Pleasing God – Thoughtful Worship

“And when you pray, don’t be like those people who don’t know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing, thinking that God will hear them because of their many words.” Matthew 6:7 (NCV)

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Jesus’ command to “love God with all your mind” is repeated four times in the New Testament. God is not pleased with the thoughtless singing of hymns, perfunctory praying of clichés, or careless exclamations of “Praise the Lord” uttered because we can’t think of anything else to say at that moment.

If worship is mindless, is it meaningless. You must engage your mind.

Even biblical terms can become tired clichés from overuse and as we stop thinking about their meanings. It’s so much easier to offer platitudes in worship instead of making the effort to honor God with fresh words and ways.

· Try reading Scripture in different translations and paraphrases. It will expand your expressions of worship.

· Try praising God without using the words praise, hallelujah, thanks, or amen. Instead of saying, “We just want to praise you,” make a list of synonyms and use fresh words like admire, respect, value, revere, honor, and appreciate.

· Be specific. If someone approached you and repeated, “I praise you!” ten times, you’d probably think, “For what?” Wouldn’t you rather receive two specific compliments than twenty vague generalities? Is it possible God would, too?....Rick Warren