Why Vertical Worship Matters: Connecting Directly with God

Hey everyone, let’s talk about a crucial aspect of our relationship with God: vertical worship. You might have heard the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” worship before, but what do they really mean, and why does it matter? I want to focus in particular on how worship is about talking to God, not just talking about Him.

Horizontal vs. Vertical Worship

Think of it this way:

• Horizontal worship is like a conversation among friends. It focuses on the community, the fellowship, and the encouragement we get from each other. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this. We are called to gather together, to edify one another, and to express our love for each other. Many contemporary worship songs reflect this, with lyrics that emphasize unity and our shared experience.
• Vertical worship, on the other hand, is a direct conversation with God. It’s all about lifting our eyes and our hearts to Him, acknowledging His holiness, majesty, and love. It’s about saying, “You are worthy, You are amazing, You are everything to me.”

The key difference is the direction of our focus. Horizontal worship focuses on us, while vertical worship focuses on Him. It’s about engaging in a dialogue with God, not simply making observations about Him.

“God is good” vs. “God, You are good”

This distinction might seem subtle, but it’s incredibly powerful:

• “God is good” is a statement of fact, often directed to other people. It’s true, but it’s somewhat distant. It’s a declaration about God, like saying, “The sky is blue.” We might say this to someone else, to encourage them or remind them of God’s nature. It’s a general observation, a piece of information shared among us.
• “God, You are good” is a personal declaration, directed to God. It’s an intimate expression of your heart to your Creator. It’s a relational statement, like saying, “You, specifically, are the most beautiful sky I’ve ever seen.” This is vertical worship. It’s not just acknowledging God’s attributes; it’s ascribing those attributes to Him in a way that expresses our love, gratitude, and devotion in a direct conversation.

See the difference? The first is information shared with others; the second is relationship, a conversation with God. Vertical worship is all about that direct, personal relationship.

Why Vertical Worship Matters

So, why is this vertical focus so important?

• It deepens our intimacy with God: Vertical worship cultivates a sense of closeness and connection with God that goes beyond simply knowing about Him. It’s in those moments of direct address, of pouring out our hearts to Him, that we truly encounter His presence and experience the depth of His love.
• It aligns our hearts with truth: Vertical worship reminds us of who God is. It helps us to focus on His character, His power, and His holiness. This aligns our hearts and minds with truth, leading to transformation and a more accurate understanding of ourselves in relation to Him. It’s in the act of speaking to God that our hearts are truly aligned.
• It fuels our passion and purpose: When we focus on God’s greatness, our own problems and circumstances fade in comparison. Vertical worship reignites our passion for Him and His purposes, empowering us to live with greater zeal and conviction, as we are in direct communication with Him.
• It invites God’s power into our lives: As we exalt God and declare His sovereignty to Him, we create an atmosphere where His power can move in our lives. Vertical worship is an act of surrender and submission, a conversation which opens the door for God to work in us and through us.

In short, vertical worship is not just a style or a preference; it’s a way of engaging with God, of talking with God, that leads to deeper relationship, greater transformation, and a more fulfilling Christian life.