There is nothing more holy or spiritual about worshiping in an empty room versus a room full of people. But when the room is empty, and it's just you and God, it's a lot easier to get in touch with the true state of your heart.

The Virtual Worship Opportunity

by Justin Rizzo
4/2/20 Artists and Authors

For the majority of worship leaders at local churches and houses of prayer, for the foreseeable future, this is your reality:

You won’t see anyone engaging with you during your set.
You won’t hear anyone singing with you.
You won’t see people raising their hands.
You won’t see anyone standing in agreement.

God alone will be present at your worship times. You will have no choice but to actually minister before an audience of one.

That One alone is worthy of all of your worship.

Worship has always been all about Him. Though it’s incredible to join together with the  Body to sing our adoration, you as the worship leader now have an amazing opportunity to recalibrate and refocus your heart to allow your worship to truly be all about ministering before an audience of One.

When it’s only Him watching, will you still show up to lead with strength?
When it’s only Him listening, will you still lift your voice and sing with passion?

Let this time reset your heart.
Let this time reset your focus on why you do what you do.
Let us never forget that we’re leading worship for God first and people, second.
People must always be second.

There is nothing more holy or spiritual about worshiping in an empty room versus a room full of people. But when the room is empty, and it’s just you and God, it’s a lot easier to get in touch with the true state of your heart. This is a gift of God to us in this time. When the people, the lights, and everything that could distract you or give you a false sense of being filled are stripped away, and it’s just you and your instrument, are you still filled with wonder when you sing?

Whether you’re a worship leader, a student taking online classes, a businessman, or a mom at home with her kids, an empty room is a place ripe for an encounter. No room is ever truly empty because of the One who fills all in all. An empty room might feel awkward to us, but consider that one of the deep desires of God has always been to meet with us alone.

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. (Matthew 6:6)

Here are a few verses I’ve been meditating on during this time. I encourage you to take a few moments and read, pray, and sing through them.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1–3 NIV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

I pray that in this season, our hearts would echo the cry of our father David who said, 

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord.” (Psalms. 27:4)

Let us seize this opportunity to embrace a unique expression of worship with passion and wonder in our hearts, for He is truly worthy.

How are you able to grow by worshipping God without an audience or large group?

If you’re looking for a place to engage in corporate worship online, we invite you to stream IHOPKC’s prayer room. The Global Prayer Room streams live worship and prayer 24/7, so you can tune in any time of the day or night! Check it out here>>

 

Justin Rizzo

position

  • Worship Leader, IHOPKC

Justin was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where he developed a passion and love for music at an early age. He began playing a variety of instruments and started leading worship at age 12. He has released five albums and been featured on multiple compilation projects along with writing and producing two full-length musicals. In addition, he travels extensively to lead worship and speak at conferences and events around the world. Justin is currently a full-time staff member at the International House of Prayer of Kansas City, Missouri, where he serves as a worship leader, songwriter, composer, and blogger.

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