What is Worship? Worship is comprised of parts or elements including hearing God’s Word, praying, meditating, singing and bringing gifts of tithes and offerings. “I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people” (Psalm 116:17-18). Worship also includes the celebration of both baptism and communion. Worship describes our human response to divine revelation. God has said something and we respond to it. Worship is an active and open declaration to God of His worth in an intimate and spontaneous manner allowing Him to touch us with His life-transforming presence.
Why should we Worship? Because our God is great and worthy of all praise. “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1). We were made to worship. The primary purpose of the church and all believers in Jesus Christ is to glorify the Lord our God. “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth”(Psalm 96:7-9). When we worship, we connect with the living God. In worship we become preoccupied with the Lord. We don’t just watch it take place we participate in it! ”Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise him you servants of the Lord, you who minister in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God” (Psalm135:1-2).
What happens when we Worship? When we worship, our God is magnified. “For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise. God reins over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne” (Psalm 47:7-8). Worship enlarges our horizons and changes our perspectives. Praise and worship is the language of faith. “I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me” (Psalm 30:1-2). Worship enhances our lives with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4). Worship renews our spirit as we stand in awe at His glory and grace. “Be still and know that I AM God” (Psalm 46:10). “Glory in His Holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!” (Psalm 105:3).
