March 30, 2008
A Simple Prayer
Facing neighborhood violence and ministry strain, a pastor learns to pray one simple word—“Help!”—and watches God provide through quick answers, long delays, unexpected people, and renewed outreach in Pittsburgh.
Worship & Prayer
Worship & Prayer explores resources to help individuals and churches grow in worship and prayer. Find practical guidance on prayer habits, corporate worship, spiritual disciplines, the meaning of worship in Scripture, and leading gatherings that center on Jesus. This category includes biblical teaching, devotional insights, and ministry-focused articles to strengthen personal devotion and congregational life.
March 30, 2008
Are You a Prayer Warrior or a Prayer Wimp?
Gen. George S. Patton once asked a chaplain for a prayer for fair weather during the Battle of the Bulge. Learn how Scripture, simple words, bold requests, and great expectations can strengthen your prayers.
February 10, 2008
Every Tribe, Every Tongue, Every Nation
Ken E. Read describes how learning global musical “heart languages” helped the World Music Worship Ensemble lead multicultural worship at the National Missionary Convention—and how such worship prepares the church for heaven’s diverse song.
January 27, 2008
Worship/Service: A Conversation Between Paul and David
By Mandy Smith Last year I started a new job that means I will never get to worship, or so I have been told. It is my responsibility every Sunday to help others worship by overseeing the sound board, musicians, PowerPoint, seating, bulletins, and Communion cups. No time for singing or sitting or listening. No worship for me. As part of this new job, I got a subscription to Worship Leader magazine and, while flipping through it, I became convinced of something we already know: “worship leader” has come to be synonymous with “music minister.” Of the 51 advertisements in
December 31, 2007
Worship Ideas from The Creek
A downloadable resource from The Creek in Indianapolis shares orders of worship, monologues, and responsive readings—practical examples to spark creativity and support worship planning in your local church.
November 25, 2007
Praying with Tears
When tragedy strikes, our attention can drift into “looky lou” watching. Jan Johnson invites readers into prayers of lament—joining God’s tears, praying Scripture for the suffering, and even praying for enemies toward mercy and transformation.
November 25, 2007
Faith’s Fallowness
Mother Teresa’s private letters reveal spiritual silence alongside decades of prayer and service. This reflection explores doubt, dry seasons, and the perseverance of love when God feels distant.
October 14, 2007
TRIED & TRUE: Traditional Worship
Traditional worship can still engage multiple generations when leaders plan thoughtfully and lead with excellence. Don Seevers II shares practical ways to keep services fresh through Scripture-shaped themes, strong congregational singing, and creative use of choir and instruments.
October 14, 2007
Finding and Focusing on Living Water
Reflecting on Jesus’ conversation at the well, Greg Allen explores “thirst-quenching worship” rooted in the Holy Spirit—not personal preferences. Practical steps help move beyond worship wars toward spirit-and-truth worship.
July 22, 2007
Behind the Music
In an age of endless media resources, worship leaders thrive with a clear philosophy, a cohesive team, and an efficient planning process. See how churches collaborate, adapt to new communities, and build services that point people to God.
July 22, 2007
10 Things any Church Can Do to Enrich Worship
Ten practical ways to add a fresh spark to Sunday worship—from prayer and tech preparation to Communion, responsive readings, and special emphasis Sundays—so services stay engaging and God honoring.
July 18, 2007
Simpler Times, Different Expectations
A look back at predictable Sunday-morning services—and how modern options have raised some expectations while lowering others. The central question remains whether worship connects us with God and calls for true congregational participation.
July 1, 2007
Experiencing Traditional Worship
A mother and son reflect on a month-long church visit and discover how quickly any worship style can become predictable. A thoughtful dialogue on labels, variety, and keeping worship Christ-centered and Bible-based.
June 3, 2007
Trees, Runs, and Prayers
As Dave Smith reflects on moves, memories, and the outdoors, he shares how running, wilderness solitude, and steady rhythms of movement have shaped a life of honest prayer and attentive listening to God.
January 21, 2007
A Liturgy, a Labyrinth, and a Gregorian Chant
LifeBridge Christian Church’s “Sanctum” offers a Saturday-night quiet service shaped by Scripture, Spirit, and silence. Worshipers reflect, pray, and move through stations—including a walking labyrinth—seeking God in stillness.
January 21, 2007
Two Examples of Emerging Worship
Dan Kimball says “emerging worship” is more than new styles—it reflects deeper questions about the church itself. See how two congregations are reshaping weekend gatherings around participation, dialogue, and community.
December 24, 2006
O Come Let Us Adore Him
By Jackina Stark “”Tis the season to be BUSY.” The way-too-much-to-do usually begins the day after Thanksgiving. Or is the Christmas holiday stressful for only me? Just making my gift lists can wear me out, despite the fact one son-in-law never wants anything but a gift certificate. And most years rushing from store to store to purchase these gifts is a misery, with or without gale winds whipping icy snow into my face. And then, of course, those gifts I”ve toted home and hidden eventually have to be found and wrapped. I”m thrilled, of course, that my husband Tony wraps
December 17, 2006
Questioning Worship
Tom Lawson reflects on how worship offers more than answers, often leaving us with questions that follow us home and lead toward fresh insight and changed lives.
October 22, 2006
My Two Cents on the Worship Controversy
Doug Priest reflects on worship across cultures—from rural Ethiopia to a Los Angeles church and the Maasai of Kenya—arguing that style matters less than keeping worship focused on God, not personal preferences.
October 8, 2006
Praying in the Public Square
A Navy chaplain reflects on public prayer in plural settings, explaining how preparation, biblical themes, and respect for listeners can open doors for ministry rather than create division.
