Being impressed with the sight of God and being satisfied with self are mutually exclusive.

Michael Barrett, The Beauty of Holiness, p. 150

Religious practice that is pleasing and acceptable to God must not only conform to God’s revelation, but must also flow from a heart that is alive with conscious devotion to the Lord. The object, mechanics, and motive of worship all matter.

Michael Barrett, The Beauty of Holiness, p. 36

God is to be worshipped for what He is worth and not for what worshipping Him may gain for the worshipper.

Michael Barrett, The Beauty of Holiness, p. 41

We must worship with the anticipation that God will graciously manifest His acceptance of our worship with unmistaking evidences of His presence. Too often we go through “worship motions” routinely and thoughtlessly without any expectations of consequence. To expect nothing is to get nothing. But God has promised to draw nigh to those who draw nigh to Him. What Isaiah saw was visionary symbolism, so we should not necessarily expect physical quaking or visual theophanies, nevertheless, we have every right to expect God to move within our hearts as with our hearts we give voice to praise.

Michael Barrett, The Beauty of Holiness, pp. 149-160

True and Biblical religion pervades life. In contrast to the postmodern propensity for separating different spheres of life into unrelated compartments, Biblical religion demands that a saving relationship with God defines and directs every experience and relationship in life. There can be, therefore, no disconnect between worship and life.

Michael P. V. Barrett, The Beauty of Holiness, pp. 170-171

Worship is not entertainment for spectators; it is sacred service rendered to the Lord.

Michael Barrett, The Beauty of Holiness, p. 180

Worshipping in the fear of God fosters daily living in the fear of God. True worship always connects with life.

Michael P. V. Barrett, The Beauty of Holiness, p. 26