The Journey Into Prophetic Worship - 2

Worship leaders must pay close attention to God's leading, before and during the worship service. He knows what the congregation needs and will give new songs, words and heavenly melodies that prepare and renew His people.

What kind of leading is available? Well, listen to the prophet Isaiah: "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left (Is. 30:21).

Another illustration of the Spirit's leading is found in the book of Ezekiel, he had a vision of the glory of the Lord and saw how the heavenly Cherubs moved: "Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went." (Ez.1:12, NIV). The phrase "Wherever the spirit would go, they would go" indicates dependence and obedience to the Spirit's leadership.

Seeing what the Father is Doing

Jesus said: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does' (Jn. 5:19, NIV). The very Son of God needed to see and hear what the Father was doing. Jesus didn't move by His own will. He was continually connected to the Father to see what He desired. Jesus functioned and moved according to that which He saw.

Now, if Jesus Christ couldn't do anything in ministry by Himself, where does that leave us? Do you think that we can make it on our own? The reality is... (I hope you are ready for this...) yes, we think we can make it... our track record says so...

If you don't believe me, take an honest "heart-survey" and examine all of your activities while leading worship. Then consider having Q & A session with yourself... ask questions like: Is my worship leading drawing people closer to God or closer to myself and my band? Are they encountering God though my worship? Etc.

Jesus also said: "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit" John 3:6 NIV. The journey into prophetic worship starts by identifying all that is flesh in our ministry, repenting of it and start seeking what the Holy Spirit births...

To go deeper into this we need to grow in intimacy with God. When we spend time in His presence, our heart becomes sensitive and our dependence on the Holy Spirit grows.

Growing in Confidence While Making Mistakes

To avoid presenting the wrong picture, I would like to end this article by bringing some balance about following the direction of the Spirit of God in a service...

Many times I have made mistakes in an attempt to follow His direction, thinking that He was going "south" and finding out later that He was going "north." You know what? Knowing myself, there are countless chances of future mistakes. But I have found a truth that sets me free every time-The Lord is not intolerant. He tolerates mistakes...

If you are not convinced of this, I invite you to study the life of the disciples. You will be shocked when you discover to whom Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom of Heaven. Get this: He did not take them back when this person severely failed.

As long as you have a willing spirit and readiness to learn, don't be afraid of getting it wrong, you will make mistakes trying to follow His direction, so, don't get discouraged when it happens. Learn from your mistakes and keep following Him. Throw away and refuse all religious tension, condemnation, insecurity and have plain confidence in Jesus who deeply loves you. Trust his Holy Spirit who is eager to help you. Otherwise, you will be afraid to move, enslaved by fear and without initiative.

Trust the Lord and be encouraged! Like Paul prayed: "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word" (2 Thes. 2:16-17 NIV). Don't lose your willingness to learn! Rejoice always in God who promises to make you understand and instructs you in the way you should go. He keeps saying: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye (Ps. 32:8).