Theology Shaping Worship: God Is Omnipresent

By Savannah Cone

[Editor’s Note: This is the next article in a series for our blog called “Theology Shaping Worship”, which has previously been featured in our weekly Monday Motivation emails.]

Theological attributes of God manifest through our daily, personal, and corporate worship. Theology Shaping Worship explores key doctrines and how they affect our worship.

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Doctrine: God is Omnipresent

“Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:23-24) God is present in every moment.

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Philosophy #1 (system of thought): Worship is a time of transparency before the Father

Because of God’s omnipresence, there is no place one can hide from Him, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

What does it mean to be transparent? 

Take a moment to consider one or two things you are hiding from the Lord or from your church.

 For the leader: When was the last time you felt transparent before God as you led worship from a platform?

For the worshiper: When was the last time you felt transparent before God during a time or worship?

Application #1 (How does this look practically?): Lead authentically

We must come to God earnestly in preparation to lead his people in a time of congregational worship. The platform is no place to hide from God, but in fact a place to be vulnerable with your church community. May God be brought glory as we are vulnerable with our local communities. James encourages worshippers to “. . .confess your sins to one another and pray for one another. . .” (James 5:16).

For the Leader: What are some ways you could incorporate personal testimony into your service flow?

Do you expect your team to be authentic on stage? How have you communicated this to your team?

For the worshiper: Do you actively confess your sins as a part of your time in worship? What could this look like? (Could be stopping to pray before singing, praying fervently during one song, etc.)

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Philosophy #2 (system of thought): Worship should be a room full of humbled hearts

It is crucial to bring a congregation to this place of humility, before such an all-seeing God, where true worship can begin. We humble ourselves entering into a time of worship by making ourselves less and turning our attention to God. In Romans 12:3 the Apostle Paul gives this warning; “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (NIV).

For the leader: How do you invite your congregation into a time of humility? Is there a song that comes to mind? Is there a verse you’ve shared? 

For the worshiper: How can you humble your heart before walking into a place of worship?

Application #2 (How does this look practically?):Worship should begin with a humbling prayer

Many worshippers come into a worship service expecting something from God, whereas instead, worship is about giving something to God. Set up your congregational worship time with a prayer, asking God to intercede and to give worshippers a heart of sacrifice. With this, the direction of worship is set from a humble heart in preparation for the Lord’s working. King David presents this sacrificial mindset in saying, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). By preparing in humility, God will take pleasure in this true and humble worship.

Since praying every week before starting the set list can become redundant, what are some ways you can shape your prayers to prepare a worshiper’s heart for a time of vulnerability with the Lord?

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God sees, lives, and hears every aspect of your service flow, take a moment 

to thank God for his presence as you lead and as you worship.

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