March 18th, 2026
by Jeff Joyner
by Jeff Joyner
Jesus tells us in John 4:24 that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. What is a true worshiper? I looked up the definition as it pertains to this verse, and this is what I found:
“Those who worship God the Father in "spirit and truth," focus on a sincere, inward relationship rather than outward ritual or location.”
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? Below, I have put together an acronym defining what I think are some of the key components of Biblical, God breathed worship.
W- Word. Worship must be based on the truth of God's Word. God reveals Himself to us through His Word, encompassing His wonderful plan of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. When we see Him as He is, we can only bow down in humility and thankfulness for what He has done.
O- Open. We must be open to let God have His way in worship. This is true in every stage, from preparation, to rehearsal, to the actual act of worship. Our prayer must always be "God, please have Your complete way with us.
R- Real. We must be real before God and before others. We must come to God with honest hearts. God hates pride and pretense. Psalm 51:17 says, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
S- Sin. We must confess our sins before the Lord. Un-confessed sin will always negatively affect our times of worship. God will not pour out His presence until we are willing in all aspects to be clean before Him. Psalm 66:18, 1 John 1:9
H- Holy Spirit. Our worship must be Spirit led. The Holy Spirit fills us, empowers us, guides us, and convicts us. Jesus said, "But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of mine and shall disclose it to you." John 16:13-14.
I- Intimate. True worship must be relational and intimate. Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." We cannot keep God at "arms length" if true worship is to happen.
P- Prayer- Without prayer, we are left with nothing but meaningless self-sufficiency and performance. We may even look "spiritual", but without prayer, it will amount to only "wood, hay and straw." 1 Cor. 3:12-13
“Those who worship God the Father in "spirit and truth," focus on a sincere, inward relationship rather than outward ritual or location.”
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? Below, I have put together an acronym defining what I think are some of the key components of Biblical, God breathed worship.
W- Word. Worship must be based on the truth of God's Word. God reveals Himself to us through His Word, encompassing His wonderful plan of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. When we see Him as He is, we can only bow down in humility and thankfulness for what He has done.
O- Open. We must be open to let God have His way in worship. This is true in every stage, from preparation, to rehearsal, to the actual act of worship. Our prayer must always be "God, please have Your complete way with us.
R- Real. We must be real before God and before others. We must come to God with honest hearts. God hates pride and pretense. Psalm 51:17 says, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
S- Sin. We must confess our sins before the Lord. Un-confessed sin will always negatively affect our times of worship. God will not pour out His presence until we are willing in all aspects to be clean before Him. Psalm 66:18, 1 John 1:9
H- Holy Spirit. Our worship must be Spirit led. The Holy Spirit fills us, empowers us, guides us, and convicts us. Jesus said, "But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of mine and shall disclose it to you." John 16:13-14.
I- Intimate. True worship must be relational and intimate. Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." We cannot keep God at "arms length" if true worship is to happen.
P- Prayer- Without prayer, we are left with nothing but meaningless self-sufficiency and performance. We may even look "spiritual", but without prayer, it will amount to only "wood, hay and straw." 1 Cor. 3:12-13
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