As a worship leader, I sometimes get frustrated with the response of the people in the services I lead. Worshiping God through music is one of my favorite things to do in the whole world. When I look out from the stage and see a group of people respond with seemingly no energy or enthusiasm when I ask them to praise the God with me, I get a little upset. I start to feel undervalued, as if it’s my responsibility to change their hearts from apathetic to worshipful.

As I was venting about this after a recent service, someone reminded me of a simple but profound truth: I lead worship because I love God. I don’t do it for the people in the seats. Yes, God uses worship leaders to bless people & lead them into His presence, but worship is primarily a ministry to God Himself. When I serve a congregation by leading worship for them, I am ministering directly to the heart of God. If the people benefit from that, it’s because the Holy Spirit is moving in their hearts to bring them into a place of authentic worship.

I decided to try out this fresh perspective this past week. I had the opportunity to play at an outreach on Saturday because the band that had been scheduled cancelled at almost the last minute. I asked two friends to play drums and bass and we prepared 15 songs. The night before the event I prayed, telling God that I was going to do it because I love Him and I love music, and it was going to serve as a time where I could thank God for giving me music. I acknowledged that there was a chance no one would pay us any attention, and that I would be okay with that. I refused to be entertainment and instead went into it knowing that if anyone outside our little band was going to benefit from our music, it would be thanks to the Holy Spirit.

It ended up being fantastically fun! Had I not engaged this perspective, however, I would have left feeling bitter and unappreciated. I couldn’t really see anyone paying us any attention when we were playing; I know everyone heard us but I doubt anyone waslistening. God, however, was listening, and I know that our worship blessed His heart. What better could I ask for, really?

Holy Spirit, I acknowledge that only You can change the hearts of Your people to get excited about worshiping You. I thank You for making me a worshiper, and that when I play I can feel Your smile. I pray that You would work in the hearts of the people who hear me & the band, that You would begin to make worship come alive for them. Let their desire to worship You burn in their bones so that they cannot contain it! I love You. Thank You for granting the requests of Your people that are according to Your will. Amen.

[Title: The Heart of Worship by Matt Redman]