THE HEART OF WORSHIP
In late 1990's in Watford, England, Matt Redman's church had a high caliber praise band and worship team, yet the pastor knew that the congregation had lost its way in worship. So the Pastor asked "When you come through the doors on a Sunday, what are you bringing as your offering to God?" Matt Redman says the question led initially to some embarrassing silence. Eventually, heartfelt prayers and heart-driven songs were sung as they experienced God in a fresh way. Through that experience, Matt wrote this:
When the music fades,
all is stripped away, and I simply come
Longing just to bring something
That's of worth that will bless your heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship,
and it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I've made it
When it's all about You All about You, Jesus.
After a little while, they re-introduced band, praise team, etc, & with the renewed focus & intensity, the corporate time became authentic. Worship from the heart is not about the newest, latest, greatest, or hottest song on the charts. It's not about the oldest, most obscure, and well-known song. In fact, true worship is not about a song at all, it's about a Son. It's about our bringing to Him my soul, my life, and my all.
From Jerry Watts Sermon "Lessons From the Shepherds"