The Heart of Worship. Climbing up Mt. Zion.

Yes, finally! After digging up practically all the dusty and dirty things in my storeroom and my room, I've managed to found something that tells me most principles concerning- Having the Heart of Worship. Phew!

Before divulging anything further, there are some areas that I would like to share with all of you, my dear brothers and sisters.

At a praise and worship, are there times where you felt that you don't have the "oomph" (the special feeling that makes you to just surrender everything and just want to praise HIM) and totally felt that Jesus was not present there? How about the times where you're so distracted when the musicians/ worship leaders that are supposed to lead you into worship becomes an obstacle instead of a guide to bring you to HIM? Getting distracted when the worship leaders went off-key/sound awful, musicians playing the wrong chord etc? Or when pride takes over and at times you feel you can even do better than them (Singing/playing/leading) = Pride?

These was how I used to feel and I always ponder on how we can have a heart of worship for our God...
At this point in time, you must be asking: "Joel! What are the steps for me to have a heart of worship! How should we be really approaching each praise and worship?"

Now, it's time for me to reveal the notes that I found!

Last year, a group of us from Zion's Joy went for the "Integrity Media Asia and Campus Crusade Worship Seminar-2005" and the topic was on : " Developing a Biblical View of Intimate Worship" by Robert Brenner from Integrity Music.

He had shared with us TEN major worship principles which I had found them really meaningful and had made me to have a clearer picture on the concept of having a heart of worship.

Worship Principles:

1. Worship is central to life.

2. Worship is a journey, not a destination (Worship is not just being there during the praise and worship, but living our lives out as a worship to God. Living worship as a lifestyle)

3. True worship is an obedient response to God, His call and His work in our lives.

4. Worship is ultimately about substance, not form or style.

5. Intimate worship comes as the results of "knowing" God as a friend (e.g David & Moses)

6. The call to lead worshippers is to faithfully bring others to that "river of worship" and offer them the opportunity to "jump into" God's presence and know His Glory--> In short, Bringing Jesus to others, and others to Jesus through worship. *However, we must be good worshippers as well.

7. Worship is about SURRENDER, not performance.

8. True worship causes others to see "Christ in you, the hope of glory"

9. Worship IS Jesus.

10. Worship is a CHOICE. (If we just based on feelings, aren't we doing Jesus an injustice? He deserves to be Praised all the time!)

I think most of you have gotten most of your questions answered by just these 10 principles and I agree it is truly difficult trying to achieve a heart of worship but we shall all try as a community. Amen?

Testimony

An affirmation from God

After the session, we had a long period of prayer and during the prayer, Robert Brenner had a message from God. He said, "there is something joyful over there, on my left (which is the right side of the theater, pointing around Our area) , definitely something about Joy. The Lord is pleased with your group and is asking you to continue with your ministry to administer to your people."

It was only when Mervyn Lek told me that I realised that Robert Brenner was talking about us. Zion's Joy. When I heard that, I was just so impressed and amazed on how God works through His people. How profound and complex is Our God! Till now, I take this to heart and I hope that this testimony will be a confirmation to all my fellow ZJ members and all of our brothers and sisters out there who are working endlessly in their ministries to give Our God the glory. Hang in there! Our Lord affirms and guide, precise and accurate all the time. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you."

" True Worship is to be so personally and hopelessly in love with God that the idea of a transfer of affection (doing anything else) never even remotely exists" A.W Tozer

Joel