William Temple, the widely regarded and brilliant Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942-44 wrote:
“Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God.
It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness,
Nourishment of mind by His truth,
Purifying of imagination by His beauty,
Opening of the heart to His love,
And submission of will to his purpose.
And all this gathered up in adoration is the greatest of human expressions of which we are capable.”And I would add, enabled by our faith in Him from His grace to us by His Spirit of truth because of His love for us seen in His Son Jesus Christ.
October 29, 2009 at 4:50 pm |
I first became acquainted with Wm Temple’s succinct and beautiful statement on worship 25 years ago at a one-day interdenominational clergy retreat. It was rendered slightly different, but the substance was the same. The deep impression on my heart made by reflection on these truths has continued with me ever since, and I’ve built sermons and studies around it for my congregations. Actually, I would like to have been able to provide proper referencing and accreditation.
If that information were supplied, it would be much appreciated.
Thank you, sincerely.