We have probably all heard that there is an “audience of one” in worship. While the sentiment of the phrase tries to focus our attention on God (which is good), it is simply not true. A worship service is intended to be a table set for at least two, even three, yeah four. Certainly, we speak, sing, and pray to God. There’s no question there. The Psalms are full of this “vertical” attitude in worship. But equally important, God speaks to us. The sermon or the reading of the Scriptures are clear examples. Once again, the Psalms, which were intended for use in worship, are riddled with instruction to us from God. We also speak and sing to ourselves, and even to each other in worship. In fact, exhorting one another is a command (Col. 3:16). Again, the Psalms are full of this “horizontal” speaking, or singing, as the case may be. All of this happens in the context of corporate worship.
A biblical worship service both pleases God and edifies the body.
Much could be said about 1 Corinthians 14:26, but at the very least it is clear that edification of the body is of utmost importance. Therefore, as we develop a worship service, certain elements are chosen in order to focus our attention on God, while at other times they are chosen because they speak to us. A prayer of thanksgiving or confession of sin is clearly oriented toward God. An assurance of grace is most often directed toward us from God. Also, songs that address God directly with the pronouns you and your are great, but so are songs that speak of God in the third person while addressing each other or our own souls. Psalms, hymns, and songs are very often prayers directed toward God, but also many are intended to instruct our souls and each other.
The fact that the worship service as a whole is intended to glorify God and to disciple us has had a direct impact on how I plan. Planning a service that only addresses God truncates his intent for a corporate worship service and tragically limits the growth of a congregation. Instead, planning a service with both audiences in mind serves both audiences well, and this includes both spoken elements and music.
Therefore, if you plan worship, and if glorifying God and discipling the flock is important to you, set the table for two.