Editorial April 19, 1958 Issue

TRUE WORSHIP

Harold Molter

What is true worship? This question Jesus answered when he said to the woman at the well (John 4:24), "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." It is evident from this statement that more than ceremony is required in true worship.

The prophet Elijah demonstrated something of the nature of true worship after he had railed the people to turn from Baal to the one true God whom their fathers had worshiped. The prophets of Baal had called on their God from morning till noon, had leaped on the altar, had cut themselves with knives, but had failed to bring fire to the sacrifice on their altar. Then, at the evening hour, the humble prophet of the Most High repaired the altar of the Lord, turned to Him in deep humility, uttered a few fervent petitions, and saw the fire fall upon the altar, which, at his request, had been flooded with water.

Emotionalism does not enter into the heart of prayer, but deep sincerity, righteous desire, and love for God and one's fellow men open the gates of heaven, whence God's infinite goodness flows to all. The prayers of Christ Jesus are potent examples of the right approach to true worship. He talked directly to God, acknowledging His omnipotence and omnipresence, with a deep desire to do His will.

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