Developing a Heart of Worship

By Chantal Huinink

If you have been practicing spiritual disciplines or church rituals in the same manner for quite some time you may feel as though you are “just going through the motions”. In such circumstances the verse, which says “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5) may convict you, particularly if you feel as though your worship has become robotic.

In my own faith journey I sometimes struggle to find words or ways to maintain a high level of enthusiasm when things become routine. Sometimes I attend different church services or special events. This often leads to further challenges because if I do not know the songs or liturgies in advance, I cannot engage to the same extent as my limitations make it difficult, if not impossible, to read at the same speed as the congregation or read and sing simultaneously. In addition, special events may produce short-term exuberance but you may find, as I have, that this does not last. In contrast, I was sitting in church recently singing songs that I had sung multiple times and speaking liturgies that I had heard time and time again, when it occurred to me that the repetitive nature of these rituals means that I do not need to put as much effort into them, but, instead it allows them to flow from my soul. Furthermore, the fact that I know them well accommodates my visual challenges and enables me to participate to the fullest extent possible.

It is important that the worship that we participate in comes from our hearts. I do not want to sing songs that are familiar just because they are easier, however, the fact that they come naturally is not necessarily a negative thing. Rather, the automaticity of our praise could be a source of spiritual strength, which may represent a sense of value and long-term commitment that I believe the Lord desires from us.