Rediscovering True Christian Worship: Getting Back to the Heart of Worship

Back to the Heart of Worship: Rediscovering True Christian Worship

As human beings, we are creatures of habit. We tend to get comfortable in our routines and ways of doing things, and if we’re not careful, we can find ourselves going through the motions without any real understanding of why we do what we do. This is especially dangerous when it comes to worship.

For songwriter and worship-leader Matt Redman, this lesson hit home in a powerful way. In the late 1990s, the preaching pastor at his church in Watford, England noticed that their worship gatherings were lacking in spiritual depth. The congregation seemed to be going through the motions, and worship wasn’t flowing from the heart as it should be.

The Heart of Worship: What It Is and What It Isn’t

So what is the heart of worship? According to Redman, it’s not about the music or the singing, but about the hearts of the worshippers. It’s about having a deep, heartfelt response to the real Jesus, not just going through the motions of religious activity.

This idea is echoed throughout the Bible. In Isaiah 29:13, the Lord says, “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” And in John 4:23-24, Jesus tells the woman at the well, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

True worship is not about going through the motions or performing religious rituals. It’s about having a deep, heartfelt response to the real Jesus, who is the object of our worship.

Getting Back to the Heart of Worship

So how do we get back to the heart of worship? How do we ensure that our worship is flowing from a place of deep, heartfelt response to the real Jesus?

1. Focus on Jesus

The first step is to focus on Jesus. We need to make sure that our worship is centered on him, not on ourselves or our preferences. As we focus on Jesus and his character, we are reminded of why we worship him and what he has done for us.

One way to do this is to spend time in prayer and meditation, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to us in a fresh way. We can also spend time reading the Bible and studying the character of Jesus, so that we have a deeper understanding of who he is and what he has done for us.

2. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude

The second step is to cultivate a heart of gratitude. When we focus on all that Jesus has done for us, it’s hard not to be grateful. As we cultivate a heart of gratitude, our worship becomes more authentic and heartfelt.

We can cultivate a heart of gratitude by spending time in prayer and thanksgiving, by journaling about our blessings and answered prayers, and by intentionally looking for things to be grateful for throughout the day.

3. Practice Humility

The third step is to practice humility. When we approach worship with a humble heart, we are able to set aside our own preferences and agendas and focus on Jesus. We are able to recognize that it’s not about us, but about him.

We can practice humility by confessing our sins and weaknesses to God, by seeking to serve others instead of being served, and by intentionally putting aside our own desires and preferences in worship.

4. Engage in Corporate Worship

The fourth step is to engage in corporate worship. While personal worship is important, there is something powerful about worshipping together with other believers. When we gather together as a community of worshippers, we are able to encourage and challenge one another, and our worship is strengthened as a result.

We can engage in corporate worship by attending church regularly, by participating in small groups or Bible studies, and by joining in worship events or conferences.

5. Be Open to the Holy Spirit

The final step is to be open to the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in worship, our worship becomes more authentic and powerful. We are able to respond to the real Jesus in a way that is guided by the Spirit, not by our own desires or preferences.

We can be open to the Holy Spirit by spending time in prayer and asking for his guidance, by being open to spontaneous moments of worship during church services or personal prayer times, and by being willing to step out of our comfort zones in worship.

The Importance of Worship

So why is worship so important? Why should we make it a priority in our lives?

First and foremost, worship is important because it is a way for us to connect with God. When we worship, we are acknowledging his sovereignty and his worthiness. We are expressing our love and devotion to him, and we are opening ourselves up to his presence and his guidance.

Worship is also important because it helps to transform us. As we worship, we are reminded of who God is and what he has done for us. We are encouraged and uplifted, and our faith is strengthened as a result.

Finally, worship is important because it is a way for us to share the gospel with others. When we worship in spirit and truth, we are a witness to others of the power and love of Jesus Christ. Our worship can be a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship.

Conclusion

As we seek to get back to the heart of worship, we must remember that it’s not about the music or the singing, but about the hearts of the worshippers. True worship is about having a deep, heartfelt response to the real Jesus, who is the object of our worship.

By focusing on Jesus, cultivating a heart of gratitude, practicing humility, engaging in corporate worship, and being open to the Holy Spirit, we can ensure that our worship is flowing from a place of deep, heartfelt response to the real Jesus. And as we worship in spirit and truth, we can be a witness to others of the power and love of Jesus Christ.