As Christians, we teach people how to worship (praise, thanksgiving, intercession, prayer, music, sing), in the secret place and corporately. Tools and skills are given to walk out worship. (* in this sense – I am referring to worship related to praise, thanksgiving, audible adoration to God. Worship, I believe in a bigger picture, is anything in our life…action and deed unto God – 24/7)

There is another side to this “coin” though. Another side that in many ways may be more important and significant, maybe vital. The “side” is — waiting.

I will share from the context of corporate worship and leadership in this setting (worship leader, pastor, intercessor…) but I believe this waiting encompasses the entire Christian walk on earth. A majority of Christ-followers are probably aware of the concept of outward worship to God. This is especially prevalent in the “charismatic” circles of the global Church and its tie to God’s Presence.

Waiting, even in the more charismatic and worshipful-expressive streams of the Church, is not talked about often. Praise, thanksgiving, intercession and audible adoration are common acts we (the Church) know well in regards to “getting” into His Presence. But the other “side” of the coin of “getting” into His Presence is Waiting.

In the Book of Acts we see the disciples told by God Jesus to “wait” and God’s Spirit would come upon them. “Wait for the Lord; be strong…. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits…, wait for the Lord and keep His way…” King David writes numerous times throughout the Psalms.

See these for many more examples: A few verses on waiting on God: Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31, Lamentations 3:25,  Isaiah 30:18, Psalm w130:5-6, Psalm 33:20-22, Exodus 14:14, Psalm 37:34, Psalm 62:5, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 46:10,  Isaiah 64:4, Psalm 130:5, Proverbs 20:22, Genesis 49:18.

The waiting I want to focus on and great Saints like Andrew Murray wrote about often is—the physical and quiet /still act of waiting. Corporate gatherings especially but the same practice and posture applies in the secret, alone space. Waiting in a physical and silent quiet posture until we become conscious of God’s Presence, His Present Presence. Ultimately, His Presence and Spirit upon us, resting upon the room and its people. From THAT place of consciousness and awareness—prayer, intercession, worship, ministry to the Lord and man would flow.

Waiting, in this context of corporate worship and prayer (though in many contexts in general), requires letting go of control, assumption, and agenda. Ultimately, letting go of pride and ego —surrendering to God’s Presence. As humans and high performing religious and Christ-following people, we don’t always bend toward letting go of control and ego in corporate spaces and gatherings. It’s hard and it can be a fight against our own flesh and satan himself. Satan tries to rule with fear and control, and he would much rather us partner with him and the strength of our soul then fully lay bare to God’s power and authoritative leading.

Scripture says God “gives grace to the humble.” His grace is His Presence. I believe we are being invited as a Church Body, both corporately and individually, to cultivate waiting in our walk with Christ. Waiting takes faith and it takes humility, both are heart postures God “rewards” with Himself. His Grace. “Holy Spirit come and have Your way” has a whole new weight when it’s proclaimed from a posture of absolute surrender and letting go in worship and prayer.