As I entered the chapel at the Bible College, the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable in the room. The praise team was leading the congregation in worship and people were engaged in an experience of the presence of God. As I stood to speak, I was overwhelmed with the Spirit’s presence and stood silently basking in the presence of almighty God. The students and faculty were silent, as well, as we intentionally quieted ourselves, noting though the singing had stopped, the worship was continuing.
In John 4:23-24 we read, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well invites a variety of conversations as she seeks to truly understand who the man is who is speaking to her. Her focus on worship defined by location, brings about Jesus’ emphasis on the heart of worship that is based in spirit and truth.
Worship, though often understood in terms of an experience we have on Sunday morning, is much more expansive. In Romans 12:1 we read, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Paul encourages us to see worship as surrender and our desire to seek the Lord with our whole lives. Paul continues in verse 2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our surrender worships the Lord as the Lord works in us to renew us and give us direction for our lives.
Over the past four years, Living the Adventure Ministries has become more focused on inviting people into a worship experience through our annual Nights of Prayer and Praise. We also continue to proclaim and encourage people to experience self-surrender as they worship the Lord in their daily lives and to worship the Lord with their service in mission in their communities and around the world. Our desire is to see transformation as we worship the Lord in spirit and in truth through songs, surrender, and service.
How are you worshiping the Lord through songs, surrender, and service? I pray you will consider the ways you can worship the Lord every day of your life.
Prayer: Lord, I love to worship with gathered believers to experience the power of your presence. I also thank you for your invitation to worship through surrender and service. Give me strength and grace each day that I might worship you in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.