tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217550515556691035.post3994757130157452586..comments2023-12-21T13:04:46.950-06:00Comments on Worship HeartCries: Two Approaches to WorshipWorship HeartCrieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911213966810407256noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217550515556691035.post-15343058562771897012012-02-14T19:17:08.287-06:002012-02-14T19:17:08.287-06:00Thanks, Eric for your comments; always thoughtful,...Thanks, Eric for your comments; always thoughtful, always helping me to think deeper into the matter. A few years ago I was in a group and we memorized John 17; it has never been the same to me since. It amazes me that of the few requests in prayer we have recorded in Scripture from the mouth of our Lord, His request in John 17 is unity, and that, more than once. For us to properly reflect the nature and character of God, we must reflect the nature of the unity in the Trinity: "That they may be one, Father, as you and I are one." I would that all pastors and leaders would memorize the passage to help get the heartbeat of Jesus on the matter.Worship HeartCrieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04911213966810407256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217550515556691035.post-71483817935877497242012-02-14T11:26:15.275-06:002012-02-14T11:26:15.275-06:00SOme good thoughts here on discipleship versus con...SOme good thoughts here on discipleship versus consumerism. I am reminded of the prayer of Jesus in John 17. I think we need to re-visit it sometimes. The three distinct sections in the prayer can be applicable to worship. First, as Jesus prays to the Father, he asks nothing more than the Father be glorified through all he is and does; Jesus always points beyond himself to the reality of God the Father. Second, he prayed for his inner circle. These are the movers and shakers, the ones who are always there, ready to serve. He prays specifically for their protection (not just physical but spiritual, keeping their hearts on Him). Satan can attack from without and within the community of faith. Third, he prays for all Christians (everyone cannot be a leader as the inner circle folks are). There are many who just are satisfied to follow and the prayer is that they remember they are unified in their worship and witnessing efforts. Granted this is but a sketch of John 17, but if our worship only hits the consumer end of things, how can God be glorified and His work accomplished when He is not the actual center, but, rather the desires of individuals are the center?Eric Benoynoreply@blogger.com