Ways to Worship

How do you begin your meetings with God? Is there something that should be done first? Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise." The first step in our meetings with God is worship. Keep Reading...

​Do you wait for an inspiring moment of revelation before you worship God? In other words, do you wait for God to move in you before you make a move toward God? Scripture is clear here - the first step is ours. We are called to begin with worship.

James 4:8 also says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." Why does God operate this way? It is because he values you. Your act of worship is important. Your obedience matters. You have the ability to please the heart of God in your worship. Many Christians think that nothing they do ever pleases God. They believe that their contribution in worship does not make a real difference, because God is already complete in himself.

But, God desires relationship with you. So, he says, "Come on, step forward with thanksgiving. Give me your sacrifice of praise." Hebrews 13:15 This obedience step of worship paves the way for the rest of your meeting with God. If you do not enter with thanksgiving, you will most likely leave that time unchanged and still ungrateful.

What are some ways to worship in your meeting with God? Use your mouth. This is one of the greatest tools given to you. Begin speaking out your thanksgiving to him. Start small and specific. Thank him for basic details of your day… your breath, bed, home, friend, family member, the sunshine or rain. From there, progress into thanking him for his miracles in your life (your salvation, healing, provision, etc.). You can follow David's example in Psalm 103.

Use music. Put some headphones on and listen to a good worship song. But, don't just respond with your ears. As you hear the worship, get your body active. Raise your hands… jump, cheer, kneel down, sing. God gave you your body as a tool of worship. Remember, he desires a sacrifice of praise. Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15 So, don't expect your act of worship to feel good all the time. Step in with your obedient worship, and your feelings will follow.

Use the Psalms. Read one of the Psalms out loud. Perhaps make up a melody to go with the Psalm. Let God's Word lead you in worship.

Question
Do you usually begin with worship in your meetings with God?

Application
Spend some time (short or long) in worship at the start of your quiet time. Get ready with some music or a Psalm. At the very least, speak your thanksgiving to God out loud. He responds to your active entrance in worship.