I think you're spot on! I find myself increasingly editing my singing, stopping where I either can't honestly commit to the words, or where I just plain don't understand what they would mean or look like in real life.

My hubby, like many men, struggles with the girly 'boy band' nature of modern worship songs (lyrics and music) - I don't have many of those struggles, so should in theory find musical worship quite accessible.

I think you're doing well if you're even thinking about what you're singing...

I think there's room--there must be room--for singing songs of worship about God's fragrance and face. Who knows what God's glory looks like, but I want it. The song not being about giving to the poor does nothing to contribute to its nonsenseness; it wasn't created for that purpose.

I'm afraid I disagree Sarah. Why must there be space for meaningless sentimentality in our following of one who wants to in reality change the world? I don't mean all songs need to be about the poor, for sure. But I think the majority should make sense & reflect what we learn about Jesus from following him in real life, not designed to create an emotional lift & feelings that act as an alternative to what Jesus called us to do. Personally I think the praise & worship industry has taken over real Christian worship with a money making experience trip.

The ability and need for people to simply sit and enjoy being with the one who loves us without condition is not meaningless sentimentality. There is always space for that.

Agreed. That is not what I am coming against. I just want the words or silence is those times to be authentic & real, not religious. I'm sure it varies per person but for me a lot of the words are just twee or pretend.

I'm right there with you... but worship needs to include room for all people in all places (though it need not be within the same service).

Loffers, I don't see it as meaningless sentimentality...that's probably where we disagree.

I didn't used to (and please know that I've been an active charismatic for over 25 years, so I know that of which I speak), but I have come to see much of the corporate experience that we call praise & worship to be either conformity or self indulgence. Conformity to group behaviour, suggestion and religious sentimental language removed from people's normal language of expression. Self indulgence in seeking an emotional/spiritual high equivalent to drug or alcohol addiction. I believe it is meant to be different to this. But the current model is a very successful industry that makes a lot of money for some people but turns worship into a consumer exercise.

Loffers, that strikes me as pretty narrow-minded, to be honest. You're defining the experience not just for yourself, but for everyone.

I'm not a big fan of the "love songs to Jesus" songfest, but I know they are important to our female members.