Although there is no "correct" form of worship, and patterns of worship have varied considerably across time and traditions, certain themes hold true. Worship is always aimed at pleasing and praising God. It is not intended for the "entertainment" of an "audience." The faith expressed and nurtured during worship should seek expression outside of worship. In this sense, worship is feeding the flock, nurturing them, and energizing them for evangelism and service. Finally, in worship we confess our common identity as sinners in need of grace before the One we worship.
Worship has two components, and the challenge is to avoid an excess of either. On the one hand, it is a personal experience of the Living God. Its function in this respect is individual and subjective. On the other hand, it represents the assembled presence of the body of Christ. Its function in this respect is corporate and communal. Both functions can be properly balanced only if the principal focus remains on God.
All aspects of our selves must be balanced in the worship service: mind, body, spirit, and emotions. For an excessively inert tradition (such as Presbyterians, the "frozen chosen") there will be a tendency for overemphasis on the mind. But emotions are a central part of the worship experience, which is why, for example, singing has always played such a central role.
Foster offers a few steps that can aid in the practice of worship: (1) practice the presence of God -- punctuate as many moments as you can with inward whisperings of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving; (2) have many different experiences of worship, including in small groups of just 2 or 3; (3) find ways to prepare for the Sunday worship -- read the Scripture in advance, go over the hymns, gather early and engage in preparatory prayer; (4) focus on the communal aspect of worship, the "gatheredness" of like-minded believers; (5) cultivate a "holy dependency," depending on God acting in and around you, not your own actions; (6) absorb distractions in the service with gratitude and joy; (7) make worship a habit, even when you don’t feel like it.
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7/12/97