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Worship

There is a special time in most church services where the people of God stand and sing praises to God together. Some churches sing out of a hymn book while others sing with the accompaniment of a full band and electric guitars. The styles of worship songs vary from church to church, but the aim is the same—to glorify God! The time of praise and worship during the service is wonderful, but it’s not the only time or place that we are called to worship. As Christians, we are invited to worship God every day--not just Sunday!

We do not need to have a full band following us around to sing to God throughout the week. Worship can be much more simply integrated into our day-to-day lives. In much of the same way that prayer allows us to stop and recognize God’s presence with us day-to-day, worship also helps us to grow in the awareness of God with us.

If worship isn’t already a part of your everyday life, you can start by dedicating moments when you might normally be listening to music or something else, and using those times to sing to God. Some people have playlists of worship music on their favorite streaming app; others enjoy the songs on their favorite worship station. Dr. Tony Evans, a well-known pastor, helps us understand the essentials of worship when he says that, “Worship is celebrating God for who He is, what He’s done, and what we’re trusting Him to do.” That’s really it. It doesn’t have to be complicated. We can all make time during the day for that.

Another great Christian thinker, C. S. Lewis tells us that, “we praise what we enjoy…” It is almost compulsive; the urge to tell a friend about the good book you just read, or to go on and on about the beautiful mountainscape you saw on a trip. When you’re struck by something, you almost have to express your wonder with celebration or praise. As Christians, we have so much to thank God for, and as people who have encountered the risen Jesus, we certainly have something to celebrate.

One final quote from author A. W. Tozer gives us another reason to make worship a part of our lives: “True worship is to be so personally and hopelessly in love with God, that the idea of a transfer of affection never even remotely exists.” Worship helps keep our hearts from wandering and helps our affections stay focused on God. He is worthy of them, and worthy of all of our praise!

Thought of the Day: Today and every day, I have a reason to praise the Lord. I will worship God today in my heart and with my life, because He is worthy of my love, affection and praise.

Grace Center for Spiritual Development (GCSD) is an extension of Grace School of Theology, created to offer non-degree opportunities for seminary-style Bible studies, devotionals, webinars, podcasts, radio broadcasts, conferences, and more. The Grace Center programming is perfect for those interested in theological studies but not so much the theological degree. To see more of our free resources, join the Grace Community now at https://www.gracecenteronline.org/devotionals