There's so much that can be said about this...
It sets the tone, prepares the way (and the heart) for the message,
is an end in itself,
is not, or should not be, a performance,
should be filled with active audience participation.
The song, "The Heart of Worship" says it best...
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
- Matt Redman
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it.
Forgive us, Lord.
That works for prayer, too.
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it.
Set us free to worship You, Lord.
And to pray as we ought.
Forgive our carelessness.
Forgive our unbelieving.
Unite our hearts to fear Your Name.
Cut away the pretense in both worship and prayer.
We are thirsty. Fill us.
Fill us to overflowing.
That through us others might find the Living Water.
It's not about us.
It's about You.
And it's about them.