July 17, 2020by Cynthia Holmes-Landryin [ Spiritual Life ]
Most Christians hear the word “worship” and immediately think of music, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Music is a very common way toworship in church and in our communities. However, worship is more than just the music you hear on Sunday mornings. Worship is something we are called to do as Christians every day in everything we do.
That said, what is worship and what are some different ways to do it?
What Is Worship?
“The inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond from the heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ.” – John Piper
Before worshipping, it is important to understand why we worship and what the heart of worship truly is. So what does worship mean? To worship is to admire something or someone so deeply that your only response is extravagant love and incredible submission to that thing or person. That is what God desires of us. To know him so well, to love him so dearly and respect him so much, that our only response is to live in honor of him every day in all that we do. Worship is a response to his love and his might.
It is extremely important to point out that worship is not about us. Exalting God is not about what you can get out of it; it is about choosing to praise God and trust him regardless of your circ*mstances because you know him and you know that he is sovereign, loving and by your side. Worship is about praising God and giving to him, not receiving. God has already given us life, his Son on the cross, grace and the promise of eternal life. When we find ourselves falling into worship for our own gain, we need to come back to the heart of worship.
How to Worship
“And above all of these,put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:14-17
Worship is a response of praise to the character of God that can be manifested in manydifferent ways. We can glorify God throughout our entire day. Worship can happen anywhere you are and in whatever you’re doing, assuming it is not sinful or against God. When you are in a hearty posture of gratitude and reverence to God, everything you do can be used to praise him.
A few of the many ways to worship God include:
- Music, Singing and Dancing (Psalm 98:1)
- Prayer (1 Chronicles 29: 10-13)
- Creativity:Filmmaking, Writing, Painting, etc. (Exodus 35:30-35)
- Exercise (Romans 12:1)
- Serving Others (1 Peter 4:10)
- Giving and Sacrifice (Genesis 22 and 2 Corinthians 9:11)
- Reading His Word (1 Timothy 4:13)
- Fasting (Luke 2:37)
- Enjoying His Creation (Psalm 63: 3-4)
- Obedience (1 Samuel 15:22)
God can truly be glorified in everything we say and do, so this list represents just a fraction of the ways you can exalt him. Whatever you do, do it for him.Honor him in all that you say and do, and he will be praised.
While worship is not about us, there is still a deep connection between us and God when we choose to praise him in good and bad circ*mstances. While we should not worship God for the sake of getting something in return, he is still a gracious God and gives us something anyway in the form of his presence.
Grand Canyon University is committed to following the Lord in all circ*mstances. If you would like to learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and mission or would like to read more devotionals please visit our website and check out the GCU Blog. Learn more about the College of Theology and its degree options by checking out our website or requesting more information with the button on this page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do notnecessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited wereaccurate as of the publish date.
FAQs
The heart of worship is our heart, delighting in Jesus and expressing praise to him for the true things the Scriptures teach us about who he is and what he has accomplished for us. It is, then, “all about” Jesus, not us. It involves us, but we're at the periphery. He's at the center.
What does God say about the heart of worship? ›
But a deeper study of worship shows that it is more a thing of the heart and mind than a physical action or position. Jesus says worshippers worship Him in vain when "their heart is far from Me" (Matthew 15:8). Perhaps we can say worship means havinga bowed-down head and heart as we adore and revere our Maker!
What does it mean to worship from the heart? ›
This means we are to love God more than anyone or anything else—with all our heart. He must be first in our life, not second or third, because Christ has said, “You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters.
How to worship God from your heart? ›
Here are some things to do throughout the day to spend your time more intentionally with God.
- Start Your Day With Him. ...
- Pray Intentionally. ...
- Write Down Things You Are Thankful For. ...
- Notice Your Complaints and Turn Them Into Praise. ...
- Enjoy God's Creation. ...
- Love Others. ...
- Love Yourself.
To fully enter into our Creator-Redeemer's presence—to open to the intimacy to which He invites us, only the spiritual capacities of the worshipping heart will suffice. Only our ignited hearts can delight Him and experience His desire to delight us! That is His desire, without question.
Why should prayer be at the heart of worship? ›
In essence he was saying what comes from our lips should flow from our hearts of worship. That should, of course, include prayer. Prayer from a worshiping heart is the kind of prayer God is sure to hear and answer. In Matthew 15:8-9 Jesus was quoting the prophet Isaiah.
What psalm is the heart of worship? ›
Psalm 108:1-3 (The Passion Translation, TPT) emphasis mine
This passage from Psalm 108 shares with us his heart of worship and the amazing effects of sincere worship to God.
What makes a heart of a worshiper? ›
Being in God's presence should excite our heart and mind, which calls us to praise Him for who He is and what He is doing. The heart of worship is to be united with our Creator and with the Church locally, universally, and historically.
Where in the Bible does it say true worship is from the heart? ›
It is a posture of the heart that David describes: “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name” (Psa. 103: 1). True worship originates from the deep place that accurately grasps my plight: the utter hopelessness of my situation apart from Christ.
What is the difference between praise and worship? ›
This is the bottom line about praise & worship: the sacrifice of praise is the “fruit of the lips”, but worship is the “fruit of the heart!” Worship is about love and appreciation. Praise is about an outward communication from actions. We can have a proud heart and still pronounce the goodness of God.
He is everywhere you go. True worship can take place without music, without a choir, without a preacher and without being inside a building designated as “church.” In essence, true worship only requires you and the presence of God. And since the Holy Spirit dwells and abides in you, so does God.
How do you worship God deeply? ›
Humble yourself before God
To go higher with God we have to go lower. Acknowledge before God that you are a sinner and that without him you would be utterly lost. Recognise before him that you need him every hour. Without his Spirit you will spoil everything.
What is the true way to worship God? ›
In contrast to vain worship, true worship is any and every expression of obedience, praise, honor, adoration, and gratitude offered to the true God by a regenerate soul who knows the truth about God and loves him.
What does it mean to prepare your heart for worship? ›
So how do we prepare our hearts for worship? Here are five ways we can prepare for worship: Pray that God will open our hearts to hear Him. Perceive what Jesus has done for us through His sacrifice on the cross. Praise Jesus for our salvation and for the freedom to worship when and where we choose.
What is the meaning of the heart of the church? ›
The Heart of the Church answers with the gospel. It explains the story of the gospel, its basic doctrines, and God's work in salvation. Fresh yet consistent with classic expressions, it helps churches reclaim their essential identity and return from distracting pursuits.
What is the symbol of the heart of God? ›
The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart shining with divine light, pierced by the lance-wound, encircled by the crown of thorns, surmounted by a cross, and bleeding.
