A Metaphor of Combustion

Why do some people worship and others not? Where does the desire to worship come from, and what keeps worship going? What makes some worship "red hot" with passion, while some worship seems dull and lifeless? These are just some of the questions we have about worship.

To answer some of these questions, as cerebral as it may sound, it is helpful to explore the structure of worship, since worship is more than just a one-step process. As John Piper explains, we can deconstruct worship into several parts, using combustion as our metaphor. There is fuel, fire, a furnace, a flame, and heat. Consider how understanding each of these specific parts can help you worship in an even greater way.

“The fuel of worship is a true vision of the greatness of God; the fire that makes the fuel burn white hot is the quickening of the Holy Spirit; the furnace made alive and warm by the flame of truth is our renewed spirit; and the resulting heat of our affections is powerful worship, pushing its way out in confessions, longings, acclamations, tears, songs, shouts, bowed heads, lifted hands, and obedient lives.” (John Piper, Desiring God, 82)

----

Fuel: A true vision of the greatness of God
Fire: The quickening of the Holy Spirit
Furnace: Our renewed spirit
Flame: Truth
Heat: Powerful worship