1 Corinthians 14: 1-19

I remember visiting a church many years ago that had a rather unusual form of church prayer. When it came time for prayer all the congregation stood and began praying, out loud. All over the sanctuary people were standing with their arms raise intently praying. Because everyone was speaking at the same time it was impossible to distinguish what was being prayed. It was very disconcerting experience for me.

I suspect the situation in Corinth was somewhat similar. In his response Paul identifies the main goal of corporate worship which is to offer a form of worship that is open and inviting to everyone in the congregation. Under the best of circumstance that is a hard assignment. In Corinth it was made even more difficult because some of the people were exhibiting their own sense of spirituality and thus directing the attention of the congregation to them rather than to God.

Paul affirms the importance of developing our own spirituality and the need for our own personal worship time. He also affirms that the Sunday morning worship service is to glorify God.