Elements of WorshipExemplo

Responses

Intentional worshipper, there are many excellent definitions of biblical worship, but for our time together, may I propose these?

thanksgiving – a sudden or dawning awareness of the bestowed benefits of God that causes us to stop, smile into God’s face, and intentionally say, “Thank You.” In thanksgiving we simply and promptly return rightful thanks to the Giver.

praise – an expression of our astonished joy in the works of God, both His creation and being His created. In praise we extol Him for His marvelous deeds. The Hebrew word halal (praise) includes these ideas: to celebrate, boast, rave, or to become clamorously foolish!

worship – deeply reverencing, adoring, and enjoying God for who He is: His perfect, unique, unchanging character. In worship we present ourselves as the offering, like intentionally free-falling into incomprehensible union, awe, and love with Him who first loved us.

These biblical expressions move freely through one another until it would be difficult to distinguish one from another. Each expression is a unique gift we pour upon our God, and He receives them with joy.

An Invitation

Sit quietly before the Lord. With Holy Spirit’s help:

Thoroughly thank God for one of His thoughtful gestures.

Purposely praise Him for one of the intricate works of His unfathomable mind, creative hands and tender heart.

Affectionately worship Him for one aspect of His unchanging character and relinquish yourself to Him again.