Some thoughts on worship
The other day as we were getting ready to sing some hymns and praise songs, the thought occurred to me, “We get to worship the Lord”. I know that sounds kind of basic, but it is amazing how many times, I just start singing and I am a couple of songs into the music before I am truly worshipping. So I have been thinking of worship lately and thought I would share some thoughts of what helps me to worship.
1. Personally I find that if I make a point of spending some time in worship every day during my quiet time, worship on Sunday morning is much more meaningful.
2. I try to remember Who I am worshipping and to keep my thoughts on the Lord as we sing the songs.
3. It is possible to sing the words without even thinking of the words. I need to keep my thoughts on the words of the songs and then to make the words my prayer, or my commitment to Him.
4. If I know the words to the song, I often close my eyes to help me make the words of the music my prayer to God.
5. I try to acknowledge that although He is the God of the universe, He is in the room, He knows my heart and He “seeks those who will be His worshippers.” (John 4:23)
6. When we have special music, I appreciate the talent of the one singing, but I focus on the words and allow the words of the songs to become worship for my own heart.
7. I remember that the offering is also worship and giving reminds me that I belong to God and everything I have belongs to Him.
8. Even the sermon becomes worship when I remember to “present myself to God” (Rom. 8:1,2) as a result of the sermon. If I view the sermon as just a means to gain more information, then I miss something. But if it is a sermon that leads me to deepen my love and devotion to God, then it becomes an act of worship.
What I notice about this list, is that there is nothing here about the style or even the quality of the music, but upon my heart attitude. I am amazed at the quality of music in our little church, but it is not all about performance, but about worshipping the God Whom we were made to worship.
I love coming to church to see friends and to hear good music. I enjoy sharing what God is teaching me, and I enjoy hearing others give a sermon, but coming to church to worship with the body is not just because I enjoy it, and I do, but also because He is worthy to be worshipped.
