Theology Shaping Worship: Trinity

[Editor’s Note: This is the first article in a new 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.

Doctrine: Trinity

The Christian God is three beings in one, who are in relationship with one another and called the Trinity. “When the Helper comes, whom I [Jesus] will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me . . .” (John 15:26).

Philosophy #1 (system of thought): Worship should recognize God as a relational being

The Father invites fallen humanity into relationship with Him through His Son and by His Spirit. Worship conveys the idea that God welcomes His creation into a right relationship with Him. This invitation/plea is shown when Jesus says, “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

Application #1 (How does this look practically?): Worship should include spiritual songs

The Spirit is the one who keeps humanity in relationship with the Father; therefore, it is appropriate to have moments of congregational unity in the Spirit, testifying to the regeneration of their souls. Ephesians 5:19 encourages believers to “. . .address[ing] one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart. . .”

Let’s remember to recognize our Trinitarian God as a relational being by cultivating a relational atmosphere during our daily, personal, and corporate worship.

Philosophy #2 (system of thought): Worship should proclaim God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Worship demonstrates admiration and appreciation for the active role each person in the Trinity plays. Ephesians 2:18 says, “For through Him [Jesus] we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.”

Application #2 (How does this look practically?): Prayer should be intentional in worship to recognize the Trinity

It is crucial for the prayer in a service to recognize the power that each member of the Trinity has. Worshipful prayer will recognize all parts of the Trinity by praying to the Father, through the Spirit, and in Jesus’ name. The Apostle Paul instructs believers to do everything “. . . in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father. . .” (Colossians 3:17). And earlier in his letter to Ephesus, he writes that believers are to “pray at all times in the spirit. . .” (Ephesians 6:18). Therefore, prayer should intentionally include each person of the Trinity.

Let’s remember to recognize our God as Father, Son, and Spirit in our daily, personal, and corporate worship.

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