Here are two ways we often approach worship in a gathered setting:

1. We are singing in order to fill up space
2. We are singing to prepare our hearts for the preaching

I disagree with both. Here is why…

• Worship is not a preview (singing) to a movie (sermon) that we can’t wait to hear and see. Worship is the central reason why we exist, and why we gather together. All else is circumference, and all else serves the end goal of worshipping God. [Update: I understand that all aspects of a corporate gathering are meant to be worshipful, including the sermon; I’m speaking here specifically about worship through singing. We worship through the sermon by listening, but we worship through singing by responding to what was done in our hearts by the sermon]

• Worship is not meant to prepare our hearts for the Word of God. Rather, the Word of God is meant to prepare our hearts to worship! God reveals Himself to us so that we can respond to Him. This response is called “worship!”

When was the last time you responded to something God has revealed?