“What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
(1 Corinthians 14:15).

First I read those words and was like, “I’ve never heard this before.” Then I read them in the NIV. And, alas, they still sounded unfamiliar. But they are convicting. My most focused time of worship on Sundays is listening to the message. So far, even with prayer, singing in church is not as “worshipful” for me, most likely because I’m so conscious of my lack of ability in that area.

Where I found a connection with those words from 1 Corinthians this morning is in how I can more frequently connect with God through musical worship on an intellectual level. By listening to those voices around me and grasping at the meaning of the words. That is where I feel the power of musical worship. The freedom. The connection to my God.

Here is how the NIV puts the end of that same verse: “I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.” Now we’re talking.

One of the most beautiful things about reading His Word, is that it hits me different at different points in my life. Which is probably why 1 Corinthians 14:15 didn’t jump out at me before, but this morning… BAM! What more reason do I need to be in His Word than to know that He will reach out for me in a way that I may never have experienced Him before.

What song will you sing today? Maybe not with your voice, but with your understanding.