Prayer doesn’t work. God works.  

I often hear people say things like “I prayed, but it didn’t work.” The implications of that statement are, 1: I know better than God, 2: God should do what I ask, when I ask it, or 3: Prayer apart from God has the power to change things.

Prayer is not about requests. Prayer is about obedience. Prayer draws us into alignment with God and His will. When instructed how to pray to God in Matt. 6:10, Jesus says “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.” 

So when we practice “prayer requests” in prayer meetings and church services, the request aspect of our interaction with God should be modeled after the heart of Christ. Even Jesus, who was in His very nature one with God the Father, did not act with a sense of entitlement. Christ desired to do the will of the Father, and Jesus’ motives were levied with a sense of compassion for those in need.

There is difference between praying with a sense of compassion and entitlement. Entitlement implies that I should receive what I ask for in prayer because I am a Christian, Jesus loves me, and I prayed in Jesus’ Name so he needs to keep His promise and give me what I asked for (misapplying John 14:13-14).

However, praying in the Name of Christ Jesus is not a formula. Praying in Jesus’ Name is praying in His identity. Name equals identity. Praying in Jesus’ Name means praying in the compassionate heart of Christ. It means that I am willing to forego my will for the will of God, even if it’s uncomfortable. It means that the foundation of my request is the glorification of the Father God (accurately applying John 14:13-14).

Prayer doesn’t work. God works. Prayer allies us with God’s work. God calls us to pray in a way that we see the Kingdom of heaven overcome the kingdom of the world. Let’s partner with God in His ministry with a heart of compassion and loving-kindness for His glory and His Namesake, and see Him work in amazing and miraculous ways through our prayers. 

God will fill you with His Holy Spirit in equal measure to how much of yourself you are willing to pour out.   In other words, there’s not enough room in your heart for both you and God. 

In Philippians chapter 2 we’re called to “do nothing from selfish ambition,” and “not look to our own interests.”  The passage then gives us a vivid description of an example from the life of Christ Jesus when it literally says that Christ “emptied himself.”  Then Paul goes on to describe his own experience of being “poured out like a drink offering,” over the sacrifice and service of the faith of the Philippians. 

The imagery Paul is using is intentionally building a word-picture of the transaction that takes place when we pour ourselves out.  Paul is leaning on his Jewish heritage and pointing to the daily sacrifices that are called for in Exodus 29:38-46.  With the daily sacrifices of the lambs (Christ is our Lamb of sacrifice), a wine drink-offering was also offered.  God promises in return: “I will meet you and speak to you… and I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.”

People who live in right relationship with God pour themselves out to make room for the Holy Spirit and live for His glory.  But the Holy Spirit is not filled into us for us to cap off and keep – it’s filled into us for us to pour out onto others to live in right relationship with them, thusly making room for more filling.

If you are seeking more of the Holy Spirit, how are you pouring yourself out – your ambitions, will, entitlement, and desires – to make room for Him?  And how are you going to pour His Spirit out on others for God's glory?

This scripture passage has been ringing in my ears for the last week: Isaiah 66:2, “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” 

To be favored by God is to be blessed out of the abundance of His strength and glory. But those who God favors are not those who seek favor.  As Isaiah says in chapter 66, it’s not those who practice the routine rituals of religion that find favor with the Lord.  Instead, those who tremble at the word of the Lord with humility are favored. 

So, do I come to church and worship God to stay on God’s good side – repeating the rituals of singing, praying, hearing His Word, and taking the Eucharist to maintain good-standing in God’s eyes? Or do I genuinely worship God to affirm Him in the correct position of Lordship and put myself in the correct position of subordinate?

The Lord finds favor in me when I take the position of subordinate. I can’t skip this step to achieve favor, nor can I concoct a worship-formula to create favor. I can only be humble and repentant, and tremble at His word. 

Jesus didn’t tear the Veil expecting that we would still wait outside the Holy of Holies. Instead, we are ushered into the Holy of Holies. But what does that mean for Christian worship today?

The Old Testament form of Tabernacle worship lays the foundation for our New Testament interaction with God. Let’s journey through the Tabernacle, it’s worship iconography, and assimilate ourselves into the flow of approaching the Throne of God the way He intended. This does not imply how a worship service must be ordered, but it does outline how we as worshippers should approach God in a three-fold progression: We are cleansed by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and enter into community with the Father.

The Inner Court had two implements of worship:
1. The Altar.
Old Testament: Located in the inner court, offerings were brought by Hebrew families to atone for their sin. The offerings were wholly consumed by fire, illustrating the destructive nature of sin and the need for total consecration.
New Testament: Jesus’ death on the cross is the atonement sacrifice for Christians. We remember this through the sharing of Communion.

2. The Laver.
Old Testament: Also located in the inner court, the washing basin speaks of our need for cleansing before entering into the presence of the most holy God.
New Testament: Baptism represents spiritual cleansing through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Implication: As we enter into worship in the "Inner Court," we begin by recognizing that we are imperfect beings entering the presence of our perfect God, and that Christ has cleansed us of the sin that holds us back from being with Him.

The Holy Place had three implements of worship:
3. The Table of Showbread.
Old Testament: Located on the north side of the Holy Place, the loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel; and symbolized the consecration of Israel to the Lord, their acceptance of God as their God, and their gift of first-fruits before the Lord.
New Testament: Sacrificial offering of our money and goods is an act of worship to God.

4. The Candelabrum.
Old Testament: Located on the south side of the Holy Place, each burning flame symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the Word of God and enables us to perceive spiritual things.
New Testament: The gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost illuminates our souls and helps us comprehend the ways of God.

5. The Altar of Incense.
Old Testament: Located in front of the Holy of Holies, the priest offered prayers on behalf of the people, and the rising smoke of the incense symbolized the prayers rising to the Lord.
New Testament: Christ offers prayers on our behalf, and our prayers unite with His and rise as sweet perfume to the Father.

Implication: As we continue worshipping God in the "Holy Place," we are empowered to move closer into community with Him by the flowing of His Holy Spirit. And let us also remember that our prayers rise before God, not of our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit through Christ.

The Holy of Holies had two implements of worship:
6. The Veil.
Old Testament: A curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies – the holiest place where God dwelt amongst His people. Only the spiritually consecrated priest could enter.
New Testament: The Veil was torn away at the death of Jesus, allowing all people who accept Christ to venture into the presence of God.

7. The Ark of the Covenant, also called the Mercy Seat.
Old Testament: Located in the center of the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant. It held the law and other memorabilia of God’s deliverance, and was also the Mercy Seat – the throne of God’s presence.
New Testament: All people who accept the sacrifice of Jesus are allowed to have fellowship with the Living God.

Implication: As we continue worshipping God into the "Holy of Holies," we enter into focused community with the Father. He beckons us into His presence for both His delight and ours, and it is the fulfillment of why we were created in the first place.

Allow me to address a few erroneous phrases about worship that I’ve heard over the years from well-intentioned, Bible-believing Christians.

My responses to the following statements are based on the presupposition that the word worship implies the communal singing time in church; and that worship is simply attributing worth, glory, honor, and praise to God without any strings attached because He is worthy of it. I am not cynical, nor am I trying to judge others, and I absolutely love the organized Church in all its forms. I simply want to unpack some often used phrases that are, in my opinion, inaccurate. So let’s begin, shall we…

“Worship is for tilling the soil and getting my heart ready for the sermon.” This understanding of worship really implies that singing praises to God is for YOUR benefit, and that YOU desire to get something out of it, and that YOU expect to be refocused and centered. This is really missing the point of giving a gift to God.

“I don’t need to go to church to worship, I can worship God on my own.” We can worship God on our own, but we’re also instructed to worship God in community. Scripture commands us time and again to love one another. So, how can we love one another if we’re never around one another and never get to know one another? Church gatherings and /or small groups are important.

“I was late to church and missed the opening worship, but I made it in time for the sermon.” What you’re really saying is, “I am happy to receive from You God, but I have no desire to give anything to You.” Oopsie.

“I don’t like traditional worship or rock and roll worship, I prefer acoustic worship.” I understand that we all have opinions about musical style, but did you stop to ask if God has an opinion about you? You may be bringing Him praise in a style that you like, but maybe He’s saying, “I don’t like the worship of snobby or opinionated people, I prefer a sacrifice of praise.” So, don’t let musical style dictate your worship of the Almighty God.

“I don’t like to sing, but I worship by serving.” True to a point. But there’s actually a Greek word for worship through service (latreuo), and a word for worship through expressions of praise and reverence (proskuneo). We’re called to do both – it’s not an either / or. Furthermore, spoken and sung words have tremendous weight in the Kingdom of God; so don’t withhold your words.

“I like it better when (insert name) leads worship.” Worship leaders provide music and lyrics for the church to worship God with. Then it’s the churches responsibility to take these elements and make a masterpiece of praise for God regardless of who’s leading. We should focus on God, and not man.

“So-And-So Church has great worship.” Worship is a verb. This is like saying that the gym has great run. It makes no sense. Worship is what you do to bring God praise – what YOU do. Any church you visit should have great worship because you’re bringing God great worship in the midst of that gathering.

“I just couldn’t get into worship this morning.” Whether you felt it or not, God was pleased by your effort to praise Him. He knows your heart, and knows your life situation. Maybe with this phrase we’re better off taking the extra time to articulate what we actually meant: “I didn’t feel like worshipping, but I did it anyways because I know God appreciates the effort.”

I could keep going, but let me wrap this up by offering you this reminder: When you talk about worship, your talking about your offering given freely to God – not a church or style. So, represent your worship with enthusiasm, and as a gift worthy of being presented to a King.

It’s easy to think that God is constantly talking to us like a radio station, and it’s up to us to tune in and listen when we want to hear from Him, and tune out when we’re finished. Unfortunately, this understanding of hearing God speak is inaccurate and causes frustration when we don’t sense that we hear anything at all. Furthermore, the problem with this understanding is two-fold: First, it assumes that God is constantly talking, and second, it puts the power on us to listen or tune out according to our will.

A better way to think about hearing from God is this: Our “radio” is always tuned to God’s station, and we are prepared to receive when God is ready to broadcast. This is why we are commanded to “pray continually” (1 Thes. 5:17).

Now, this is not to say that God isn’t with us. God is always with us by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, and is guiding us as our Councilor. However, sometimes God chooses to be strategically silent. When God is silent, it causes us to lean in and listen more intently, and to pay close attention when He speaks. Throughout the history of God’s interaction with man, God practiced times of silence – the Prophets experienced it, the nation of Israel experienced it, and we Christians experience it.

Don’t become discouraged if you don’t hear God speak. Instead, stay tuned in and listen intently for God’s next broadcast.

One of the main questions I’m asked as a pastor is, “How does God speak to you… is it in an audible voice?” The short answer is no, and there’s good reason for it. To put it simply, when God speaks in an audible voice, things go boom. Speaking and words have profound power when wielded by God. For example, when God spoke, creation was formed. When God spoke, the Law was given. When God spoke, He blessed His son Jesus.

When God speaks, what He says happens. This can present a problem if God’s intention is not to dictate to us, but instead to lead us. If we are to have any participation in the outcome of God’s will, God won’t speak it because then we don’t have room to opt in or out. Instead, God communicates with us by His Holy Spirit through visions, dreams, and prophets; or by angelic messengers.

Since most of us have not been visited by an angel, that leaves visions, dreams, and prophets as the main transmission of God’s will. Visions are soul-shaking ideas that pop into your head and result in a holy desire to accomplish the mission God has tasked you with. Dreams are the anticipation of a better future when God’s will is applied. Prophetic words are when God gives a vision or dream to another person regarding your life, and that person speaks it to you on God’s behalf – either introducing God’s will to you, or confirming it for you.

For more on this subject, check out my blog post from September 19, 2008 titled “Hearing God Speak.”

Our church’s mission statement is “to help unchurched people become whole-hearted followers of Jesus Christ,” which means our target audience is pretty broad – both unchurched people and whole-hearted followers. Added to this dichotomy are the main reasons why unchurched people won’t attend a church: “Church is boring and they just want my money.” Meanwhile, a lot of Christians actually like contemplative (read: boring) worship services, and actually like tithing! So, how do we plan a worship service that is meaningful for such a broad base of people?

Addressing the money issue is easy – we don’t pass an offering plate, but instead we encourage our regular attenders to tithe as an act of worship by using offering boxes in the back of the auditorium. However, planning un-boring yet worshipful services is much more difficult.

Our worship leadership team plans worship services with this statement in mind: “WHAT we do is whole-hearted worship. HOW we do it is in the language of the people.” So stylistically, our worship looks and feels like something one would experience at a concert or show, including flashing lights and big guitar solos. This style is based on our demographic’s preferred musical styles and genres: Pop-Rock and New-Country. However, we do not aim to put on a show; we aim to lead worship.

To make sure we accomplish our goal and find the balance between performance and worship, we plan worship elements using this continuum: BORING --> INSPIRING --> DISTRACTING. If our worship style is too contemplative, it may be perfect for worshippers, but boring for the unchurched guest. If our worship is too performancey, it may be exciting for unchurched guests, but distracting for the whole-hearted worshipper. So, we try to plan an un-boring and inspiring worship service without overshooting our goal and ending up in the distracting category.

Sure, sometimes we undershoot and sometimes we overshoot; but we never give up trying to inspire everyone to whole-heartedly worship God.

Frustration with God arises when we expect God to be bigger than our problems, but treat Him like He’s smaller. Our faith in God is measured by our actions and attitude in response to negative stimuli, and how we expect God to act on our behalf in a situation. If we have little faith, little problems will seem bigger than we can handle; but if we have big faith, little problems won’t destroy us – and every problem is truly little in light of eternity.

The Scriptures are filled with awesome stories of God’s greatness – from the creation of the universe and the world on which we live, to setting apart a people for Himself and caring for them from generation to generation, to the resurrection of Christ from the dead – proving that there is nothing that God is unable to deliver us from. So, as Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Let God be big.

‘Tis the season to buy lots and lots of stuff. It all starts on Thanksgiving Day, when we stop and give thanks for everything we have. Then, beginning at 4 a.m. on Black Friday, we go out and buy everything else we don’t have.

Not that there’s anything wrong with the holiday spending frenzy or giving gifts, but I realized this year that we don’t really know how to give gifts. After all, we love our family members enough to go buy them gifts, but we don’t love them enough to pay full price. We seek out the best deals – 40% off sales, 2 for 1 deals, Price-buster coupons – and give our loved ones the bare minimum by spending as little as we possibly can.

This is contrary to how God gives gifts. The first Christmas gift – Jesus Christ – cost the Father everything. He held nothing back by sharing His only Son with us, and letting Jesus die on the cross for our sins. A costly gift. Priceless.

So, in light of the Father’s gift-giving, how fully do we bring our gifts of worship to Him? Do we worship Him sacrificially, giving up everything to Him? Or do we worship God with a coupon mentality, bringing Him the bare minimum percentage of our hearts?

This season let the birth of Jesus Christ remind us what it truly means to give sacrificially, and in the same way, share every part of ourselves with the Father in worship.