THE IDEA OF WORSHIP HAS A VARIETY OF EXPRESSIONS depending on culture, personality, or even context. But at its root, worship is some form of declaration or acknowledgment of someone’s or something’s value to the worshiper.
It has been observed that it is our nature to be worshipers. It is true that throughout history in all cultures and in all places we find evidence of some form of worship. Does this indicate that woven into our design, perhaps in our very DNA, is the propensity, even the need to worship?
When we talk about developing the spiritual rhythm of worship, we are not talking about something that is completely foreign to our thinking. But in order to develop the rhythm, we need to have a good understanding of what Biblical worship is.
A good place to start is by describing worship as an appropriate response to God’s revelation of Himself. This helps us to put the parameters on worship.
First, the basis of worship must be God’s revelation. In other words, if we are going to worship God, we must first “see” Him. There are many ways God has revealed Himself to us, and the primary one is through His Word. That explains why when God’s people have gathered to worship together throughout the ages, a central part of that gathering is the reading and sometimes the explaining of the Bible.
But, God also reveals something of Himself through His creation. When you look into the amazing vastness of both “outer” space and “inner” space you can see the handiwork of a creative and magnificent God, whose power and knowledge is immeasurable. When you look at people, you see something of God’s “image” in them and you see a God that is personal and relational.
God also reveals Himself through His actions. When you look at God’s dealings with His people, how He has interacted with creation throughout history, and how He has acted and moved to make things happen, you see a God who is involved and engaged, who is purposeful and intentional.
So if worship begins with God’s revelation, you can see that worship can take place anywhere—from a gathering with other followers of Christ, to a history class, to a walk in the park, to sitting and rocking a tiny baby. Any time and any place we “see” God, we can worship.
The second part of worship, though, is our response. In fact, in order for it to be true worship, there must be an appropriate response. Any time God reveals himself, we will respond in some way. It may be to ignore it, to explain it away, to take credit for it ourselves—all of which would not be worship.
But, there are many ways we can respond appropriately to God’s revelation and worship Him. We can praise Him, adore Him, love Him, submit to Him, confess our sinfulness to Him, declare our utter dependence on Him, and many other responses. We can even do these in a variety of ways. We can sing, dance, pray, give, serve others, and share His goodness with others. Any response that acknowledges and declares his worthiness and value is an act of worship.
So with so many ways we can worship, how might we establish a rhythm of being worshippers? We need to place ourselves in a position to “see” God’s revelation. That is one reason the writer of Hebrews encourages his readers to make a practice of gathering with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). And that is why we gather each week with God’s people around God’s Word.
But as one person observed, if we are not worshiping during the week, we are
not likely to be worshiping on the weekend. So we must also purposefully place ourselves where we can see God’s revelation throughout our day. That can be a simple as developing the practice of “looking” for God as you go throughout the day. Or as you come to the end of your day, do a quick review and assessment of all that you experienced and ask God to show you how He was present in your day.
Then as you see God’s revelation of Himself, respond. Perhaps it is with a whispered prayer of thanks, or maybe you just break out in a song of praise.
Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God
The Presence of God is the concentration of the soul’s attention on God, remembering that He is always present.
CS Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms
…it is in the process of being worshiped that God communicates His presence to men.
PROCESS
Here is a Scripture devotional and a key quote or two to help you consider the spiritual rhythm of worship and celebration this week individually and with others.
Read Romans 12:1-2 and Hebrews 13:15-16.
- How does mercy and sacrifice of Jesus inspire us to worship and celebrate Him?
- How do we respond to Christ’s sacrifice with our own spiritual sacrifices of worship according to these verses?
- What do these sacrifices of worship look like when we gather for worship services together? What about personally in everyday life?
- What could it look like for you to take a step of growth in worshiping and celebrating God as an everyday lifestyle?
PRACTICE
Here is a daily Scripture reading plan with some practical suggestions to help you get started in your next step of growth in spiritual rhythms. Consider this Scripture reading plan and suggestions this week.
- Romans 12:1-2 – Ask God to guide you to worship in all of life.
- Hebrews 13:15-16 – Consciously choose to praise God and serve others throughout the day in worship.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Practice being prayerful and aware of God’s blessing throughout meals.
- Colossians 3:15-17 – Practice saying thank you to God for every blessing you notice throughout the day.
- John 4:1-42 – Ask God to give you a true, growing heart of worship.
RESOURCES
- Introductory: Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas
- Intermediate: Worship by AW Tozer
- Advanced: Unceasing Worship by Harold Best