We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who us over us all and in us all and living through us all. (Ephesians 4:4-6 NLT)
The following worship profile is taken from the Praise and Worship Study Bible from Tyndale House Publishers. I highly recommend this study Bible for all who want to learn more about biblical praise and worship. Let's take a look at some of the things we can learn about worship from the life of the apostle Paul:
Imagine that you are a believer in the first-century church. You have come to hear the apostle Paul as he describes his life's work. With deep reverence he describes what happened to him on the Damascus road. He speaks poignantly and powerfully about mercy and grace and forgiveness. As you listen to Paul pour out his heart, you suddenly grasp what he meant by phrases like "to live is Christ," "I want to know Christ," and "we make it our goal to please him." This is a man who has understood what it means to worship with all one's heart.
Paul the Worshiper
Other than Christ, perhaps no other person has shaped the form of Christian worship more than the apostle Paul. His passionate concern for both content and order is seen in the structure of countless Christian worship traditions. Our sharing of the Lord's Table, for instance, is based on Paul's words to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 11).
Paul infused life into corporate worship by giving meaning to Old Testament practices. Steeped as he was in Jewish worship and theology, Paul transformed the rich liturgical content of Judaism by placing it in the context of Christ's redemptive work.
Learning from Paul
Paul taught by example. The worshipers who gathered in the various congregations he founded not only heard powerful words but saw a man who lived out his faith. His own devotion to Christ inspired others to follow God wholeheartedly.
Prayer permeates the letters of Paul. He urged others to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and offered intercessory prayer for all his churches. He also articulated prayers of worship that proclaim the magnificent work of Christ (see Ephesians 3:20).
Paul did everything in his power to help the church work in unity. He encouraged Christians to develop spiritual gifts that would benefit the whole body. He confronted sin that would disrupt harmony. He encouraged the faithful and admonished the indifferent. He stressed the need for self-discipline in the cause of serving Christ. He undertook everything with the intent of bringing God the glory.
In worship, Paul emphasized the elements of prayer, praise, the reading and teaching of Scripture, and regular partaking at the Lord's Table. When we gather for worship, these elements should all be incorporated frequently.
Following the Example
Survey one of Paul's letters and make a list of the elements that speak of either individual or corporate worship. Note the truths about God's character, the reasons for intercession, the occasions for praise, and the practical advice about gathering together. Then assess your strengths and weaknesses. How well do you build up others? How faithfully do you praise God for his mighty work in the church? Let God speak to you through his Word and Spirit as you seek to honor him through your ministry to others.