So why have I started this article by telling you what the average person already knows about their anatomy? The heart, in the physical sense, is central and vital for a person to live. It pumps blood, which provides life-breathing oxygen, around a body.
[Disclaimer: I am clearly no physician, but just go with me here.]
So then what about in the spiritual sense? Our heart is often thought of as where our emotional constitution and character lies.
For the past few weeks, I have found myself reflecting on this very aspect - Where is my heart at? A song that dates back to the late 1990's, "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman, encompasses my very thought as it starts with:
"When the music fades, when all slips away and I simply come.
Longing just to bring, something that's of worth.
I'll bring you more than a song – For a song in itself is not what you require."
These lyrics, although listening to it a while ago, brought a new revelation. Despite being in church for years, I have found it can be far too easy to become complacent in worship.
Last week, I got the privilege of being in an auditorium where the pitch (of the song) wasn't flawless, the lights and sounds weren't meticulously organised and yet, worship could not have been more perfect.
I was reminded in this moment that God commands a response from us from the depths of our souls, not a perfect performance. It was David in Psalm 51 verse 16 - 17 (MSG) who understood this, as he said "Going through the motions doesn't please you. A flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice."
It was this raw, vulnerable and passionate worship of 100+ young adults on a rainy Monday night that stirred my spirit to go back to the basics of worship, where I could let God be all that he is.
I must mention here: I don't think there is anything wrong with incredible lyrics, lighting or sound but my personal revelation is that, whether corporately or individually, having it all together was never a prerequisite for worship.
At the heart of it (pardon the pun), what matters most is where my heart is at with God.
Meenal Chandra is currently a campaign consultant working at in Marketing and communications at a large professional services firm.
Meenal Chandra previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/meenal-chandra.html