Jesus Our Lord

Preaching will pierce the heart and soul of people when there has been much prayer by Christians and preachers that have a heart for God and His Word.

Preaching is supernatural. Preaching will bring a person to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Preaching will make a person that has lived in a pathway of sin to realize the error of his ways and run to the throne room of God’s loving grace. Preaching will cause a person, a city or even a nation to live right, act right, think right – God’s right way. That kind of power is available in preaching but it will only be found if preaching has been soaked in prayer.

With prayer the light of heaven is on every word spoken. With prayer the very life of God is breathed into ever word preached. Prayer will cause the anointing of the Holy Spirit to rest on every word like thick oil. Only when the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit is smeared on people’s hearts, minds, souls and bodies can there be conviction of the hardened sinner, healing of broken hearts, inspiration and hope given when in the natural there should never be any.

Prayer soaked preaching will make such powerful preaching that people will tremble in their seats with a holy reverence and joy unspeakable and full of glory. With prayer soaked preaching people will come to the reality that God is real, He is in the room with them, and that there is nothing impossible for Him to do. To the lost teenager, God will quickly become their God and no longer will He just be grandmother’s God and mother’s God, He will be their God.

Only by prayer will the anointing, the oil of the Holy Spirit rest on the message preached until people are totally captivated by the realities of God, His Word, Heaven and Hell, and the love found in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for them. People will see their deep need for a closer relationship to a loving and holy God. They will come away full, and satisfied, having feasted on Living Bread. Having tasted and seen the Goodness of God.

Preaching that has much anointing and oil on it requires “the earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” (AMP) The anointing oil that will result from that type of prayer will be so great that the effect will be endless. Whole families, churches, cities and nations can be transformed by the full glories found in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Only with “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man will we see the Greatest Awakening that we must have right now

To Continue Click:

Heart To Heart Ministries, founded and directed by Mike and Denise Hartmann-Echterling. http://www.h2hm.org/preachingpower.html

About the Author

Mike and Denise Hartmann-Echterling and Hart To Heart Ministries minister around the world. Denise sings, teaches and with a heart of love allows the power of God to touch the hearts and lives of people. Mike with great passion preaches on the heights that are obtainable to see Christians as they walk in the authority that has been given to them through the cross of Christ. Visit: http://www.h2hm.org

Technorati Tags: Bible, Christianity, Jesus Christ, prayer, preaching

Being a Christian you have this amazing gift of being able to interact with the Most High God! God is in our lives in every way possible directing our paths. Amazing, and what amazes me further is the fact that we get to speak with our Creator on a continual basis, day by day, hour by hour, even down to the second if we choose so. This act is called prayer.

I am asked quite frequently by Christians, “How do I pray?” I believe there are many ways to pray, but I would like to discuss one which I believe to be the most natural way to pray.

First, I want you to imagine that you are at your childhood home. You get up in the morning as you do everyday and you can smell breakfast cooking and your Mom singing in the kitchen. Your Dad is drinking coffee in the kitchen. You walk downstairs and there is evidence of them being all around you but you barely acknowledge them. Time passes through the day. You have lunch, maybe saying hi and thanking your parents for the food exactly as you did the day before. More time passes as you do your chores. Soon the afternoon passes with no interaction. It’s night time, you sit for dinner and again possibly saying thanks for the food. Night has fallen and you watch a T.V. show and go to bed. Just before you retire for the evening you tell your parents, “How thou art great and thou art wonderful parents” and as you are speaking you gently fall asleep in mid-sentence!

Sound a little strange? As abundant as your parents are in your life you barely communicate with them and when you do, you use strange words unlike your typical rhetoric through the day!? Yet this is how God is often treated by us. Avoided most of the day and spoken to with ready made cookie cutter prayers.

There are many reasons that we may not pursue God in prayer more often. One reason is that we may feel vain in thinking that we can actually speak to the “Great I Am” without using specific times like dinner, and bedtime, and using formidable words like thou and thee. However, this is not true.

One of my favorite names for God is Abba or as it could break down, “Daddy – a loving and trusting Father.” And He wants us to come to him on a continual basis. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to, “Pray without ceasing.” If it is suggested that I can pray without ceasing, then every second must be suitable for prayer. There would not be a specific time or place that would be more suitable for prayer, meaning our communication lines are wide open and our Father is ready to hear us any moment through the day.

Understand and recognize that your “Heavenly Daddy” is with you never leaving 24/7. He is there in the good and the bad, thick and thin and He wants you to tell Him about it in your own words, crying out if need be! So how do you pray? Start by just opening your mouth and your heart and in your own words – pray.

For more on how you can participate in personal growth and help improve the lives of the unfortunate and downtrodden please contact us at the web-site below.
http://www.mylifechange.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Johns
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Absolute-Best-Form-of-Communication&id=2867111

Technorati Tags: Bible, communion, God, Jesus, ministry, prayer

One of the ways we can develop greater health and greater success is to develop some of these habits below. These habits have secular origins, but I believe that they demonstrate the truth in Scripture.

Psalm 77:11-13 (King James Version)

I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?

One of the lessons in our e-book discusses the process of recalling all God has done. It comes from Psalm 77:11-13 and I believe exercising in this does several things. Some of these insights come from reading a decidedly secular book called “Learned Optimism.”

Again, because the origin comes from a psychologist shows that the outcome is true with empirical evidence, even if their attribution of the practice is not from a Christian world view.

Recall positive outcomes from the past

“Surely I will remember Your wonders of old” instructs us to try to see the past that shapes us with wonder of God’s hand. This creates resiliency for our current circumstances.

See the negatives as temporary

“You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble” puts into perspective that even the worse situations we may be facing are temporary. When we allow that mindset, we become more resilient in the world and trusting in God. In fact, it strengthens the faith we need today to see his faithfulness of yesterday.

Freedom from helplessness

“I cannot stop thinking about your might works” gives us the ability to act and confidence that we are not alone and helpless. Helplessness (often learned helplessness) leads to disempowering states like depression. But when we follow these words and meditate in what God has done, we begin to see everything else in a different optic.

These three aspects come from living a life that recalls all that God has done. They’ve shown that people who take the types of actions which can be derived from this mindset are more successful and live longer.

How often do people meditate on God’s “wonderful deeds of long ago“?

Parker Jaymes
Author: “Hundredfold Now!”
Free 7-Day Course at: http://www.HundredfoldNow.com/7Days

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Parker_Jaymes
http://EzineArticles.com/?Meditating-on-Gods-Works-Creates-Optimism-For-Success-and-Health&id=2813188

Technorati Tags: abundant life, Bible, Christianity, God, Jesus, Life, meditation, Personal Relationship, prayer, Scriptures

God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness. Titus 2:11-12 (The Message)

Jesus Our Lord

In today’s society we are all faced with the challenge of living self-disciplined, godly lives in an environment that if filled with ungodliness, corruption, and worldly passions. Self-discipline includes saying “No” to all that is evil. Jesus has freed us from the power of sin in our lives and empowers us to live upright and godly lives. Through his sacrifice for us, we now appear before God as pure, holy, and righteous. He has given us new life. Our challenge is to allow him to mold us into his likeness so that our daily walk will manifest his character before the world in a way that our lives will be a magnet drawing others to Him.

Prayer:

LORD, God of Jesus, my Abba Father, I praise you for your costly grace and love demonstrated to me in Jesus. Now galvanize my commitment to say “No!” to all those sins that required my Savior’s pain and humiliation. Through your Spirit, form in me a righteous lifestyle that is self-controlled and is reflective of your righteousness. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. The prayer is quoted From: Heart light Organization, on line daily devotions

Richard R. Blake, Christian Editorial Consultant, Freelance Writer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_R_Blake
http://EzineArticles.com/?Living-Godly-Lives-in-Todays-Culture&id=2911757

Technorati Tags: Bible, Christianity, God, Jesus, Life, lifestyle, prayer, Titus

Mathew 9:35-37

When Jesus was preaching the word to the people, many came from all parts of the world to see him and hear from him. Most expected for God to move in there lives and break them free from the bondage that suppressed them. At one time, he looked at them and saw what they had to go through to just come and be ministered to by him. Some even fainted from hunger. He was moved with compassion for them and declared that the harvest was plenteous but the workers were few. He said, “Pray you therefore the Lord of the Harvest send forth laborers into the harvest.”

Jesus Our Lord

Today, the same situation is being experienced all over the world. People are hungry and thirsty for God. Some cannot even afford to own the Bible. Some are too poor to afford any real investment in the true and living word. You are needed in reaching out to these people. God wants you to go to them for you can afford it. As Christians, we are all called to advance the word of God in one way or another.

It’s your duty to know how you are supposed to do this. Have you been called to minister the word or assist in the ministration? Note that everything and everybody is very important in the work of God. Whatever way God wants you to assist in taking the gospel to the four corners of the earth, make sure you obey him for you will never find personal gratification if you are not in his will. Realize that spreading the Gospel is number one priority to God. It should be your top priority too.

Angela Mwema is a messenger to the world with the true and living word of God. Please visit her site for more spiritual nourishment. This is http://angiepages.com/2009/08/24/everything-we-do-as-youths-will-come-back-to-us/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Mwema
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Workers-Are-Few&id=2908101

Technorati Tags: Bible, Christianity, God, harvest, Jesus, Life, Matthew, ministry, prayer

Articles on Worship
Worshiplinks.com collection of articles on worship and the arts.

Articles on Worship
A collection of articles by Ron Man on worship

Women in Worship
Articles for Women In Worship with Debbi Barnett on Experiencing Worship website

10 Ways To Worship Without Music
Article by Tobin Perry on Pastors.com shares ten habits that will build worship into your life on a daily basis

Worship and Rebuilding
Article by by William Mikler

Worship Intercession
Worship and intercession preceded Jesus on His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. So too, they will be important ingredients preparing the way for His return. article by Don Potter

Worship Styles
Article by Gregory C. Cochran examines the question: “Which way do you like to worship, spicy or mild?”

The Role of the Band in Worship
Article Daniel Fermaint looks a the role of the band in worship

Worship Leader Articles
A collection of article by Sally Morgenthaler on Sacramentis.com (“Re-imagining Worship for a New Millennium)” Morgenthaler’s vision is to move worship beyond presentation (information, performed music and preaching) to an interactive, sacred experience involving all the arts.

Acappella Worship Leader Articles 3 Song Stories
3 Song Stories by various from songs4worship.com  Here are the stories behind three popular worship songs: Don Moen’s Worthy, You Are Worthy, Darrell Evans’s Trading My Sorrows and Mercy Me’s Word of God Speak

Song Stories
What inspired the songwriter? The stories behind many contemporary worship classics

Songs of David Articles
Collection of article dedicated to the worship ministry

Worship Articles
Colin Owen has been involved in Christian music since 1988. He has an itinerant ministry, leading, and teaching on praise and worship, and preaching God’s Word. Here are some of his articles

A Servant’s Call To Worship
Donna Renay Patrick is a worship leader, musician, praise and worship conference instructor and the founder of WORDshop Ministries, a Christian, Word-based ministry focused on teaching your congregation the true meanings of praise and worship, and their significance to our lives as believers.

Genuine Worship: Articles
A web magazine centered around the topic of worship. Collection of articles on worship

Hebrew Words for Praise
A bible study that looks at 10 different Hebrew words for praise by Paul Vickers at eattheword.com

Love Song
The Song of Songs is a series of love poems, for the most part in the form of songs addressed by a man to a woman, and by the woman to the man. These songs have often been interpreted as a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Praise and Worship
Bible study outline at hisloveministries.org examines the Biblical basis of worship.  Include Hebrew word study.

Worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth
Bible study outline on the topic of worship

The Practice of the Presence of God
Classic transcript written by Father Lawrence.  In communion with Rome, a lay brother among the Carmelites, for several years a soldier, in an irreligious age, amid a sceptical people, yet in him the practice of the presence of GOD was as much a reality as the “watch” of the early Friends, and the “holy seed” in him and others was the “stock” (Isa. vi. 16) from which grew the household and evangelistic piety of the eighteenth century, of Epworth and of Moorfields.

Heart of Worship
By Rick Warren – Surrendering to God is not passive resignation, fatalism, or an excuse for laziness. It is not accepting the status quo. It may mean the exact opposite: sacrificing your life in resistance to evil and injustice, or suffering in order to change what needs to be changed.

Worship is More Than a List
Article by Jack D. Kinneer.  The author, an OP minister, is the founder and scholar in residence at Echo Hills Christian Study Center.

Worship God’s Glory
True worship is God-centered worship. People tend to get caught up in where they should worship, what music they should sing in worship, and how the worship looks to other people. Focusing on these things completely misses the point. Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in
truth (John 4:24). This means we worship from a pure heart!

Worship God in Dance
Article by Lucinda Coleman, a high school teacher, has been a dance co-ordinator at Gateway Baptist Church in Brisbane and now lives in Port Hedland, Western Australia. This article is adapted from her research on ‘Dance in the Church’, written as part of her studies at the Queensland University of
Technology. It briefly traces the history of dance in worship.

Beyond Self-Centered Worship
Written by Geoff Bullock who served as music pastor at Hills Christian Life Centre, Sydney.

Healing Through Worship
By Pastor Robert Colman the worship director at Blackburn Baptist Church, Melbourne. The work of Christ in redemption has one great end – it is to save humanity and restore us to the joy of knowing true worship.

A Heart for Worship
Author: Dr. Wayne Poplin of Carmel Baptist Church.  Worship involves seeing what God is worth and then giving Him what’s He’s worth.

Worship: Intimacy with God
by John and Carol Wimber Pastor John Wimber and his wife Carol are founding leaders of the Vineyard Christian Fellowships around the world.  We learned that what happens when we are alone with the Lord determines how intimate and deep the worship will be when we come together

The Spiritual Song
by Bob Johnson. Biblical Foundation and Practical Application.  One of the signs of renewal evidenced in congregational worship is the occurrence of some type of extemporaneous congregational song.

Prophetic Worship
This article is a sample chapter from Pastor Loren Sandford’s book, Prophetic Worship.

First Love-Prophetic Worship
We are prepared and called to minister the Word with regard to Davidical worship as well as the Christian walk. We have and are continuing to study the Word extensively in the area of Davidical worship and can impart to your worship team in this area as well as help to give vision and understanding to your congregation of the role they can play in prophetic worship and the song of the Lord.

Prophetic Worship
by John Paul Jackson.  Worship, by its very nature, is prophetic. Worship engages an omnipresent God who spans the dimension of time. Inherent in worship is a prophetic declaration of what has happened, what is happening now, and what is to come.

Developing the Prophetic in Worship
These are notes taken from a worship leaders conference meeting where Matt Redman was teaching.

Worship in the Spirit
by Andrew Murray

The Secret Place
by Smith Wigglesworth

The Moving Breath of the Spirit
by Smith Wigglesworth

The Secret Place
Find that cozy refuge for yourself, His comfort and healing presence. A commentary by Constance Vanides

The Secret Place of Prayer
Sermon Outline based on Matthew 6:1-8

Dwelling
in the Secret Place
Sermon by Pastor Donald Sheley

Into the Holy of Holies
Are you looking for a place to rest? Longing for peace in the midst of a hectic life? You can find both in the same place — the Holy of Holies.

The Holy Place and the Holy of Holies
The World Wide Ramifications Of The Tabernacle

Weeping Between the Porch and the Altar
Taken from a message of Leonard Ravenhill

The Worshiping Bride
Author: David Orton of Life Messenger.  Worship is how we are intimate with God. And to the degree our worship, whether in song, on instruments, or even in silence, issues from a pure heart of passion for God to that degree it will ascend as a sweet smelling aroma to him

Technorati Tags: Bible, Christianity, encourgement, Jesus, ministry, Personal Relationship, prayer, Worship

Invariably, every praise and worship team member is a leader in some way or another. The worship leader then is a leader of leaders. People tend to put those in the limelight at a pedestal, having an expectation that they should be able to perform to their expectations.

What then are the qualities that a leader should aspire to possess to enable them function effectively.

1. Be a Prayerful Person

   This is one of the most challenging areas of any christian. The Devil who knows the power of prayer often puts many people in the place of non-prayer. The power of prayer cannot be overemphasised, sufficient to say the prayer life of any worship leader directly affects his ministry. The scriptures encourage us to pray without ceasing. Jesus himself who was the son of God, spend many nights in prayer. How much more should we pray?

2. Be Bold

   A worship and praise leader must be bold and courageous. Bold to encourage the congregation to embrace God and seek for new ways to praise him. Bold to encourage non traditional methods of worship like the use of dance in praise and worship, use of flags, introduce new songs,

3. Be creative

   Be creative in your worship. Let not words become words but mean them from your heart or spirit. many times after leading for a long period you may find that some words become pat words, words that you say without meaning, and you say them repeatedly, e.g “come & lift your hands“, “worship him” or “this is the day that the lord has made let us rejoice and be glad” yet your mind and heart are far from what you are saying. Ask the lord for a creative way of bringing the people to him.

4. Possess leadership attributes from Titus 1.6-9

   Have one spouse
   Be a man/woman of integrity
   Be hospitable
   Do not be a drunkard
   Not greedy for money
   Manage your family well
   Be just
   Have self control

5. Be a worshiper

   Worship God in private and in public. If you are not a worshipper you cannot lead people into the presence of God, you have not been there!. A worshiper is not necessarily a musician, but a person who loves to worship God and stay in his presence. God loves those who worship him in spirit and in truth( john 4:) He is seeking for them.

6. Have a basic understanding of music

   To lead in worship and praise songs or lyrics, one has to have a basic understanding of music or have an ear for music. It can be quite challenging to lead worship when tone deaf!

7. Pay attention to details

   This often is what separates mediocracy from excellence. Pay attention to details of your music, the notes, the way you arrange the lyrics, the song lists, the flow of the songs, the way different keys work either together or not, the way different musicians( your musicians) play the songs.  If you will talk between the songs, what will you say, how will you say it, when will you say it,your backup singers, how they move on stage, the dress code for the group.The difference this will bring to your leadership is simply amazing!

8. Listening to the Holy Spirit

   Many times in the services the praise and worship leader may stay long on a song but he already has lost the people. The annointing is not in the song, and he does not seem to sense or know it. He just goes on for another 5 mins singing the same song, while the congregation’s mind wander away and only come back when another song is sung. A good worship leader should pray and ask the Holy Spirit to let him know when the anointing is on a song, when to stay on a song, and when to move away from a song when to allow the people to lavish their worship on God without a song. The key here is being senistive to God

9. Ability to inspire

   Inspire your worship team and the congregation you are serving. In other words have an annointing. Where, when you lead, the glory and the presence of God comes down. When the anointing of God is upon you your words inspire both your team and the listeners. The ability to draw the presence of God into a service is the annointing.

About the Author
A worship Minister for the last 10 years, in Africa.
I write worship music. Love God so much! blogs at
http://prayer-praise-worship.blogspot.com/,
and http://chrystyk.wordpress.com/

Technorati Tags: Bible, Christianity, God, ministry, Music, Praise and Worship, prayer, Song

“Today is the day the Lord hath made;let us rejoice & be glad in it”
Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up -Smile

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart”
I Sam 16:7

3. Shut Up -Say nice things & learn to listen.

God gave us 2 ears and 1mouth so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

“He who guards his lips guards his soul”
Proverbs 13:3

“Gossip betrays confidenceavoid men who talk too much”
Proverbs 20:19

“Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise”
Proverbs 19:20

4. Stand Up -For what you believe in.

Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

“Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, letus do good…”
Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up -To the Lord.

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength”
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up -For something higher.

As Jiminy Cricket sings in “High Hopes” Always try to better yourself.

7. Lift Up -Your Prayers.

“Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING”
Philippians 4:6

Technorati Tags: Bible, Christianity, God, Jesus, Personal Relationship, prayer

Isn’t it amazing how God works in our lives! One night, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn’t answer the phone. The pastor let it ring many times.

He thought it was odd that she didn’t answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes. When he tried again she answered right away.

He asked her why she hadn’t answered before, and she said that it hadn’t rung at their house. They brush it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.

The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he’d used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he’d called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn’t figure out what the man was talking about.

Then the man said, “It rang and rang, but I didn’t answer.” The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he’d intended to call his wife.

The man said, “That’s OK. Let me tell you my story.

You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, ‘God if you’re there, and you don’t want me to do this, give me a sign now.’

At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, ‘Almighty God’.

I was afraid to answer!”

The reason why it showed on the man’s caller ID that the call came from “Almighty God” is because the church that the pastor attends is called Almighty God Tabernacle!!

God answers prayers!

Technorati Tags: Add new tag, Christianity, God, Life, prayer

• Singing,
• Praying,
• Preaching,
• Giving and
• Communion.

Let us first start off with singing.

Singing

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Most would agree that worship incorporates the act of singing. This is a physical action that allows worshippers to express though songs what is their heart. Even though singing is using our voice, it is quite different than just talking. Perhaps the most unique thing about singing is the ability for a group of people to express their worship in unison. With singing a group of worshippers can corporately say to God their expression of praise, gratitude, and thanksgiving. Everyone can at the same time communicate to God. An offering can be made by the church as a whole. Singing can provide the worshipper with a greater ability to use emotions. Music has the most unique property to create moods and emotions though the various combinations of melody, tempo. Music is a language all its own.

Praying

Matthew 6:7-15 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Prayer is simply communication with God. This you need to know; God wants to hear from you. He wants a full relationship. Prayer allows you to talk with God directly. Some elements of prayer can be a form of worship. Prayer is the door of open communication with God. Prayer can be silent, it can be said aloud so that others can agree. It can even be sung to God. When it comes to prayer I like to use the acrostic “ACTS”. This stand for four important elements of effective prayer. These are the four elements:
A – Adoration
C – Confession
T – Thanksgiving
S – Supplication

Adoration in Prayer

Take some time at the beginning of your prayer to offer adoration to God. Tell Him how much you love and appreciate The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is so important to affirm your love. So often Christian blast into prayer by asking for things for themselves. A better way is to start our and tell God in what ways you love Him

Confession in Prayer

Your heart needs to be in the right place when praying to God. Face it humans are sinful by nature. Confession is a form of acknowledgement of what is truthful. Most often we confess our sins. It is better to confess that to let God “find out”. If we confess our sins he is faithful to forgive us. But I also want to add another perspective to confession. Something that can add another dimension to the attitude of confession. That is to confess the greatness of God. Make confessions of faith. Confess the truth!

Thanksgiving in Prayer.

God has abundant resources available to every Christian. He desires to lavish you with all that he has to offer. The polite thing to do is to thank Him for all the great things he does in your life. Thank God for everything and every circumstance.

Supplication in Prayer

As I said earlier it is common for Christians to heap on the requests to God. God give me this, God give me that. Supplication is your request for something. Prayer needs balance. Often times it is the supplication that Christians spend a majority of time. It is okay to ask. The Bible says to ask. But this should not be the focus. You prayers should be according to God’s will. You will find that if you offer Adoration, Confession and Thanksgiving prior to your supplication, you will be in the right attitude to ask for those things that are pleasing to God. Be bold in your supplication to God. He is a God of unlimited resources. Ask for things beyond yourself.

Preaching

1 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

We need to hear the word of God. And it is important to note that even the preaching is a form of worship to God. God what’s you to know him. He want’s you to know him intimately. He wants you to understand who and what he is. This is key to His relationship with you. After all how can you worship or love someone you don’t know. This is why he has preachers. Preaching is really an opportunity to dive into God’s word the bible and learn more about who he is. Learn how He operates.

In regards to worship the music is not the warm-up to the message. Both are vital to the whole worship experience. One complements the other as do all the other areas we are discussing in the section.

Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Okay, with all your heart mind and soul you are to give. The Christian life is not about receiving it is about giving.

Growing up at Christmas time it was our family tradition to get gifts for everyone in the immediate family. I would get gifts for mom, dad, brother and sister. Oftentimes it was difficult to make a decision as to which gift to give. First, because I was young, my resources were very limited. So I had to eliminate any gift that were too expensive. This did leave the playing field down quite a bit. But it became obvious that my parents already had quite a few item that they already owned. In reality there was only a few things that I could give. It is like that with God. God owns the universe and everything in it. But one thing that we can give is our worship to Him. This is one thing that He really enjoys from his people.

The first thing most people think about when the subject of giving comes up is money. Yes it is true that giving money to the church is a privilege we all can partake. But, I want you to also know that it goes beyond that. It is your entire life that God wants. You have the awesome opportunity to give all your resources to God. This includes your time, your body, your mind. When you give to God all the resources available to you, it is at that time a true sacrifice of praise and worship.

Communion

Matthew 26:26-29 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

Communion is the greatest privilege a Christian can experience. This is a time for true intimate relationship with Jesus. This is a time of oneness. It is time for the worshipper to bond with their Savior. It identifies the believer with Christ. Communion allows us to focus on the greatest gift ever given to mankind. It is a time to remember that Jesus death on the cross is the ultimate and final sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Bringing it all together

As you can see there are many facets to the worship experience. Each is as important as the other. The key for rich and fulfilling worship is balance. As you balance these five elements in your worship service, you provide more opportunities for the worshiper.

Technorati Tags: Add new tag, Bible, communion, giving, prayer, singing, Worship