Many believers long for a deeper worship in their personal lives and in their church, yet do not know how to attain this personally.  When a new person comes into our soaking services, we encourage them to first of all relax and to open their hearts to receive what the Lord has for them. I always say to the Lord, "Lord if it is of you, then I want it, and I give you permission to give it to me!"  That sounds simplistic and even bold, but in your relationship with the Lord, you should be able to be real with him. He honors a seeking heart that longs for more intimacy and closeness with Him.  Open your heart to him and just begin to draw near to Him by professing your love and your adoration for Him. 

Some of the most wonderful times I have had with the Lord, I was not singing or playing my instrument, I merely was telling Him, "I love you Lord, I worship you."  There is no magical formula or pattern to get Him to come, but what is in your heart draws Him closer for a listen.  Know that He loves you more than you could possibly love Him, and just as a three year old child reaches up to Papa and says I love you, and it melts his heart, so it is with your Heavenly Father.  He longs to receive what is truly in your heart for Him.  If there is any prayer you could pray, it would be, "Let me feel more of the Love of my Father, that I may love Him back!"

Music is not necessary for worship time with the Lord, but, yes, it does set an atmosphere, and focuses your mind and heart upon Him, drowning out the cares and attention-getters of this world.  I also believe that the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, and also guides us in true worship.  If you think about it, he knows the Father and he knows the Son, and he knows the worship of Heaven. He also knows how to usher you into the Presence of God.  So the Holy Spirit is a wonderful guide in your drawing closer in your worship, lean on His understanding and He will show you wonderful things you have never seen or heard before.  Being empowered by the Holy Spirit and his giftings has definitely transformed my worship in ways I cannot express and has kept it fresh and exhilarating in my path of discovery of knowing Him more.

My last recommendation is to practice at home.  A wonderful anointed worship CD that allows you to focus on Him and express the sentiments of an experienced worshipper will help you to emulate and "practice" being in His Presence and expressing your adoration for Him.  There are many wonderful worship resources here that can help you.  We are all in process, and the Lord loves to receive what your heart longs to give Him, and he will help you.  Remember, you cannot kiss Him that He does not kiss you back!  Expect His abundance, His acceptance and His response to your love!  You may find you have been immersed in His Presence and lost all sense of time and your surroundings, because He came to visit you!

Enjoy your time, and even journal your experiences with Him and before long you may realize how far He has brought you.

Raelynn Parkin