I have been wanting to take a look at the two words “prayer” and “worship” for a while because I think that both words are used quite often in our culture without much attention as to the Biblical meanings of either. So often you hear people say, usually in unfortunate situations, “our thoughts and prayers are with you” and many a church marquee will have the times of their “worship services” for those interested.
John 4:24: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
“Worship” is used twice here and that gets my attention, because most denominational churches call their services, “worship services”. I’ve heard Church activities and music bands called worship groups and worship bands. The word “worship” is used much in the Old Testament and a Dictionary definition of worship is: “adoration, homage or veneration given to a deity.”(Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary)
So it would seem that a group of people gathering to give their attention in thanks and appreciation to God would be called a worship service, regardless of the design of the service. The profit of a worship service might depend on the integrity of the ministry involved and the knowledge of God’s Word they possess and believe
The Bible speaks of two types of prayers: praying in the spirit and praying in the understanding. Praying in the spirit was first manifested on the Day of Pentecost when the twelve Apostles spoke in tongues.
Acts 2:4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The Bible teaches that speaking in tongues is praying in the spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:3: Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed [curses Jesus Christ or curses God]: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
The Bible absolutely teaches speaking in tongues and we believe that speaking in tongues is praying in the spirit and that every born- again man or woman can do it and that it is a manifestation of the spirit and not a gift.
That being said, it is obvious that the Bible teaches that there is praying in the spirit and praying with your understanding. Jesus Christ never spoke in tongues, because it was not available until the Day of Pentecost, but his life and ministry came to make it available. Although he didn’t speak in tongues, he was the master at prayer. Numerous verses in the Gospels record his prayer life.
Luke 6:1: And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
This was the day before he chose the twelve and it was a monumental time in his life, perhaps the biggest decision he’d had to make up to that point. He prayed in his language, perhaps silently and out loud. I’ll bet it wasn’t a one way conversation. I’ll bet God talked right back to him just a fluidly as he talked with God. What a time that must have been! What a time of fellowship.
That’s the kind of fellowship the Father wants us to have with him. I think too often we restrict ourselves and put God in a box, thinking that we can only pray at certain times and in certain places. You can talk to God (prayer) off and on all day long, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing. You can do it in a worship service: you just need to be decent and in order so that it doesn’t get confusing. Confusion would not give God the glory.
In Acts 12, Peter was apprehended and put in prison, probably with the intention of killing him. In Verse 5, we read,
Acts 12:5: Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
The Church, the believers, kept prayer going for Peter and I’ll bet they prayed both in tongues, which is perfect prayer to God and in the understanding. As the record goes on, God sends an angel to get him out of prison. Good things happen when people pray with believing, which I am certain is how the believers in this record prayed.
Matthew 21:22: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Prayer is not a casual situation. If you’re not going to take it seriously and build your confidence in God’s ability and willingness to answer your prayers, you might as well not bother with it. If you’re going to take prayer casually, you’ll get concerned when you don’t see answers to your prayers, and that is only due to lack of believing. That’s a hard truth, but it’s true!
One of the biggest challenges that any believer will have with their walk with God is rising up to their believing privileges in Christ Jesus. “Yes, Jesus did it because that was Jesus. That’s not me!” That is not the position that God wants you to take if you’re trying to live your life according to His Word. He already knows everything that’s going on with you, so why not put your cards on the table and take everything to him.
When I say that, I don’t mean wishing harmful things on other people who have ‘wronged’ you. It’s gotta be according to his Word, and revenge is not according to His Word. So often in manifestations I’ve heard it said by God, “…nothing too big or too small”. So challenge yourself: talk to God either audibly or within yourself. Speak in tongues as much as possible. The more you communicate with him the more you’ll grow spiritually.
John 4:23: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
So yes, when you speak in tongues and when you talk to God in your understanding, you are being one of the true worshipers that the Father seeks in Verse 23, and that’s a really good thing!
I think that sounds pretty good. I hope this has been helpful. I’ve been very blessed and thankful for this moment to look at prayer and worship with you.
Funglimpses to all! Thanks for reading. Respectfully submitted, Will Grove