When the disciples came together to
worship God in the first century, two of the public acts of worship they
engaged in were teaching and prayer.Preaching is a critical aspect of
our worship. 1 Corinthians 1:21 states, "For after that in the wisdom of God
the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of
preaching to save them that believe." This teaching has to be based on
scripture since "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto
all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Failure to teach the scripture results in
being lost since "9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of
Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both
the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this
doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he
that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 1:9-11) If
we are not teaching the doctrines of Christ, then we are teaching the doctrines
of men. Christ comments on this in Matthew 15:8-9 when He quotes Isaiah saying,
"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their
lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
When we pray in the public worship,
we the many are praying as one. It is a unifying act of worship as we as one
approach the throne of God. Our public prayer should show reverence (we are
speaking to the creator and ultimate authority and power) and fervency since we
are told in James 5:16 that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man
avails much. Our public prayers should address our public needs. This is a time
when the focus is not all about "me" but on the needs of us as a family. We
should not expect God to supply these needs if we do not ask Him (James 4:2).
Finally, our public prayers should acknowledge the blessings that we have
received. James 1:17 states, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from
above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning."
We can see from the above that those of us who lead in the acts of teaching and praying in public worship have a great responsibility. As such, we should take seriously the responsibilities of leading in acts of public worship. It should never be considered a burden but an honor.
Charles Royal, Decatur AL
