Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Introduction: The crisis of corporate worship and the life of the church -- "Teach us to pray" : what is worship, and where does corporate worship fit? -- "Praise God in his sanctuary" : worship as entrance in the Old Testament -- "In spirit and in truth" : entrance in the New Testament -- "From you comes praise" : traditional liturgies of the East -- "In the great congregation" : traditional liturgies of the West -- "Your church unsleeping" : expressions of worship today -- "That your prayers not be hindered" : avoiding pitfalls in corporate worship -- Conclusion: "To sing is a lover's thing."

"Can we understand worship in a way that transcends style, relevance, and aesthetics? Taking into account the most contested issues of the 'worship wars, ' Edith Humphrey shows how the act of entering into God's presence is central to all true Christian worship. Regardless of worship style, when we come into God's presence, we praise God alongside angels and with the whole of creation. Seeking to reclaim the forgotten theme of worship as entry into God's presence, Humphrey shows its prominence in the Bible, providing an accessible but thorough study of the Old and New Testaments. She analyzes key moments in church history to show how worship developed in Eastern and Western churches. She also draws insights from healthy worshiping communities around the globe. The book offers practical guidance on leading worship today to worship leaders, pastors, thoughtful lay readers, and students"--Publisher description.