Elements of WorshipSample

centered <-----> sent

Fervent worshipper, consider with me the primary and secondary beneficiaries of our worship. Like bookends, our time of worship begins by becoming centered, responsive, and content in the Lord and culminates by being sent forth to a life of worship in our sphere of influence. Our loving worship, praise, and thanksgiving directed to Yeshua, our First Love, spills over as Christ-centered service to those He loves, then back to Him again. We are assured this is true because He told us that gifts offered to others in His name are ultimately His gifts (Mat. 25:40). And Paul reminds us that when we invest in others, their praise rises to God (2 Cor. 9:12–13).

Let’s make an analogy. I have a degree in art. In college I had the joy of sampling various art media. One of these was pottery on a wheel. Before this experience I thought clay was delightfully compliant. But clay has a will. Before my pot could be shaped, it first had to be centered on the wheel. Any uncentered portions resisted my design, even defiantly whacking against my hands.

In a similar way our lives, with all their spinning components, must surrender within the weight of the Lord’s presence and return to submitted union with Him. Here we lay aside our clamoring, to worship in spirit and truth. In the context of this union, we are sent into the world bearing His design and very fingerprints; we are vessels of His Presence. In this worshipful position we influence individuals, communities, atmospheres, and cultures through disarmingly loving worship.

Outward worship will ever be the natural overflow of inner worship. Amen

An Invitation

Being centered in worship has much to do with directing our gaze to God’s character and submitting to His ways. All the worship practice of previous days was teaching us the preeminence of centering ourselves in God. Ask Holy Spirit to highlight one of these and intentionally move into a time of worship.

Worship with its directed focus and shared affection is the perfect incubation for becoming the eyes and ears, hands and feet, and loving heart of God, here and now. Ask Holy Spirit for one new opportunity to channel your worship into words and actions that cause others to experience and worship the God you serve.

Thank you, dear fellow worshipper, for immersing yourself in worship with me. When we pass one another on the way to the Father’s throne in heaven, wink at me and take my hand, and we will worship our glorious God together. See you there!