What is true worship?

[xfwayne]

Anyone?

 

[keyz]

It seems to be discussed in this thread here: http://christianforums.com/t734655


True worship is a life you choose to live for God. Worship cannot be accomplished alone in music. It's following God and his word... in Spirit and in truth. I don't think true worship can be summed up in one post. The truth of it all is that we will never be able to give God all that he deserves. We can, though, give him all that we can give.

 

[renaistre]

I think of it this way: In most cases, worship in the Bible seems to be accompanied by "falling down." I think this partly translates to recognizing who we are in relation to God, and also recognizing the awesomeness of what He has done for us. As Keys said, there are other threads that address this, but as it relates to music, I would say that worship music is music which helps us get to that point.

 

[Grolin]

Worship = displaying God's glory. Even if we're only capable of displaying a dumbed-down, filtered, glory-lite version.
How that plays out will vary in the context of each of our lives. Definitely not just music.
Music is a fairly important way to praise God, though... it is commanded quite a bit.

 

[Koey]

Worship (old English worth-ship) is translated from Hebrew and Greek words meaning to bow down, to kiss the hand of, to kneel down, to honor.

Some translations of Romans 12:1 suggest the following, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

We tend to call the cantor (lead singer) or music director today the "worship leader." This really puts a wrong twist on the concept of worship, because worship is something we do all week long, not just when we sing. This person ought to be called something else like cantor, songleader, music director and so on, but not worship leader. The pastor, if he really does worship God in his life, not just up front to be seen of men, ought to be the real worship leader, the one who is leading the whole flock into worship of God 24x7.

 

[wvernon]

I completely agree with you Koey. One thing I have been thinking about lately is that I want to make sure that my worship is not about how I feel but rather about pleasing God. I know for myself I can get wrapped up if I'm not careful in the joy of worship and try to make feeling good the point of worship but it's really not about me but about God.

 

[NacDan]

True worship is a life you choose to live for God. Worship cannot be accomplished alone in music.

While it is true that worship cannot be accomplished alone in music, there is Scripture to suggest that music, particularly singing, can bring us into the presence of God for worship.

Psalm 100: "Make a joyful noise ont the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing." {emphasis added}

NacDan

 

[Koey]

While it is true that worship cannot be accomplished alone in music, there is Scripture to suggest that music, particularly singing, can bring us into the presence of God for worship.

Psalm 100: "Make a joyful noise ont the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing." {emphasis added}

NacDan

Excellent balancing comment! I like being reminded of both sides of the coin. Thank you!

 

[Grolin]

I completely agree with you Koey. One thing I have been thinking about lately is that I want to make sure that my worship is not about how I feel but rather about pleasing God. I know for myself I can get wrapped up if I'm not careful in the joy of worship and try to make feeling good the point of worship but it's really not about me but about God.

But there IS a need to enjoy who God is in worship- there should be an emotional side to our worship.
Besides, what do we have to offer God? In reality, not much, and that's being generous to us. More like nothing.

So yes. Worship IS about God. It's about how good He is, about how gracious He is, about How powerful and wise He is. It's about what He has done.
Worship is our response to all that. And the appropriate response isn't about trying to give something back 'cuz we really can't. The appropriate response is one of awe, of humility, of gratitude, of love... of deep emotional affection even.
And of satisfaction, contentment... yet also hunger for more of the God who satisfies. "Discontent satisfaction," if that makes sense. Easiest way to explain it is like if you eat some really really REALLY good food- it satisfies in that you're not hungry, but you want more 'cuz it's THAT good. Now just take that concept to the max; we who have tasted of the richest of fare, who have made the slightest contact with God, one of infinite worth... how much more should we be satisfied, yet desiring more?

Our worship is not just to say "God is good." Honest, God-honoring worship will always reflect the "I need God" and the "I want more of God" that comes from understanding, as best we can, how much God is worth.

 

[keyz]

While it is true that worship cannot be accomplished alone in music, there is Scripture to suggest that music, particularly singing, can bring us into the presence of God for worship.

Psalm 100: "Make a joyful noise ont the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing." {emphasis added}

NacDan

Well, of course! Thanks for adding that. Great point!


I was trying to make the point that worship is not music alone, although music is a great tool to worship God. Worship can be lived out in our lives and through many other ways. But yeah, music is such a great way to bring us into a place closer with God.

 

[nostalgic]

worship is a personal connection with Christ. when the lyrics flow out of your mouth, the only thing that you're thinking of is you singing your love song with Christ. When i praise God, im praying to him. its weird. everything drowns out and i feel like its just me and God there. Its an act of living. we should praise God every day of our lives.