Training For the Secret Place

Building Worship Sets with Intention

What if the way we lead worship wasn't just about songs and setlists—but sacred strategies? What if every worship moment was a step toward the secret place, where the glory of God dwells and hearts are forever marked?

The Bible gives us blueprints—not just for encountering God, but for preparing people to meet Him. Let’s walk through a vision for intentional, Spirit-led worship rooted in Scripture and driven by purpose.

1. The House Was Filled with a Cloud!

2 Chronicles 5 paints the picture:
“When the trumpeters and singers were as one… the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud… for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”

At the center of the music that day were three men - Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun.

Nothing that day was accidental. It wasn’t casual. It was the result of deep preparation, unified hearts, and skilled ministry. They didn’t stumble into the glory—they prepared for it.

2. They Were Instructed in the Songs of the Lord

According to 1 Chronicles 25:7, 288 singers were trained in the songs of the Lord. These weren’t hobbyists—they were ministers who trained like athletes and there, listed among the skilled singers, the names Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.

  • They submitted to leadership.

  • They received instruction.

  • They practiced until the glory fell.

If the glory is worth anything, then training for it must be everything.

3. Stop Trying. Start Training.

We’re not hoping for a good worship set—we’re training for the secret place.
We’re training to lead people into God’s presence, to host His glory, and to carry His name with reverence and fire.

Don’t just “try” your way through worship—train for the cloud.

4. The Band Was How Big?!

1 Chronicles 23 tells us David appointed 4,000 musicians to praise the Lord.
He built instruments. He appointed singers. He created a culture of worship that was extravagant and intentional.

This was not an afterthought. It was the centerpiece of their ministry.

5. Don’t Stumble Into the Throne Room—Pave a Highway

We don't just cross our fingers, hope for the best, and “see what happens” on Sunday. We prepare for encounter.

  • Have a plan.

  • Rehearse with spiritual intention.

  • Strip away distraction so that God’s people can see the King.

Let every moment—every transition, every intro, every lyric—be a stone in the highway that leads to the throne room.

6. Song Selection: The Echelon of Praise and Worship

Songs should follow a spiritual and musical progression—a journey from outer courts to inner sanctuary.

🔊 Start with Praise

  • High-energy, faith-filled declarations that break heaviness and stir faith.
    Examples: “Look At What the Lord Has Done,” “As We Praise,” “I Thank God.”

Open the worship service with faith and enthusiam. Don’t begin by reminding people how hard life is. Remind them how great God is.

📖 Songs of Declaration & Doctrine

These songs teach core truths and stir deep faith. Examples: “Apostles’ Creed,” “Believe For It,” “Jesus Is My Healer.”

🙌 Transition into Worship

Shift from what God has done to who God is. From praising Him to adoring Him.

  • Outer Court Worship: transitional worship that takes people from a place of praise for what God has done or declaration of what He can do to a place of setting their eyes on Jesus to give Him worship.

    • Examples: “Build My Life,” “Gratitude”

  • Holy of Holies Worship: worship that focuses only on God, His holiness, and splendor.  These are often simple and direct.

    • Examples: “Worthy of It All,” “Agnus Dei”

🎵 Worshiping in the Spirit

Some songs become the launching pad into spontaneous, Spirit-led worship. Rare, yes—but worth the pursuit. Aim your worship times to arrive at and enjoy these moments together as a congregation.

7. Create a Cohesive Journey That Leads to Jesus

Worship is a journey—spiritually and musically. It should have a beginning, a build, and a breakthrough.

  • 🎼 Musical Flow – Keys and styles should move naturally.

  • 🌊 Thematic Flow – Choose songs that build on the service’s theme.

  • 🔥 Transitional Momentum – Don’t lose the moment. Steward it.

  • 🎯 Apex Moment – Every worship time has a peak. Plan for it. Make space for it. Enjoy God’s precense together.

Final Thoughts

You’re not just building a setlist—you’re building a pathway to God’s presence.

Let’s be worship leaders who train like Levites, prepare like priests, and carry the glory like it matters—because it does.

“For He is good, and His mercy endures forever… and the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.” – 2 Chronicles 5:13–14

Josh Smith