What Is Worship?

What happens when you join a group of Jesus followers, learn Scripture, pray to God, and build life-changing relationships? Worship.

Jesus’ life was characterized by worship. What words come to mind when you think about worship? Maybe words like music, instruments, songs—which makes sense! Singing is certainly a way Jesus worshiped.

On the evening before Jesus’ execution, He shared a meal with His friends. It was Passover, an important holiday for the Jewish people.

At the end of the meal, Jesus and the disciples sang together. In ancient Jewish culture, people often sang Psalms 113-118 to celebrate Passover. It’s likely that Jesus sang these words of praise:

Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high? He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people! Psalm 113:5-8 NLT

I called on the name of the Lord: “Please, Lord, save me!” How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. Psalm 116:4-7 NLT

These words of praise express awe and celebrate God’s qualities and character. He’s the Creator and Ruler of the world. He doesn’t need to care for us, but He does because He loves us. He pays special attention to people in need of physical or spiritual support.

Today, like the Passover celebration, worship services are used to create space for people to worship God together. Worship songs give Jesus followers the opportunity to remember who God is and what He’s done, and give Him the praise He deserves.

Singing is one way we can worship God, but worship goes beyond something we do through music.

We worship whenever we express our devotion to God. When we worship God, we’re recognizing His awesome qualities and the amazing things He’s done.

Seeing a sunset, witnessing the birth of a child, or experiencing an answer to prayer can also create moments of praise. Any moment that reminds us of God’s qualities and character is an opportunity for worship.

This weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to worship God through singing with other followers of Jesus at church. But don’t wait until then to worship.

Take a few minutes to consider what you’re thankful for. Maybe it’s the beauty of God’s creation, a relationship, or God’s forgiveness through Jesus. Express your gratitude to God for who He is and what He’s done.