Hey Mr Tambourine Man

Yesterday's time of worship was very different to the previous week's. Any worship leader will tell you that every session is different. Last week, from the first note played, the congregation hit the ground running and we galloped forward into the Lord's presence. Yesterday was very different. I really liked what John said about 'honouring the musicians'; a concept I'd not really thought about before. He explained that one of the reasons why he sat at the front is so he can really worship with passion and enthusiasm and in so doing, encourage the music team. It can be very demoralising to be leading worship and see a congregation idly sat in their chairs not engaging with the Lord. It can also be very frustrating, especially when you've got there early on Sunday morning to practice and are expending time, effort and energy to see others enjoy God's presence in the same way that you have during the practice!

John also pointed out that our time of worship was quite hard work for a time and the temptation is that we just give up, sit down and move on. What was so good about yesterday was we didn't give up but persevered. As much as we would like it to be easy, there are times when we need to make a decision to worship, no matter what the cost. I really felt we began to breakthrough in the song 'I'll Remember You' as we sang the refrain 'Hallelujah'. It contained a strong power and presence of the Lord and was noticeably different from the first part of the meeting.

So much of our corporate times of worship have very little to do with the worship team and everything to do with the congregation and the overflow of Holy Spirit life (or lack of it) in their lives. Come ready to worship and engage with God. We all have busy lives and I wonder how many of us come to Church on Sunday prepared to do business with Him? Think what sort of an impact that would have on our times of worship!