Worship Leading: A Journey of Gratitude, Faith, and Renewal
Worship leading is quite a unique calling. It’s like guiding people to drink from a source of water so freely available, right there in front of them, or inviting them to the best meal imaginable — one without any worries about allergies, fats, or sugars, and nothing unhealthy in this meal. What a gift to worship God and to have been fortunate to lead many to experience His fullness. I still am blown away to have had this opportunity over the years. It was all the Lord’s doing… and for many years it was marvelous in my eyes.
“This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:23 (ESV)
From 1998 to 2021, I led worship in various capacities, almost always in a full-time capacity. And even now, whenever I listen to worship music, I’m reminded of the unique places God has allowed me to walk. Each song stirs memories of moments filled with His presence and a sense of wonder about what future gatherings might bring. Yet, as I live and breathe today, I know that I don’t want to lead from memory alone but from a place of His active presence — alive to His new mercies every morning.
One powerful practice that took root in my life, especially as I navigate and come through addiction, was making room for gratitude. There’s something profound in leading a room to experience the fullness of who God is. Yet, as I’ve looked back, unpacked, and sought forgiveness for past experiences, I realize there were many times when I found myself on the outside of the current, holding space in faith for others yet hesitating to jump all the way in. In these memories, I sometimes feel sadness, but it’s in those very places where I refuse to wallow in grief, and I invite gratitude to take a firm hold on me.
I’m tearfully grateful as I stand on the cusp of leading worship a little more again. My voice isn’t as strong as my faith, and the reality of hurt and our humanity sometimes jades my eyes. Still, I will be faithful to Him, who is faithful in completing the work He has begun. The memories of where God met me before fill me with faith — faith like I’ve never had — to see where He’ll lead and what He’ll allow me to walk through in this new season. I’m reminded of the promise in Lamentations: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV). It’s a journey I can’t wait to step into for myself, my family, and those I’m called to lead.
Father, Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to lead your people in worship. You are so much better to me than I deserve, and I approach your throne with gratitude. Thank you! I come before You, confessing my need for Your wisdom. Please grant me the insight to apply what I sing and speak first to my own heart, guiding my pursuit of Your truth. Forgive me, Lord, for any ways I’ve fallen short, and draw me nearer to Your holiness so I may call others to the same.
By Your Spirit, empower me to lead Your church in worship. Let my affections and motives be pure and aligned with Your will, and may my heart fully surrender to Your purpose. Anoint my voice and actions to carry Your power, speaking to the hearts of all who gather.
Use these songs I lead, Lord, for the glory of Your name. May they bring joy to Your people and call the lost to salvation. Guide me in all humility and strength as I serve, that I might honor You faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
