Principle Five: In Worship We Respond To God And To Each Other

More than an intellectual assent to doctrine, creed, or prayer, worship is an experience of the presence of a holy God. Response to this encounter should touch the center of the worshiper's being, creating a sense of awe and mystery. It should also result in an admission of one's unworthiness and need for repentance, and in renewed commitment to a life of obedience to the mighty and merciful God. Response as Inner Experience It is no wonder that the early Christians were struck with "awe. " This is a response that goes deep into the very inner chambers of the person-a response that touches our hearts and emotions and makes us feel awe-struck. We feel the mystery and experience of the power touching us in a warm and healing manner. This kind of response, which is motivated by the Holy Spirit, can happen in our churches today. But we have to create an atmosphere in which it can happen. We need to let go of our intellectual ideal of worship and realize there is more to worship than a…