Why do we sing and pray in worship? We can learn much about this by looking closely at God's Story told with 6 C-words. In Creation, humanity was created to walk and talk with God. God tutored the first humans as their Abba (Daddy). Because of this close Abba relationship, they knew God’s worth and so thanksgiving, praise, and prayer were natural to them. Did they sing in the first Garden? We don't have any data! But it is likely, because in the final Garden, and gathered around God's throne, there will be lots of glorious singing (See Revelation 5-7, and 21-22).

In the Catastrophe described in Genesis 3, we lost much of the joy we had in the first garden. It is no longer natural for us to sing and pray...

Although God tutors us with a series of covenants, we don't regain our natural abilities in prayer and praise!

Our Lord Jesus Christ shows us what this all looks like as he loves our Abba and sacrifices his life for us.

In Ephesians 5:18-20, we learn that Spirit-filled people -- God's Community -- speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This comes form our heart, as we are renewed by the power of God's Holy Spirit. What will this be like?

If we could but hear a few seconds of the heavenly music in Revelation 5 and 7, we would be filled with the most intense longing and joy. In the Consummation, each of us will be able to sing and we will enjoy making music from our hearts to the glory of God! Amen