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True Worship
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True Worship by Phil Leading worship at a local church has been a really fun new challenge for me. In our ministry, even though each concert is unique, there are a set number of songs and stories we choose from. As a worship leader, I now also get to do new songs each week! And since my eyesight is not improving with age, I memorize the music. (I have the lyrics in extra large letters on the back screen so I can read those. Now, if the lyric flipper gets distracted and forgets to click the button, we are all in a world of hurt!) To fulfill Jesus's command to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt 22:37), I want the music to do more than just create an emotional feeling. The message in the lyrics should make us think. I spend many hours digging to find songs that align with the sermon message for the week. Since our pastor is preaching exegetically through the book of Matthew, that creates an extra challenge! When was the last time you heard a hymn or worship song on divorce? (Matt 5:31) I was reading a woodworking devotion book the other day where the author asked an interesting question - what is God's favorite style of woodworking? He wrote, "Kind of a ridiculous question, isn't it? Since God created the wood and created us, it would seem that he wants us to enjoy our creativity, and that when we use our skills in whatever style we choose, we are glorifying God. Because for that instant we are a picture of God the Creator. It would seem rather than a particular style, God would be more interested in the quality of our work. Does our work reflect his excellence? Does it remind others of God's nature?" - Hugh Poland, 'The Master Carpenter' pg 34. He went on to apply that question to church music and pondered, what is God's favorite style of worship music? The woman at the well in John 4 asks "where" we should worship - on a mountain like the Samaritans or in a temple like the Jews. Jesus responded that worship wasn't about the location, but the substance - "true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." - John 4:23. Worship music shouldn't just "set the mood" of a service, it should engage us both emotionally (heart and soul) and intellectually (mind) - or as Jesus put it, in Spirit and truth. Do you ever stop to think what you are singing about on Sunday? Let's try a little experiment. Look up some of your favorite church songs on Google and read the lyrics without the music. Go line by line and meditate on the meaning. Do they bring a scripture or attribute of God to mind? Do they remind you of experiences in your own life where you've lived out these lyrics? Trust me, when you engage your heart and mind, it will take your worship to a whole new, richer level. Next Sunday when the music starts up, don't just let it just wash over you. Dig in and focus on what you are declaring to God. Even if the style isn't your personal favorite, savor the substance. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." - Col 3:16
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Phil & Pam Morgan
We're authors and musicians who loves to talk about faith & spirituality, arts & crafts, and music. Subscribe and join over 2,000+ newsletter readers every week!
A Better Country by Phil Independence Day can be a difficult time for church worship leaders. On one hand, we should be grateful to God for His blessings and the freedom we cherish. Yet, often times our patriotic fervor exhibited in the music and celebration of July 4th can approach the level of worshipping our country instead of the God in whom we say we "trust." The temptation is to either completely ignore any sort of patriotic music or go full steam ahead and try to squeeze God into our...
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