How Can Our Worship Be Word-Centered?

How can we ensure that the Word of God is central as we lead the church in worship?

By treasuring, singing, reading, showing, and praying God's Word.

Treasure God's Word

God wants the reading of his Word to be not only one of the highlights of ourmeetings, but one of our highlights every day. When we treasure God's Word, it means we'll love it more than the sports page, our favorite TV show, or time on the Internet.

A few years ago I began a quest to become better acquainted with God's Word so that my thinking, and ultimately my life, might more obviously proclaim his truth.

I read through the entire Bible for the first time and have continued to do so, seeking to understand the story line of the Bible, Christ and him crucified.I'm seeing connections, patterns, and parts of the story I never knew were there. I want to be able to say with the psalmist, “Oh how I love your law! It ismy meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).

When we treasure God's Word, others will know it. Visitors to your church won't have the impression that the Bible is an optional extra or simply a handy reference book. They'll hear in your voice and see in your eyes that God's Word is your joy.

Referencing rock stars, funny stories, or lines from a recent movie can appear relevant and trendy. But in so doing we can leave people starving for what they need most to hear from God.

Treasuring God's Word means appreciating its inestimable value and transforming power. It means we look forward to spending the rest of our lives becoming more familiar with what God has said to us.