I've had a very hard time starting this "worship leading" segment of my blog because it's such a huge subject to talk about. AND I haven't mastered it (not that I'm meant to). In fact, I'd like to invite any worship leaders who read this to write some God given testimonies or suggestions on how we all can be better worship leaders.
One thing that God has really been showing me lately is how prayer heavily effects my worship. Sounds like a pretty basic thing and something that every Christian needs. It's true, but for some reason I don't latch on to that truth near as much as I need to. Romans 12:12 says "be faithful in prayer". 1Thessalonians 5:17 reads "Pray continually". I think my philosophy a lot of the time is more like "pray when you think about. ESPECIALLY, though, before you get up in front of people and lead them to the throne of God." That's Second Opinions Chapter 1 verse 1.
I was reminded of this truth this past weekend. For our annual summer youth camp we decided to go to a camp up in the mountains of Chatsworth. In order to tell you how God worked I have to tell you the truth. The band was pretty bad. They'd only been together for about 2 weeks and were still trying to figure out the songs. Sometimes they were off key, sometimes of tempo and most of the time a distraction…for me. After meeting the leader of the band, I quickly realized the guy loves the Lord. He prays continuously for the youth and himself that they would see our King. The Holy Spirit prompted me to pray harder for this band and the same things this guy was praying for. You could say that the last night of camp is always the best and you're right, you could say that the speaker was probably awesome you're right there too. But I can't deny God's presence in the room that Saturday night. The band was the same old band but GOD was there. Students came down front to give their heart to Christ, boys put aside their pride and became men, girls put aside their differences and worshipped together. I'm pretty sure that every hand in the room was raised unless the person was falling on their knees in worship.
The point is this: If we humble yourselves before the Lord (James 4:10) and constantly pray to a merciful God (1 Thess. 5:17) we won't have to "prepare ourselves" for worship. We will just be doing all that we know how to do and people will want to join in! I can't get myself ready to worship on Wednesday night. It has to be flowing out of me everyday. Then and only then will I see God's blessings in worship.
Thank you Jesus for allowing us to talk to you always and forgive me for being so easily distracted. Help us to become better…prayers. We love you!
Bless you guys!
Hec
Comments
I, too, am easily distracted when praying and instead of it being a part of my everyday routine, it becomes another task on my to do list. Why isn't prayer the first thing I reach for each morning? I wouldn't leave the house without making sure I had my keys, my purse and my lunch. Why do I leave the house without first thanking God for another day full of blessings? I am often involved with worship at our church, whether it be playing, singing or preaching. God likes to remind me (because I so often need reminding) that it's not about me or my message or my choice of song or how well I performed. It's about HIM and HIS message. And when I stop, take the time to pray and listen to what he has in store for me and our congregation, only then does the service come together.
Carol Ann
Prayer is the most important in our life, I had visit one place in Phils, a lot of people said for 6 months no rain maybe you will bring rain in this place. I answered them Yes, God will bring rain and i will pray on that evening i asked God,Praise God the next day. God answered my prayer.
You are absolutely correct. We just recently lost our youth pastor like so many other churches in our area. Sad situation - Satan is having his way. I love your youth pastor posts. I have been working with youth and pre-teens for going on 8 years and love every minute of it. I continue to try and do what I can despite opposition to wait on a youth pastor from some of the church members - if we wait and don't step up to do God's work, the kids will be gone. Please pray for our church and our youth. God Bless You for your ministry and the blessings from the gifts that God has given you all.
What a world we stay in!!?! It just shows us all as much as the fools we are…
I love your youth pastor posts. I have been working with youth and pre-teens for going on 8 years and love every minute of it. I continue to try and do what I can despite opposition to wait on a youth pastor from some of the church members - if we wait and don't step up to do God's work, the kids will be gone.
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