Some churches are thought to be so intellectual that the heart isn't welcome. Others can be so emotive that people are expected to check their brains at the door. Scripture helps us see neither approach is complete. In fact, engaging both the heart and the mind may be one of the most important keys to profoundly Spirit-filled worship!
The Apostle Paul may have had the conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well (John 4) ringing in his ears when he wrote to the church in Corinth: "I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand." (1 Cor 14:15)
Paul was teaching the church in ancient Greece, and is teaching us still, that worship is for understanding... together. If an individual in the gathering, even if it's the point person on the team, is having a private spiritual, emotional encounter with Jesus, that's only good for that person. But if any individual in a service, including the point person on the team, is having a shared emotional and thoughtful encounter with Jesus, both that person and the community benefits.
Later in the same chapter Paul says that "everything that is done must strengthen all of you."
Everything and all are really big words!
It's not emotion that gets us there; it's understanding. Some traditions would prefer to skip over this passage in Corinthians because it is teaching about speaking in tongues. Either they don't believe in or practice that gift, or they do and aren't interested in the boundaries. But these words are as inspired as the rest of the scriptures and we can learn so much!
Understanding, or thoughtfulness, is key. No... it's core. When Jesus was asked what was most important in the whole law, he quoted Moses: Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. But he added something. Jesus tacked on one more dimension to how to best love (worship) God. You've read it in Mark 12:30, "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength."
Jesus added "mind."
If Jesus cared enough about our minds to add that word to the great Shema, surely we should be careful to include our minds in the planning, preparation, and presentation of worship gatherings!
Planes have two wings on purpose. If our worship plane has only the wing of emotion but not the wing of thoughtfulness, we will fly around in circles. Let's balance heart and mind in our prayers, songs, sermons, etc. It could take us farther than we ever imagined.
Remember, Relay Worship is committed to helping those in our tribe grow in all four areas: Godliness, anointing, thoughtfulness, and excellence. If you want to know more about specific practices you can participate in to help, please reach out to us!
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