Hello and welcome to this month’s installment of “The Art Of Worship”

Last month we talked about developing a deeper sense of intimacy with the Holy Spirit as worship leaders.  Along that same line, I will be going into more detail and expound a bit more upon what it means as worship leaders, and discuss some more specific ways we can draw closer to him.  Please keep in mind that there is not any specific formula for developing intimacy with the Holy Spirit, because he cannot be reduced down to some quantifiable formula.  But there are, however, certain things we can put into practice which can help us to develop this relationship more.

In a similar fashion to how we as musicians take the time to regularly practice our instruments, we can also take the time to "practice" having times of intimacy with the Holy Spirit.  The more we engage having these intimate times, the better we become and the more we learn.  Perhaps a simpler way to put it would be this, the more time we spend in communion with the Holy Spirit, the more familiar we become with him and the easier it becomes to recognize his presence and his still, small, voice.

One of the most effective ways I have found in my own personal experience is to simply come.  By that I mean, actually going to a place, somewhere that is quiet, with no distractions and say, “Here I am, Lord.”  I like to spend time in prayer before the Lord, and also spend time quietly listening, waiting on Him to respond.

I also like to spend time reading the Word and then ask God, through the Holy Spirit, to reveal to me the meaning in things I have just read, to enlighten me.  I have also experienced times of intimacy with the Holy Spirit while worshipping with the congregation, and during times of leading worship.  If it is our goal and desire to connect with the Holy Spirit in such a way where it becomes a beautiful encounter with his presence, then it is vital that we approach our times of worship of the Lord with prayer and with open and pure hearts.  Many times I will simply begin prayer by saying, “Holy spirit, we thank you for being in our midst as we worship you in song and in praise.”

When taking the time to acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in our worship and in our very midst, I have found the result is that he makes his presence known in a very tangible and powerful way.  You may ask, “Is this always the case?”  As I mentioned earlier, since the Holy Spirit cannot be reduced down to a formula, because he is sovereign, we may not always have the same experience.  He moves and engages us in the way and manner that he chooses and sees fit.  Remember, he is God!

Okay, time for a quick story.  I was recently visiting a church that a friend had invited me to come to for their Saturday evening service.  My friend and I found our seats and sat down.  Within a short time, the pastor came up to the platform to greet everyone and welcome them to the service.  As he began to pray, there was a very real sense of the presence of God which I can only describe as what felt like a tangible presence fall on me, I could actually physically feel it! 

This was very new to me, since I had never had this happen before.  I almost immediately looked at my friend who happened to look at me at the same time and asked me, “Did you feel that?”  What my friend and I both experienced that evening was what I believe to be an extraordinary affirmation of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Again, this does not always happen in this way, but I can think of no better way to describe that experience than this, Awesome!!

I encourage you all to take the time to desire more of God’s presence and to remember to thank the Lord for the Holy Spirit in your times of private and corporate worship.  I look forward to hearing your stories now, of how the Lord met you in your worship time! Let me know, contact me here.

Until next time, let’s continue to worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords, Amen!!