Priorities In Worship, Part 5

Priorities In Worship, Part 5

Hebrews 10, 24–25

Hebrews 10:22-25NKJV Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:22-25MSG So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

The threefold goal of worship is to, honor God, strengthen the church, and impact the world.

If these three adjectives are to be accomplished in our worship, then we must follow the biblical pattern for worship.

There are seven essential components of an effective worship service.

1. Powerful prayer.

2. Meaningful music.

3. Passionate praise

4. Tithing and giving.

5. Preaching the word.

6. Teaching the word.

7. Personal testimonies.

Let’s look at each one of these:

1. Powerful Prayer. -Prayer was a priority in the Old Testament temple. When king Solomon dedicated the new temple, the Lord responded by filling the house with his glory.

Then the Lord spoke to Solomon and the people, saying, 2 Chronicles 7:15-16NKJV “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”

The Lord’s promise demonstrates that he was not interested so much in the burnt offerings, sacrifices, and the rituals. -Instead, the Lord spoke of his house, as a chosen and sanctified place where prayer would be answered.

Jesus taught the priority a prayer.

Jesus told his disciples that prayer was a priority for the individual believer, and for the church. Jesus’ emphasis on prayer caused him to utter a powerful remark concerning the purpose of the church.

Mark 11,17NKJV “Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.”

What comes to mind when we say the word church?

-It is common today for the church to be called- A house of worship, a house of preaching, a house of fellowship, a house of service, or a house of music.

However, Jesus insisted that the church should be called, a house of prayer for all nations.

Without sincere prayer, Worship is empty. Without prayer, the church cannot fulfill its mission in the world.

Paul taught the priority a Prayer. -The apostle Paul affirms very strongly the priority of prayer and worship.

Writing to Timothy, Paul gives instructions for the proper conduct of worship. Paul begins by this command;

1 Timothy, 2, 1NKJV “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,”

When, describing the worship service, Paul emphasizes prayer first of all.

-Along with the ministries of music and preaching, the ministry of prayer is a powerful aspect of the churches influence in the world.

The early church practiced fervent prayer. Remember the apostles Peter? In prison, and most likely headed to be killed.

The church prayed fervently, Peter was awakened, and instructed to leave. Locked iron gates was no match for God.

Again, Prayer was a vital part of worship in the early church. Even before the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, the disciples gathered for worship….Act1:14…and they all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.

Acts 2:42NKJV “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Why would we not think that prayer is vital for the twenty first century?

In Paul’s instructions to Timothy, Paul mentions different kinds of prayer. -Supplication. Prayers. Intercession’s.

Along with these three categories, the New Testament speaks of prayer in terms of asking, seeking, invocation, and petition.

The most common Greek term that is translated as prayer is used for all types of prayer.

Some New Testament terms suggest that the following types of prayer should be offered during worship services.

Invoke. An invocation is a prayer that calls upon the Lord to answer. Normally we speak of invocation as the opening prayer that calls upon God to be present in the worship service and to bless the churches time together.

1 Peter 1:17TPT “Since you call on him as your heavenly Father, the impartial Judge who judges according to each one’s works, live each day with holy awe and reverence throughout your time on earth.”