Tag Archives: worship and surrender

Intimacy with God

Catching the Face of God

Leave a comment

Worship, Surrender, and Holy Longing

Beloved, there comes a time when the soul cannot be satisfied by blessings, accomplishments, or even answered prayers. A deeper hunger rises—a holy ache to see His face. Not just to know about Him, not just to work for Him, but to draw near, to dwell, to gaze. This cry does not come from the casual heart. It comes from those who have been awakened—who have tasted His nearness and now can live for nothing less.

This is what it means to be truly ready: “I come to You open, God. I am ready.” It is the heart posture of one who lays down every right, every title, every possession. Not just sin, but even the good and noble things that still get in the way. “Take what doesn’t belong,” we whisper, because we know—only the empty can be filled.

So we climb the mountain, like Moses once did—not to impress others, but because we cannot lead our homes, our churches, or even ourselves without His presence. It is not strategy we need, but glory. Not answers, but His voice. And when we reach the summit, we do not ask for help first—we ask for Him: “Show me Your glory.”

To seek His face is to enter into the very reason we were created. This longing burns in every soul, whether we recognize it or not. It is why we weep when worship gets quiet. It is why the world cannot satisfy. It is why we wake in the night with tears. God is calling. The whisper of eternity echoes within: “Seek My face.”

Those who answer will find that He does not come in the whirlwind or the earthquake first. He often comes in the stillness, when the songs stop, and silence settles. He speaks when we finally stop trying to perform and simply become still enough to hear. And when we do hear, we must not delay. Obedience cannot wait. For every moment we hesitate, the noise of this world rises again to drown out His voice.

This kind of pursuit always bears fruit beyond ourselves. When we see Him, we begin to carry Him. Our lives shift. Our conversations change. Our prayers become bolder, our tears more honest, our love more fierce. People around us begin to hunger, because we’ve been with Him. To seek His face is to carry His fire into every place He sends us.

But this fire must be tended with care. The one who seeks Him must also learn to walk with Him. He does not come just to overwhelm us, but to train us. He speaks wisdom and correction to those who linger. He reshapes our minds, softens our hearts, and teaches us again how to worship—not with noise, but with nearness. Not with striving, but with surrender.

Worship is not a genre. It is a lifestyle of laid-down love. It is the altar we become, not the song we sing. He teaches us how to live close—how to abide. He walks us through the valleys of disappointment and fear, and teaches us to trust Him there. He washes our feet when we feel unworthy. He carries us when we grow weary. And in every moment, He says, “Look at Me.”

The one who sees His face becomes a mirror of it. Not in glory alone, but in love, in compassion, in truth. His character begins to form in us—not just for our sake, but for the sake of a world stumbling in the dark. If we have truly seen Him, we cannot stay silent. We must become a voice in the wilderness, calling others to behold the Lamb.

Yet we do not call others to a vision we ourselves have not seen. So we return again to that quiet place. We say again, “Teach me how to worship You. Take me deeper. Speak to me again.” We hold everything loosely, so that we may hold Him tightly. And we find that the more we surrender, the more He entrusts to us—authority, anointing, intimacy.

So, come. Come up the mountain again. Bring your questions, your weariness, your hunger. But above all, bring your heart. Bring your empty hands. Let your one desire be this: “Let me catch You and see Your face.” And when He comes—and He will—you will be undone. And you will never be the same.

I sought Your face in silence deep,
Where lesser treasures fall away.
You met me not with words to keep,
But with a glance that made me stay.
You whispered love, You burned my fear,
And called me near with holy flame.
So now I live to make You known,
And carry fire in Your name.

Prayer

Abba, I come to You with open hands, laid bare and hungry. I do not seek what You give—I seek who You are. Strip away all that hinders, all that distracts, all that clings to my soul but does not belong. Teach me to worship in truth, to listen without resistance, and to obey without delay. Let me behold You and be changed. Let me carry Your voice, Your wisdom, Your mercy, and Your fire. In the name of Yeshua, I say: I am ready. Come and be seen through me. Amen.

⸻

See Also

Worship

What Does True Worship Look Like? Surrendering to God in Spirit and Truth

Worship isn’t just about singing songs or showing up on time to church. It’s not a checklist of rituals or a performance to impress others. True worship is a heartfelt connection with God—a surrender to His will and an intentional pursuit of His presence. Whether you’re a worship leader or a member of the congregation, worship is about engaging with the Lord fully, loving Him with all your heart, and obeying His Spirit.

If you’re a worship leader, you’re not just picking songs; you’re leading people on a spiritual journey. Your role is to guide others into the presence of God, not just through music but through an encounter with the living God. The truth is, worship leadership requires total surrender to God’s direction. It’s about listening for His voice and obeying His leading—even if it means abandoning the carefully prepared song list and following where the Spirit moves.

The Heart of Worship Leadership: Following God’s Lead

Years ago, a worship leader shared a lesson that has stood the test of time. He would prepare a setlist of six to eight songs for each service. But more often than not, he wouldn’t even get past the first song before God redirected the worship. This is what true worship leadership looks like: yielding to God’s will instead of clinging to our own plans.

Scripture makes it clear that trusting in God’s direction is essential. Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) reminds us: “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth.” As a worship leader, your “path” may be your setlist, but God may have other plans. Are you willing to follow Him?

When we surrender, God does incredible things. Worship becomes more than a list of songs; it becomes a dynamic and transformational experience that draws people into His presence.

Worship as a Spiritual Journey

Worship is meant to take us into the Holy of Holies, where we encounter the living God. Hebrews 10:19-22 (AMP) reminds us that, through Jesus, we have direct access to God’s presence:

“Let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith.”

As a worship leader, your calling is to lead others into this sacred space. This requires more than talent or preparation—it requires a heart that is fully engaged with God. You cannot lead others into God’s presence unless you dwell there yourself.

David’s example in 2 Samuel 6:14 shows us what this looks like. He danced before the Lord with all his might, completely unashamed and fully engaged in worship. David’s worship wasn’t about perfection or ritual; it was about pouring his whole heart out before God. As a worship leader, this is your example: worshiping with passion, authenticity, and complete surrender.

The Power of Surrendered Worship

True worship requires humility. Romans 12:1 (AMP) calls us to “present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.” Whether you’re leading worship or participating, God asks for the same thing: a heart that is fully surrendered to Him.

When we let go of our plans and trust God, He moves powerfully. Worship becomes less about us and more about Him. It becomes a declaration of His goodness, faithfulness, and power. It’s a moment where heaven touches earth, and the people of God encounter His presence.

Practical Tips for Worship Leaders

If You’re a Worship Leader, Here’s How You Can Engage in True, Spirit-Led Worship:

1. Pray over your preparation.

Before selecting a single song, seek God’s guidance. Ask Him what He wants to say and do through the worship. Prayer isn’t just preparation—it’s connection. Psalm 25:4-5 reminds us, “Let me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation.” Approach your planning with a listening heart.

2. Remain flexible to the Holy Spirit.

A setlist is a helpful tool, but it’s not the destination. Be willing to abandon it entirely if the Holy Spirit takes the worship in a different direction. Proverbs 16:9 teaches us, “A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.” Stay sensitive, trusting that God knows exactly what the congregation needs in that moment.

3. Engage fully with God personally.

Worship leaders are not performers; they’re worshipers first. Before stepping onto the stage, spend time alone with God, soaking in His presence. Psalm 27:4 declares, “One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life.” Let your private worship fuel your public leadership.

4. Be bold and vulnerable.

Worship with authenticity and passion. Show the congregation what it looks like to worship God with your whole heart, lifting hands, declaring truths, and pouring yourself out before Him. 2 Samuel 6:14 tells of King David dancing before the Lord with all his might. Don’t hold back—your vulnerability inspires others to go deeper in their worship.

5. Declare God’s truths over the congregation.

Worship isn’t just singing; it’s a time to proclaim God’s promises and character. Use spontaneous moments to speak life over the people, declaring truths like, “The Lord is faithful to His promises” (Psalm 145:13). Let your words align with His Word, encouraging faith and stirring hearts toward Him.

6. Pour yourself out as an offering.

Worship leading is not about conserving energy or protecting your image—it’s about giving everything you have to glorify God. Romans 12:1 calls us to “present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational act of worship.” Leave nothing behind; pour yourself out completely.

7. Stay focused on God.

It’s easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of worship—transitions, timing, or the congregation’s response. But worship isn’t about you, the music, or even the people; it’s about Him. John 3:30 reminds us, “He must increase [in prominence], but I must decrease.” Fix your eyes on Jesus and invite others to do the same.

8. Take the congregation on a spiritual journey.

Your role is to guide the people into the presence of God—not just through songs but through surrender. Worship is a journey into the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 10:19-22). Lead them with intentionality, creating space for them to encounter God personally.

9. Be ready for the unexpected.

Sometimes God moves in ways you didn’t plan—a spontaneous prayer, lingering on a single song, or a moment of silence. Trust these moments and lean into them. Isaiah 55:8 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. Surrender your plans for His.

10. Model intimacy with God.

Worship leaders have the privilege of showing others what it looks like to pursue God passionately. Let your worship be genuine, not performance-driven. As Psalm 42:1 says, “As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, so my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God.” Show the congregation what it means to long for Him.

Don’t Let Tools Dictate Your Worship

In today’s world, worship leaders often rely on various tools—projections, planning apps, click tracks, or in-ear monitors—to create a seamless worship experience. These tools can be helpful, but they must never dictate or limit your worship. If God is leading you in a direction that your tools don’t easily accommodate, follow Him anyway. Worship isn’t about perfection or technical execution; it’s about obedience and connection with the Lord.

IT tools and resources should support your worship, not control it. For example:

  • If the Spirit moves and the planned song isn’t resonating, don’t hesitate to switch mid-service—even if the slides aren’t ready.
  • If a spontaneous moment of prayer or prophetic declaration arises, don’t let the countdown timer (or that darn wall clock) stop you.
  • If the click track becomes a distraction, don’t be afraid to turn it off and trust your team’s instincts.

Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still and know [recognize, understand] that I am God.” Worship is a divine encounter, not a production. It requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, not reliance on technology.

The tools we use are practical aids, but they must never take the place of listening to God. If you feel God leading you to linger on a song, pause in silence, or shift direction entirely, trust Him—even if the tools and systems can’t keep up. Worship is about responding to Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24), not sticking to a script.

Stay Spirit-led, not tool-led. When you prioritize obedience to God over the convenience of your tools, He will bless your faithfulness and move in ways that technology never could.

Conclusion: Surrender Your Worship to God

True worship is a journey of surrender, obedience, and intimacy with God. Whether you’re leading worship or participating in the congregation, the calling is the same: engage with the Lord fully, trust His direction, and pour your whole heart into worship. When you let go of your plans and follow His Spirit, worship becomes alive, transformational, and deeply meaningful.

Prayer

Father, we surrender our worship to You. Teach us to listen to Your voice, trust Your leading, and respond with obedience. For those who lead, give them sensitive hearts and bold faith to guide others into Your presence. Let every moment of worship be a reflection of our love and devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also