Maybe you, like me have heard the statement: "we need great worship for the Holy Spirit to show up." Ironically, there are two realities already at work. First, God is Omni present. As we read in Genesis (and throughout the Scriptures), God created all things, walked with man, talked with man, rendered judgment of sin, extended life to humankind and persistently called mankind into His presence.In each of these scenarios, we witness God through the Scriptures and in human life, consistently finding man and not vice-versa. Secondly, God is not looking for great worship, but rather worshipers seeking Him (Jn. 4:23). As Hebrews 13:8 declares, "Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever," our faith reminds us that God is with us both in the garden and in our current day; His presence is inhabited in our worship. He desires our praise and acts of worship; as we surrender ourselves as living sacrifices.

Simply, worship begins and ends with God. He is first and present in worship; we are the ones who show up. Here are some thoughts that have struck me to ponder concerning His presence in worship and our response: When we do show up, what do we give Him? When He calls, how do we answer; and do we answer Him rightly? When He speaks, do we listen? I heard a great concept-question from friend and mentor, Buddy Owens who said, "When God find us, whether in the garden, in the darkness or in the light, what do we say to Him?" For me, this really hit home. God is not untouchable nor off in the distance waiting for us to find him; but He is our Heavenly Father who actively, passionately and relentlessly pursues us. In fact, God runs to us as dad ran to his prodigal son. Isn't it awesome to witness, experience and to understand the wonder and fatherly love of God who seeks, rescues and enjoys his beloved? Through grace, God invites us to be in His presence. We worship Him as he is in our midst.

There is an exchange of this invitation. God is the initiator, He calls to us and we answer. Out of obedience we invoke, seek, beckon and offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Rm. 12:1-2). We give worth to His worthiness because of who He is. God's nature and character is love; we respond to His love because He first loved us. He renders affection and restoration; by His character and goodness he heals, forgives and restores. As leaders of worship, we have many ways in which we can describe this love and presence of God. Think of some ways you can inspire and evoke a congregational response. Here are great expressions found in the Bible that show multiple authentic exchanges and responses in worship.
 
Ex. 19:8
"The people all responded together, "We will do everything the Lord has said." So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord."

Ps 5:3
"My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up."

Ps. 28:2
"Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place."

Ps 51:8
"Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice."

Ps 85:8
"I will hear what God the Lord will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly."

Ps 95:6
"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;"

Mt. 8:2"A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

Mt. 26:39"Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Col. 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
 
Rev. 15:4 "Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

How would these worshipful exchanges affect your worship leading and congregation? What other attributes of God can be use to describe and inspire your congregation? How do we create/facilitate a worship environment that fosters authentic exchanges? How do we use other tools and vehicles in worship such as music, technology, art and design to enhance our responses rather than distract? He invites us into His presence and we respond. May our worship and exchanges to God be full of breath, space, awe, honesty and humility. Together, let us render worth to God and marvel in his presence. I pray the best for you in your journey as a worshiper and leader; many blessings to you my friend.