Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Response in Worship

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.

Prayer Time Techniques

I’ve had the privilege of spending some extended time with Jesus the past two days and it’s been so refreshing. I’m excited to do this more often in 2009. Here’s some things I do that may enhance your own time with God:

  • Worship – sometimes I play worship music, but most of the time I don’t. I love to open up the Psalms and pray them to the Lord. I’ll pause after each verse and just worship Jesus through His Word. So powerful. They key here is to do it out loud, which keeps you from falling asleep!
  • Pray in the Spirit – this may not be a part of your religious tradition, but for me it is essential. Praying in tongues over an extended period of time really lifts your spirit and focuses your heart. I feel the presence of God most strongly when I am praying in the Spirit.
  • Prayer Focuses – it is essential to enter a season of prayer with specific focuses on your heart. Don’t just leave it to chance. Lift up your requests to God and spend time listening to the Holy Spirit. Pray in faith!
  • Meditate on Scripture – after pacing and praying in tongues for a while, it is easy to get tired. I’ll then sit down and just read and meditate on Scripture. It’s important that you view this as dialogue with the Holy Spirit. Think about the text. Pray the text. Ask questions about the text. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying.
  • Songwriting – this may not apply to everyone, but I love expressing worship through songwriting. I love sitting down with my Bible open and writing songs from Scripture. The best songs are Scripture songs. Period.
  • Reading devotional/theological books – sometimes I don’t even get to this. It’s vital that a person has their own time with God and not just hearing from another writer. However, certain types of books can help expand your view of God and fuel your  heart for deeper intimacy. Don’t read books until you’ve meditated on Scripture and talked with God yourself.

Are there any techniques you practice?

Top Ten Albums of 2008

Some of these albums came out in 2008, and others I bought in 2008 and loved. These are in no particular order.

Angels & Airwaves – “I Empire”

Derek Webb & Sandra McCracken – “Ampersand EP”

Fleet Foxes – “Fleet Foxes”

Future of Forestry – “Advent Christmas EP”

Hammock – “Maybe They Will Sing For Us Tomorrow”

Ian Mcintosh – “Awakened”

Johnny Parks Band – “Break the Silence”

Mogwai – “The Hawk is Howling”

The Myriad – “With Arrows, With Poise”

Sigur Ros – “Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust”

What were your favorite albums?