as He glorifies His Father.
As the Holy Spirit reveals the Lordship of Jesus to the depths of our
heart, He also takes us into the Sons relationship with the
Father….Worship is to Jesus, yes-absolutely. We glorify the Son and
magnify His name. But worship is also in Jesus and through Jesus and
with Jesus. When Jesus walked the earth and willingly suffered the
cross, His heart was to bring glory to the Father and His mission was
to bring us to Him. Now seated in the heavens at his Father’s right
hand, the heart and the activity of Jesus have not changed. He still
glorifies the Father and brings us with Him and in Him as He does so”.
December 9, 2019
In Facedown, Matt Redman urges American Christians to experience truly transformative worship. Life-changing worship is totally surrendered, facedown worship. It’s this worship that John witnessed in the book of Revelation.
“Worship thrives on wonder,” Redman says, “For worship to be worship, it must contain something of the otherness of God.” And yet, our instinct is to “reduce God to manageable terms,” as AW Tozer says. We turn the extraordinary into the ordinary. We take the mystery of the omnipotent and make him commonplace.
We must, as Richard Sibbes encourages, “take whole Christ” and not “divide Lord from Jesus, and so make a Christ of [our] own.” Redman tells us that, “When we encounter the whole Christ, we find an incredible mix of power and patience, glory and grace. He speaks in words of both tenderness and toughness, rebuking the hard heart yet welcoming the broken sinner.”
Redman’s invitation to Facedown worship is as relevant today as when he penned his book in 2004. The apostle John reminds us, in fact, that it is a message every generation needs to hear, and will hear until we all are facedown in front of the King of Kings.
“Worship thrives on wonder,” Redman says, “For worship to be worship, it must contain something of the otherness of God.” And yet, our instinct is to “reduce God to manageable terms,” as AW Tozer says. We turn the extraordinary into the ordinary. We take the mystery of the omnipotent and make him commonplace.
We must, as Richard Sibbes encourages, “take whole Christ” and not “divide Lord from Jesus, and so make a Christ of [our] own.” Redman tells us that, “When we encounter the whole Christ, we find an incredible mix of power and patience, glory and grace. He speaks in words of both tenderness and toughness, rebuking the hard heart yet welcoming the broken sinner.”
Redman’s invitation to Facedown worship is as relevant today as when he penned his book in 2004. The apostle John reminds us, in fact, that it is a message every generation needs to hear, and will hear until we all are facedown in front of the King of Kings.
September 1, 2018
A shorter but slightly less poignant version of Look and Live?
It was good.
It was good.
September 12, 2018
A brilliant instruction on the art and heart of worship
December 1, 2021
This is an absolutely wonderful perspective on worship. I highly recommend that every Christian who has the opportunity read it!
December 23, 2008
I loved this book! I also loaned it out and it never made it's way back home. I highlighted all the best parts, and wrote in my notes, and took three 3x5 cards filled with notes on this book. But alas, they are no more to be found. So, I reordered the book and will re-read it with pleasure.
March 25, 2016
This belongs on my list of important books and will remain on my shelf to read again. Small, but packed with great information from an inspiring worship leader. This isn't written just for worship leaders, its for worshippers too, and is readily accessible and relevant. Well worth reading!
January 6, 2022
The balance between praise & performance. The act of stripping away the lights, fog machines, loud sound systems, and wholly enveloping yourself in the overwhelming presence of Abba Father. A must read for any individual involved on a worship team.
August 9, 2023
some quotes that touched my heart:
"When we face up to the glory of God, we soon find ourselves facedown in worship. To worship facedown is the ultimate outward sign of inner reverence."
"Out of the overflow of our heart we speak and sing, we dance, and we bow. God reveals, and we respond. God shines, and we reflect. In the very same way, facedown worship is the overflow of a heart humbled and amazed by the glory of God."
"Facedown worship always begins as a posture of the heart. It's people so despearte for the increase of Christ that they find themselves decreasing to the ground in an act of reverent submission."
"The beautiful news is this: When God draws near in worship, we don't have to head for the door--God loves to meet with His people. Yet sometimes it can be a pretty wise move to head for the floor--we must stay ever mindful of the glory of the One we are encountering."
"Worship thrives on wonder. We can admire, appreciate, and perhaps even adore someone without a sense of wonder. But we cannot worship without wonder. For worship to be worship, it must contain something of the otherness of God."
What is "otherness"? : "A sense that God is so pure, matchless and unique that no one else and nothing else even comes close. He is altogether glorious--unequalled in splendor and unrivaled in power. He is beyond the grasp of human reason--far above the reach of even the loftiest scientific mind. Inexhaustible, immeasurable and unfathomable--eternal, immortal and invisible. The highest mountain peaks and the deepest canyon depths are just tiny echoes of His proclaimed greatness. And the blazing stars above, the faintest emblems of the full measure of His glory."
- God is not ordinary, He is not like one of us; He is beyond what our imagination is capable of comprehending
"Sometimes in the Church, I worry that we've settled for 'goldfish bowl' worship. We convey a tame and domesticated God, and then find ourselves stuck in the endless pursuit of the ordinary. But the call is to venture out into the ocean, to encounter the extraordinary and to explore the mighty depths of God. And though our earthly gathered worship times may never fully sound the depths of His glory, beware of those that don't even attempt to do so."
"Do men fancy that the Lord needs banners and music, and incense, and fine linen? If He did, the stars would emblazon His standard, the winds and the waves become His orchestra, ten thousand times ten thousand flowers would breathe forth perfume." - Charles Spurgeon
"When we face up to the glory of God, we soon find ourselves facedown in worship. To worship facedown is the ultimate outward sign of inner reverence."
"Out of the overflow of our heart we speak and sing, we dance, and we bow. God reveals, and we respond. God shines, and we reflect. In the very same way, facedown worship is the overflow of a heart humbled and amazed by the glory of God."
"Facedown worship always begins as a posture of the heart. It's people so despearte for the increase of Christ that they find themselves decreasing to the ground in an act of reverent submission."
"The beautiful news is this: When God draws near in worship, we don't have to head for the door--God loves to meet with His people. Yet sometimes it can be a pretty wise move to head for the floor--we must stay ever mindful of the glory of the One we are encountering."
"Worship thrives on wonder. We can admire, appreciate, and perhaps even adore someone without a sense of wonder. But we cannot worship without wonder. For worship to be worship, it must contain something of the otherness of God."
What is "otherness"? : "A sense that God is so pure, matchless and unique that no one else and nothing else even comes close. He is altogether glorious--unequalled in splendor and unrivaled in power. He is beyond the grasp of human reason--far above the reach of even the loftiest scientific mind. Inexhaustible, immeasurable and unfathomable--eternal, immortal and invisible. The highest mountain peaks and the deepest canyon depths are just tiny echoes of His proclaimed greatness. And the blazing stars above, the faintest emblems of the full measure of His glory."
- God is not ordinary, He is not like one of us; He is beyond what our imagination is capable of comprehending
"Sometimes in the Church, I worry that we've settled for 'goldfish bowl' worship. We convey a tame and domesticated God, and then find ourselves stuck in the endless pursuit of the ordinary. But the call is to venture out into the ocean, to encounter the extraordinary and to explore the mighty depths of God. And though our earthly gathered worship times may never fully sound the depths of His glory, beware of those that don't even attempt to do so."
"Do men fancy that the Lord needs banners and music, and incense, and fine linen? If He did, the stars would emblazon His standard, the winds and the waves become His orchestra, ten thousand times ten thousand flowers would breathe forth perfume." - Charles Spurgeon
April 20, 2018
I picked up this little book at a thrift store a few months back and decided to read it as a devotional. I love Matt Redman's worship music and figured he would have some good stuff to say about the awesomeness of God. I was not disappointed!
This is a short book, perfect for a little over a week of daily Bible study. Matt's first chapter explains his title. Subsequent chapters talk about the "otherness" of God, His mysteriousness, who Christ really is, worship that costs something, the song of creation and the beauty of silence. Matt's poetic voice comes out in his writing--much of which is lyrical in its cadence. This makes it great for reading aloud, so you catch all the import of what he says. It also makes the book very quotable for anyone who wants to blog or write about worship.
If you are looking for a book that will help you draw closer to God, this is a great choice. If you want material for a devotional with your church worship team, even better. Don't rush through this little beauty, even though it's short enough to do so. Facedown is not fast food. It's a seven course meal for the soul that's meant to be savored and revisited often.
This is a short book, perfect for a little over a week of daily Bible study. Matt's first chapter explains his title. Subsequent chapters talk about the "otherness" of God, His mysteriousness, who Christ really is, worship that costs something, the song of creation and the beauty of silence. Matt's poetic voice comes out in his writing--much of which is lyrical in its cadence. This makes it great for reading aloud, so you catch all the import of what he says. It also makes the book very quotable for anyone who wants to blog or write about worship.
If you are looking for a book that will help you draw closer to God, this is a great choice. If you want material for a devotional with your church worship team, even better. Don't rush through this little beauty, even though it's short enough to do so. Facedown is not fast food. It's a seven course meal for the soul that's meant to be savored and revisited often.
October 14, 2023
I love this book. Much of Matt Redman's music has been a blessing to me, but music alone does not always tell you where a person's heart is. Facedown is one of those books that puts things into perspective, and allows you to see the inner motivations that undergird Redman's songwriting.
That said, this is not about about Matt or his music. It's about the greatness and splendor of God; it's about the way that God's majesty moves us to worship, both in practice and in posture. It's about the only fitting response we can offer when we enter behind the veil. Facedown. Broken. Awestruck. All of that, and so, so thankful.
I highly recommend this book to every worshiper of Jesus. Redman does not prescribe worship methodology, nor does he critique worship traditions. He simply invites you-the reader-to respond to a grander view of the king of the universe. I encourage you to accept that invitation.
That said, this is not about about Matt or his music. It's about the greatness and splendor of God; it's about the way that God's majesty moves us to worship, both in practice and in posture. It's about the only fitting response we can offer when we enter behind the veil. Facedown. Broken. Awestruck. All of that, and so, so thankful.
I highly recommend this book to every worshiper of Jesus. Redman does not prescribe worship methodology, nor does he critique worship traditions. He simply invites you-the reader-to respond to a grander view of the king of the universe. I encourage you to accept that invitation.
March 23, 2025
Worship is so much more than just words.
It’s about your heart and focus on the Lord.
Matt shares his experiences and motivates you to focus on God alone. He uses some Bible verses that made me excited how ‘worship’ all started.
Overall good book to read and I used it to read 2 chapters on a day.
It’s about your heart and focus on the Lord.
Matt shares his experiences and motivates you to focus on God alone. He uses some Bible verses that made me excited how ‘worship’ all started.
Overall good book to read and I used it to read 2 chapters on a day.
December 30, 2021
I fear to say Face Down is a quick read for those that seek a deeper dive into worship. For that would divert the attention that author and musician Matt Redman puts on worship and how the face on the ground positioning is giving out hearts posture as we seek to see His glory. Read it to get it
May 28, 2022
A great and inspiring short book. A quick read but a deep reminder of who the God we worship is; what worship is and why we worship Him. It's the kind of books where you get to the end and think "I need to read that again and make notes" I recommend this for any worship leader and worshipper.
June 16, 2017
Lots of good quotes from some of the greatest Christian authors.
April 13, 2019
It was Ok. I had hoped it would be more engaging. It didn’t inspire my relationship with God. It felt a little clinical over heart felt.
March 8, 2021
This is a great little book about worship of our omnipotent indescrible God. It's a book one could and should read over and over.
August 11, 2022
Thought provoking.
March 8, 2023
Very informative book!
August 16, 2024
Great book and great album.
June 5, 2025
super wee book, think I will need to go back and read it more slowly to take more in!
August 29, 2025
Last two chapters 😮💨😭🙌🏻so good!
January 19, 2013
As Christ-followers, we are often guilty of personifying God to be like us, instead of seeking to be more like Him. To many church-goers, "worship" is the segment of a church service where we sing a few songs that we may or may not enjoy. "Worship" may also be a specific music genre. But I wonder how many people see "worship" through the lens of its true definition - praise and adoration. Hopefully, as Christ-followers, what/who we're praising and adoring is Christ Jesus himself.
In Face Down, Matt Redman challenges the reader to seek after our divine Savior, to bow before Him in adoration. He challenges us to mimic the angels' response to worship in Revelation 7:11b "they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God." Too often though, we find ways of personifying a majestic, Creator God, who is holy and righteous, yet loves us even in our sin. I like what Redman states about the otherness of God: "[Sometimes in the church] we take the extraordinary revelation of God, and somehow manage to make him sound completely ordinary." So true! Have we forgotten His proclamation in Isaiah 46:5, "To whom will you compare me or count me equal?"
As a worship leader, I think the worship I enjoy most is the silence. Redman spoke the words I lack in describing the awe and importance of silencing our hearts before God. Sometimes the only thing I can do to express my adoration for God is to fall facedown.
In Face Down, Matt Redman challenges the reader to seek after our divine Savior, to bow before Him in adoration. He challenges us to mimic the angels' response to worship in Revelation 7:11b "they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God." Too often though, we find ways of personifying a majestic, Creator God, who is holy and righteous, yet loves us even in our sin. I like what Redman states about the otherness of God: "[Sometimes in the church] we take the extraordinary revelation of God, and somehow manage to make him sound completely ordinary." So true! Have we forgotten His proclamation in Isaiah 46:5, "To whom will you compare me or count me equal?"
As a worship leader, I think the worship I enjoy most is the silence. Redman spoke the words I lack in describing the awe and importance of silencing our hearts before God. Sometimes the only thing I can do to express my adoration for God is to fall facedown.
May 26, 2016
Face down is the appropriate response to a revelation of who God is. It combines fear, respect, adoration, humility and in this short book by Matt Redman (just 116 pages in pocket size format) shows why.
Full of insight and truth, this exploration of worship and more importantly who we worship and why face down is an appropriate action stirs the heart and reminds you of the great mystery of Christian worship. Redman looks at who God is, what Christ has done, how creation responds, how we respond in our lives (mission) and how we respond in worship and each short chapter gives pause for thought and prayer.
Although at times I think descriptions of worship meetings step over into hyperbole or are likely to fall under the weight of their own significance (something that can often be said about conferences and extra church gatherings), on the whole this is a series of simple reflections on the wonder, majesty and genuinely awesome nature of God. As Matt writes, 'when we face up to the glory of God, we soon find ourselves face down in worship.'
This book is easy to recommend to anyone, young and old, in the worship team or in the pew, to use as material, study, conversation or devotion.
Full of insight and truth, this exploration of worship and more importantly who we worship and why face down is an appropriate action stirs the heart and reminds you of the great mystery of Christian worship. Redman looks at who God is, what Christ has done, how creation responds, how we respond in our lives (mission) and how we respond in worship and each short chapter gives pause for thought and prayer.
Although at times I think descriptions of worship meetings step over into hyperbole or are likely to fall under the weight of their own significance (something that can often be said about conferences and extra church gatherings), on the whole this is a series of simple reflections on the wonder, majesty and genuinely awesome nature of God. As Matt writes, 'when we face up to the glory of God, we soon find ourselves face down in worship.'
This book is easy to recommend to anyone, young and old, in the worship team or in the pew, to use as material, study, conversation or devotion.
February 25, 2013
This is a great, short book reminding us of the awesomeness and majesty of God.
So regularly we can focus on the compassion and friendship of Christ, which is of course important, but Redman encourages us in this book to see the full picture of Christ and God the father in all his majesty and incomparable glory. He says that the only true response to this God, is to fall facedown in worship.
The book also deals with how to allow time in communal worship for this kind of respectful awe, whilst still being appreciative of all God's qualities in praise.
A good well balanced book!
So regularly we can focus on the compassion and friendship of Christ, which is of course important, but Redman encourages us in this book to see the full picture of Christ and God the father in all his majesty and incomparable glory. He says that the only true response to this God, is to fall facedown in worship.
The book also deals with how to allow time in communal worship for this kind of respectful awe, whilst still being appreciative of all God's qualities in praise.
A good well balanced book!
November 15, 2012
This is great book on worship; Redman does a wonderful job exploring what true worship is. True worship comes out of a revelation of God. It could be in the awe-struck silence of a congregation, it could be as we admire God's creation, it could also be as we give of our lives for his work and glory. Worship is not just singing those great songs, but it entails so much more.
November 15, 2012
This is great book on worship; Redman does a wonderful job exploring what true worship is. True worship comes out of a revelation of God. It could be in the awe-struck silence of a congregation, it could be as we admire God's creation, it could also be as we give of our lives for his work and glory. Worship is not just singing those great songs, but it entails so much more.
- Curtis
- Curtis
September 18, 2014
This book is amazing. There were so many moments that I had to put it down because there were tears of awe in my eyes. Our God is so big and mighty, and to worship Him is the purpose for which we have been created. A simply spectacular resource-I recommend it to anyone but especially worship leaders.
July 15, 2013
I like Matt Redman even better after reading this book. Mostly focused on what worship means, what it should look like, and especially communal and musical sense. Great for Christians looking to expand their worship and a mustread for anyone involved in music ministry!
October 9, 2013
Everyone should read this book. We all worship and we all have ideas about what worship looks like. For a few pages, breathe in, read thoughtfully, and then exhale. Let the thoughts capture you and possibly change your paradigm.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews