Everything I have written so far could be summed up in a simple, two-part rhythm.  I believe this rhythm is the very essence of Christian worship, transcending denominational, stylistic, and even theological lines.  Christian worship does these two things, which are always working in harmony with each other:

1) Acknowledges our need for God.
2) Celebrates Jesus as the fulfillment of that need. 

If you are doing this in your worship, you are leading people toward experiencing the gospel, and therefore experiencing God.  This applies to our singing, as well as to preaching and to our celebration of the sacraments.  Over and over again as we worship, this rhythm is either right beneath the surface or explicitly displayed. 

Musically, it may happen within one song, with two songs, or it may be a broad movement over an entire set.  As you plan worship, look for this rhythm.  Plan it into your worship.  In this rhythm God is glorified.  In it God comes to meet us where we are.  In this rhythm we are ushered into God’s presence.    

From the earliest liturgies of the Christian church, the celebration of Holy Communion has been the pinnacle of worship.  It is, according to my tradition, the second pillar that makes our worship truly Christian (“Word and Sacrament”). An important concern is whether this ritual, repeated every week, becomes stale and meaningless.  But this is not cause to abandon it altogether.  Instead, as with the earlier part of the liturgy, it is important to examine the intention behind the ritual and see what might be important for us to adapt today.