Why is it that sometimes people respond more in worship than other times? What is the key to unlocking genuine response in worship and not simply emotional hype?

I realized something at our service last night: When the heart and mind are presented with God’s glorious Truth, the response comes naturally.

Last night we took time to contemplate the vastness of God’s power in creation. We saw that He is bigger than our wildest imaginations. We took less time applying the Bible to our individual problems and instead we gazed upon His glory. The response of worship was beautiful. We probably could have sung “Count Your Blessings” and the place would have erupted.

I think this is the best problem-solving technique we can employ – be confronted with God’s majesty and simply worship. Problems seem to shrink. Worry and fear are driven away. We are comforted and astounded by the truth that God is mindful of us (Psalm 8:4).

I think this is what makes Sunday morning difficult at times. People are entering the building having spilled their coffee, argued with their spouse, and scoffed at the weird shirt their son or daughter is wearing. As a worship leader, pray and pick your setlist so that the revelation of God will bear upon the hearts of your congregation. Notice I said pray. It is not simply the perfect setlist that solves the problem.

When people see God, they will worship.

Ever get totally burned out on picking music for your services? Sick of doing the same songs over and over? Do you constantly feel the pressure to impress your pastor, congregation, and band with your song choices? Most people probably don’t know this, but picking out a setlist can be a lot of work.

Our minds are filled with questions such as, “Will this one be the next congregational hit? Will people raise their hands at the bridge? Do the keys flow together? Am I doing at least one hymn? Am I doing at least one CCLI top 25?” Too often we pick songs mindlessly, without meditating on the truth they embody.

I propose a few questions:

• What if you transformed the way you picked out your setlist?
• What if you began to see the formation of your set with spiritual eyes?
• What if you allowed yourself to be changed by each lyric during the week?
• What if you meditated on the Scriptures that certain songs were written from?
• What if you prayed while you typed out chord charts – that God would use each song for His glory?

Try it this week. Yes, you have lots of administrative, logistical items to take care of. But do them in a spirit of prayer.

Allow your heart to be mastered by your setlist before you seek to master the arrangements.